A US and UK collaboration that will send you to a mental hospital.
Hennessey Performance has had a rich history of reputable tuning since 1991, and continues with its latest insane creation, the Venom GT. Using the lightweight chassis of the Lotus Elise and the V-8 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, the Venom GT is a “weapon of mass propulsion” according to company founder and president John Hennessey.
The lightweight and agile chassis of the Lotus Elise was an ideal platform for the Hennessey Venom GT in order to obtain an extreme power to weight ratio. Masked in a cloak of carbon fiber bodywork, the Venom GT is set to weigh in at under 2,400 pounds. New CFD (computational fluid dynamic) tested bodywork has been added for enhanced stability and downforce. At certain speeds an active aero system and adjustable rear spoiler will deploy for added downforce, resulting in increased handling.
At the heart of the nimble Lotus chassis is a powerful American V-8 that will give the Hennessey Venom GT unrivaled performance figures. The same supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V-8 found in the Corvette ZR-1 is mid-mounted for optimum weight distribution. The base model will pump out a “tame” 725 brake horsepower compared to the psychotic1,000 and 1,200 brake horsepower twin-turbo V-8 options. The immense power will be sent to the rear wheels through a high-strength Ricardo six-speed transmission. Getting the power to the pavement without creating a cloud of tire smoke is achieved by using a programmable traction control system that manages power output.
For optimum on-track performance Hennessey has fitted the Venom GT with a height-adjustable suspension. Also adding to the superb handling are high-performance Michelin PS2 tires. The tires are fitted to lightweight carbon fiber wheels, further reducing the weight of the Venom GT. Peering through the black wheels are vibrant 6-piston front and 4-piston rear red calipers with 15-inch carbon ceramic rotors, providing unyielding stopping power.
While performance figures have not been released, it is rumored that the Venom GT will dash to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds and have a top speed of 272 mph – figures that make the Bugatti Veyron look slow.
Production of the Hennessey Venom GT will start in the 30,000 square foot facility near Sealy, Texas with the assembly of the powertrains. The rest of production takes place in the assembly facility near Silverstone, England where the engines are joined to the chassis. Buyers will be given a one-day driver orientation program by a Hennessey Performance factory test driver in England or the USA. Prices for the Venom GT are expected to start around $600,000, with production limited to 10 models per year.
Hennessey Venom GT Gallery
Hennessey Venom GT Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 6.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Position: Mid-mounted
Aspiration: Supercharged, optional twin turbocharger system
Maximum Horsepower: 725, optional 1,000 and 1,200 versions available
Transmission:
Type: Ricardo six-speed
Drive: Rear wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 2.4 seconds
Top Speed: 272 mph
Wheels and Chassis:
Suspension: Height-adjustable
Wheels: Carbon fiber
Tires: Michelin PS2
Front Calipers: 6-piston Brembo
Rear Calipers: 4-piston Brembo
Rotors: 15-inch carbon ceramic rotors
Curb Weight: Less than 2,400 lbs.
Exterior:
-CFD (computational fluid dynamic) carbon fiber bodywork
-Active aero system
-Adjustable rear wing
