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After having its maximum speed record smashed by the SSC Ultimate Aero TT back in September, the Bugatti Veyron is facing the threat of another searingly powerful competitor from the States this week: meet the Hennessey Venom GT, a new mid-engined, 1000bhp supercar from Houston, Texas, which promises to be faster than any other production car on the planet.
Hennessey Performance Engineering is an American tuning outfit that has hitherto concentrated on turning the heat up on Chrysler 300Cs and Dodge Magnums. However, after pioneering a twin-turbo engine conversion for the Dodge SRT-10 that makes the Viper quicker than a Veyron to 200mph, it’s now intent on raising the bar even further by producing its own supercar, and following in the footsteps of US tuning outfit turned supercar-maker Saleen.
Venom GT to get 800bhp-per-tonne
The Venom GT is the car it is proposing to put into limited run, hand-built production in 2009. If you can see a hint of Lotus Exige in its styling, you won’t be surprised to learn that it was penned by a Brit called Steve Everitt. Like the Exige, it’s engine is mounted between the axles, but unlike the Lotus, the Venom GT runs a twin-turbocharged 8.4-litre V10 engine producing a mighty 1000bhp.
It should weigh little more than 1200kg, and so performance should be incredible. Hennessey are quoting 0-186mph in 14secs dead. For the record, a Veyron does the same sprint in around 17secs.
Company owner John Hennessey said: “The company already has clients interested in ordering the Venom GT. Right now we are taking a serious look at building two concept cars that could be shown to the public sometime in 2009. If there is enough demand we’ll consider doing a very limited production run shortly afterwards."
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