2011 Hennessey Venom GT

Hennessey Performance Engineering is tops in modifying engines. They can take an ultra sleek super automobile,and push it towards perfection. With Hennessey you can experience the best of the best.

At first glance,the Venom GT looks like the Lotus Exige. The Venom is an explosive fusion of British flair and American power. The 2011 Hennessey Venom GT received a make-over.

Performance

The exterior design looks like it comes out of Bruce Wayne’s or Tony Starks garage,but the car’s road power makes it a superhero in itself. The Hennessey Venom GT has for an engine a 6.2-liter LS9 twin-turbo V-8,similar to the engine on the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 one of the fastest production cars released. Airflow management was initially done on CAD. They used it to simulate airflow to improve the engine and body design.

The hood of the car cannot be accessed,although it contains two radiators with fans that help maintain the engine cool. Hennessey stresses the idea that the cooler the engine,the more horsepower you get. The car is offered in a mid-engine rear drive power-train with horsepower ranging from 725 to 1200. The drive train is provided by a Ricardo 6 speed transmission. The shifter is patterned after the Lotus,but upcoming models will see a switch to the Ford GT styled shifter.

Rumors abound that the Hennessey Venom GT has either tied or broken the record of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sports record of 267 mph. We have yet to hear from reliable sources to make the record official.

Exterior &Interior

The size of the Venom GT is smidge bigger than the Lotus Exige. The Hennessey Venom GT retains the Exige’s lightweight stylings. The carbon fiber material used on the Venom GT contributes to its lightweight physique. The math is easy:less weight is equivalent to better performance. Founder John Hennessey said that what he wanted to make was a car that all about performance,he didn’t want to worry about interior styling’s. Most of the cars weight is the engine. The Hennessey Venom GT was built from scratch putting in the best components from brains to brawn of American engineering.

The adjustable rear wing provides added aerodynamic performance when needed. The body is built to withstand force produced by vehicles that produce 1500 horsepower or more. The wheels are equipped with brake calipers made by Brembo which provide excellent traction control. Test drivers have commented that the chassis is rigid but firm,making the ride smooth and easy on the body. The smooth response of the Venom after making turns make the transition easy on both the vehicle and driver,it just helps prove it to be just as advertised,a supercar.

Currently,the new Venom GT has yet to be given permission to be driven on US streets and highways. Most of the testing and showing of this car have been across the pond in the UK.

The simplicity of the interior is just that,it contains the necessary instrumentation accessories to ride the Venom GT with confidence. The Venom has a built-in roll cage providing protection to both driver and passenger. Alcantara leather lines the inside of this supercar,from the panels,seating,and the steering wheel. Giving it a more than a muscle car look. It does have AC,AM/FM radio,and yes even a docking station for those with iPods. An added feature is the removable steering wheel to aid taller folks easier access getting in and out of the car.

The Competition

The Hennessey Venom GT has few peers,some try to come close but few do. During a “shoot-out” in 2007 to find out who reached the 200 mph barrier the fastest,the predecessor of this current Venom,the Hennessey Venom 1000 twin turbo found itself stacked up against the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, Lamborghini Murcielago,Corvette Lingenfelter,the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren,and the Ruft RT12. Only four vehicles made the final attempt,and the Hennessey Venom 1000 had the best record at 20.3 seconds in reaching the 200 mph mark,followed by the Veyron at 24.2 seconds,then the Lingenfelter Corvette at 26.5 seconds,and finally the Ruft Rt12 at 35.5.

The 2011 Hennessey Venom GT with 725 horsepower is priced considerably less than the 1,200HP version. Total production of the car is limited to 29,with only 10 units made per year.For 2012,only 5 vehicles will be made,they require a lead time of six months to build one unit.

Specifications