Hennessey Venom F5
Just in time for the 30th anniversary, Hennessey is presenting a new hypercar. With the Venom F5, the Texans want to offer the world’s most powerful road car with a conventional drive. At least the technical data could back this up. In order to be able to convince not only in longitudinal acceleration, the former Director of GM High Performance Vehicles, John Heinricy, was brought into the team. An exclusive premiere now provides a glimpse of what is already to roll out to waiting customers next year. This puts Hennessey a little behind their own schedule. However, this can easily be explained by the challenges of developing such a vehicle in-house. Most recently, a concept study was shown at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show.
Record attempt planned for 2021
The abbreviation F5 in the model name stands for the highest possible tornado rating on the Fujita scale. Corresponding storms have wind speeds of up to 512 kph (318 mph). This is an indication of the target topspeed that Hennessey plans to test at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in early 2021. The runway there for the Space Shuttles is 5.2 kilometers long. The sports car is suitably equipped in any case. Behind the two passengers lurks a 6.6-liter biturbo V8 engine called ‘Fury’. This produces 1,336 kW/1,817 hp and 1,617 newtonmeters of torque. Those are delivered to the sequential CIMA seven-speed transmission. In addition to a maximum speed of more than 500 kph (311 mph), the aim is to accelerate from a standstill to 200 kph (124 mph) in less than five seconds. Should the runway not be long enough for the Venom F5 to reach its topspeed, Hennessey has already explored options to have a dead-straight highway closed. Independent testing organizations, journalists and customers are expected to witness both events.
Double wishbones and carbon brakes
John Heinricy, as head of technical development, draws on years of experience. On the one hand, he was responsible for all performance vehicles at General Motors for 38 years. On the other hand, he participated as a race driver in more than 240 professional races, including 35 24-hour races. For the Hennessey Venom F5, he and the rest of the team ensure the best possible handling. A sports suspension with double wishbones all around and adjustable dampers from Penske helps, as do the carbon-ceramic brake system and forged aluminium wheels. They are covered in 265/35 ZR 19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires at the front and 345/30 ZR 20 at the rear. Ground clearance can be adjusted between 75 and 140 millimeters at the front and between 85 and 160 millimeters at the rear to negotiate speed bumps or curbs.
Optional Track Pack for more downforce
For the new hypercar, Hennessey worked with a number of partners to develop all the components from scratch. Around the passengers is a carbon monocoque that weighs just 86 kilograms. Dry, the entire car weighs just 1,360 kilograms thanks to a body also made of carbon fiber. First on the computer and later in the wind tunnel they created precision-fit and sophisticated aerodynamic components, such as the splitter, the smooth underbody, the wide diffuser or the rear wing fluidly integrated into the shape of the car. The optional Track Pack gives the car a more aggressive front splitter and a larger rear wing. While the headlights are arranged in an F-shape, the taillights show a 5 arrangement and thus together produce the model abbreviation. The carbon component between the taillights is the largest CNC-milled component in automotive engineering.
Comfortable interior
The Venom F5 extends to 4,666 millimeters in length, is 1,971 millimeters wide and 1,131 millimeters high. It thus only minimally outstrips its predecessor, the Venom GT. Thanks to the wheelbase of 2.8 meters, the car runs quietly even at high speeds. The driver in particular can see this for himself. Together with a possible passenger, he sits on leather-covered carbon bucket seats in a jet-like cockpit. Behind the small, open-top multifunction steering wheel are the shift paddles for the seven-speed gearbox and a seven-inch digital display. Another nine-inch touchscreen display sits enthroned in front of the dashboard on the carbon center tunnel. This flows seamlessly into the transmission tunnel and, in addition to the two air vents, also houses the buttons for the infotainment system, transmission and other functions. Two recesses allow smartphones to be accomodated. They can also be integrated via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A luggage compartment is located behind a small flap in the passenger footwell.
24 units in total
As an indication of the Venom F5’s origins, the door handles bear the U.S. flag on the left and the Texas flag on the right, which can also be found as a flag on the seat cover. In total, Hennessey is planning a small series of just 24 units. A metal badge indicates the respective chassis number. The base price is US$ 2,100,000 plus tax and delivery. The first customer car can already be seen in the press photos. It has been painted in ‘Speed Devil Blue’ in combination with visible carbon fiber areas. Inside, the car wears beige leather. For the other 23 vehicles, the respective customers can select individual color combinations. For customers in the UK, Ireland, South Africa, India, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand, the Venom F5 is also available as a right-hand drive model on request.
Images: Hennessey
