Hennessey Venom GT 2011 Review
Hennessey Performance have revealed the official details on the Venom GT supercar. Based on a Lotus Elise, their kit will be limited to only five units, four of which have already being spoken for.
The Venom GT is powered by a supercharged 6.2 liter LS9 V8 engine, same used in the Corvette ZR1, that delivers a total of 725 bhp. And if this is not enough, the tuner will also be offering 1000 bhp and 1200 bhp twin turbo V8 engine variants. With a curb weight of 2,685 lbs, the 1200 HP Venom GT will hit a top speed of 275 mph.
The supercar features lightweight carbon fiber bodywork and carbon fiber wheels, a programmable traction control system, CFD (computational fluid dynamic) tested bodywork, an active aero system with adjustable rear wing, and an adjustable suspension system.
Prices start at $725,000 for the 725 HP variant, and go up to $950,000 for the 1200 HP Big Daddy model.
“Twelve hundred horsepower combined with in a mid-engine chassis that weighs twelve hundred kilos (2,685 lbs) – no other road car and only a handful of race cars can match the power to weight ratio of the Venom GT,” added HPE president and founder, John Hennessey. “It is a driver’s car, a supercar with a soul that will give you as much speed and performance as you dare ask of it.”
UPDATE 08/16/2011: The first Hennessey Venom GT has found its way to the US and will be making a grand appearance at the McCall’s Motorworks Revival at the Monterey Jet Center to kick off the Monterey/Pebble Beach weekend. This bright “bug-killer” yellow Venom GT will be on display from Thursday, August 18 through Saturday, August 20, 2011.
Engineering
The Venom GT is based on a highly modified Lotus Exige chassis. The Venom GT is powered by General Motors' 6.2 L (380 cu in) LS9 supercharged V8 that can be found in the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1. The modified engine will produce 725 bhp (541 kW). Hennessey will also offer a 1,000 bhp (750 kW) and 1,200 bhp (890 kW) twin-turbocharged variants. The mid-engine V8 is mated to the rear wheels with a Ricardo plc 6-speed transmission. Hennessey claims that the car can achieve a top speed of 267 mph (429,69 KM/h).
The Venom GT will have a production curb weight of less than 2,400 lb (1,100 kg) aided by its lightweight carbon fiber bodywork and carbon fiber wheels. Brembo brakes with 6-piston calipers in the front and 4-piston calipers in the rear clamping down on 15 in (380 mm) carbon ceramic rotors will deliver the Venom GT's stopping power.
A programmable traction control system will manage power output. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) tested bodywork and down force also help keep the Venom GT stable. Under varying conditions on both the road and racetrack, an active aero system with adjustable rear wing will deploy. An adjustable suspension system will allow ride height adjustments according to speed and driving conditions. Michelin PS2 tires will also help put power to the ground.
The Venom GT was also featured on Jay Leno's Garage and received favourable reviews from Leno.
Production
Hennessey manufactures the power plants at its facility in Sealy, Texas. The engines are then air freighted to the company's assembly facility near Silverstone, England where the Venom GT is built and tested. Venom GT buyer will be offered a 1-day driver orientation and instruction program by a Hennessey factory test driver at a track in the UK or USA prior to delivery.Hennessey plans to establish a network of Venom GT dealers and distributors in the Middle East, Europe, Russia, Australia, and Asia. Production is limited to just 10 vehicles per year. The 750 hp Hennessey Venom GT price starts at 600,000 USD while the 1,200 hp version starts at 725,000 USD. If you want the car in Europe, the Hennessey Venom GT price goes up by just under 25,000 USD.
As of 29 May 2011, 3 Venom GT's have been manufactured
 |
| Hennessey Venom GT |
 |
| Hennessey Venom GT |
 |
| Hennessey Venom GT |
 |
| Hennessey Venom GT |
 |
| Hennessey Venom GT |
 |
| Hennessey Venom GT |
 |
| Hennessey Venom GT |