Yes, Hennessey Venom is an American supercar but long before it makes its American debut, it was unveiled for Europeans and went on sale in the Middle East! Anyway, it is finally ready for its North American premiere at the 2010 SEMA. And they’re bringing the full fat 1,200 bhp and 1,155 lb-ft of torque 6.2 liter V8 model to the show.
Built upon the foundations of Lotus Elise, the Venom GT features a full carbon fiber structure and body so it weighs 2,685 pounds, which given its 1,200 bhp power output, means that it beats the Bugatti Veyron Supersport in terms of power-t-weight ratio at 2.24 lbs/bhp (3.37 lbs/bhp. for the Bugga).
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to show our Venom GT in the Mobil 1 display at this year’s SEMA show,” said company founder and president, John Hennessey. “We first announced our interest in developing an ultra lightweight, ultra powerful sports car – the Venom GT concept – nearly three years ago during SEMA.”
The HPE team spent considerable time designing a chassis that effectively puts the Venom GT’s ample power to the ground. To improve traction, the exterior bodywork and adjustable rear wing were CFD designed and tested to produce maximum downforce while minimizing aerodynamic drag. The all-new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires help to keep the Venom planted to the pavement, while a specially-tuned KW adjustable coil-over suspension allows ride height changes according to speed and driving conditions. Race spec disc brakes sourced from Brembo include 15.2-inch diameter carbon-ceramic rotors and 6-piston aluminum calipers that help keep unsprung weight to a minimum. The brakes provide outstanding feel and can repeatedly slow the Venom GT from 200-plus mph speeds.
HPE will build just ten Venom GTs per year, making the vehicle one of the most exclusive supercars currently built. The Venom GT will be available with some options, including the choice of left- or right-hand drive. Each vehicle is hand-built over a period of six months by a dedicated team of craftsmen at the company’s facilities in both Sealy, Texas and Silverstone, England.
“Driving the Venom GT is a thrilling experience,” Hennessey adds. “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. If you ever wanted to experience flying a military fighter jet, the Venom GT offers a similar visceral thrill of speed and performance. It’s the quickest, fastest and most exciting vehicle that I have ever driven.”
