| Year
(of specifications) |
2010 |
| Engine |
6.2
litre LS9 V8 (twin turbo optional) |
| Transmission |
6 speed manual RWD |
| Max
speed |
200
+ mph |
| 0-60
mph |
under
3 seconds |
| Horsepower |
725
hp |
| weight |
1,071
kgs / 2,400 lbs |
Hennessy are a well known and respected tuning outfit who are
probably best known for producing high-horsepower upgrade kits
for large displacement US muscle cars - although they actually
offer performance products for several European and Japanese
manufacturers too.
Previously the company, which has been around since 1991, have
stuck to making other manufacturers cars go faster. But with
the Venom GT Hennessey are venturing into more of a manufacturer-style
role. The car's still a donor - as evidenced by the recognizable
Lotus Elise profile. However
its not just a simple engine swap, there's been a significant
change in the car's overall setup and dimensions.
"This is not the first time that Britain and America
have joined forces to produce a weapon of mass propulsion",
said company founder and president, John Hennessey. "Over
fifty years ago the American-built P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft
was flown into history powered by a British Rolls-Royce Merlin
engine. Today the Hennessey Venom GT promises to set a new standard
of power to weight ratio in the rarefied air of today's supercar
market."
Thankfully Hennessey have taken a page out of Lotus' book and
decided to keep the weight to a minimum. Target weight for the
finished vehicle is a featherweight 1,071 kgs (2,400 lbs). The
low overall weight is made possible though the use of carbon
fibre bodywork and wheels.
Mounted in the center of the Venom GT is a 6.2 litre LS9 V8
engine - the same beast fitted to the mighty Corvette
ZR1. In the standard Venom GT it'll be turning out 725 horsepower,
but the company are also offering 1000 hp and 1200 hp variants
thanks to optional twin turbochargers.
In order to keep the car and driver from careening off at the
first corner, Hennessey are fitting the car with a programmable
traction control system. Backing this up is the aerodynamic
bodywork which is designed to provide significant downforce
at speed. An active aero system with adjustable rear wing will
deploy depending on the driving conditions. Braking is provided
by Brembo 6-piston calipers up front, and 4-piston calipers
at the rear which put the squeeze on carbon ceramic discs.
Hennessey plan on producing just 10 cars a year. Sales will
be through a number of dealerships throughout Europe, Australia,
Asia and the Middle East.
Source: Hennessey Performance
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