2011 Hennessey Venom GT production car
This, folks, is automotive insanity - the 2011 Hennessey Venom GT. A car which weighs just 1220kg and produces around 1030bhp.
The result is a blistering 0-100km/h run of just 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 418km/h. Those figures are a little down on Hennessey's previous estimates for the 1200bhp version, as this seems to be the middle specced option, but they're still eye-wateringly quick.
Three versions are expected: a 725hp, 1030hp and range topping 1200hp. This, the first car off the production line, is the middle spec, but don't think it's any less special.
The secret behind the Venom GT's big mumbo is the whopping 6.2-litre V8 crammed into the rear of the car. Now that in itself is not all that special, but when you've added twin turbochargers and it's basically a stretched Lotus Elise, you start to realise that you're going to need a very good stabilty control system, or have the Stig's supernatural driving talent.
Hennessey has just released these photos of build number one, with some of the beautiful details showing that this is not just another kit car. The carbon fibre work is just exquisite, and the deployable rear spoiler shows just how much of an engineering project this car really is.
Hennessey has previously announced that Australia will be one of its markets, however with around 10 being built each year, it may be a while before we see one down under.
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2011 Hennessey Venom GT Specifications |
Engine Block Size Position Compression Redline Forced Induction Oiling System Valvetrain Fuel System | Chevrolet LS V8 Aluminum 376 CID (6.2 Liter) Mid Longitudinal 8.8:1 7,200 rpm Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers Dry Sump OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder Sequential Multi-Port Electronic Fuel Injection |
Power Horsepower Torque Specific Output BHP / Weight Boost Fuel | 1,030 bhp @ 6,500 rpm (933 rear wheel hp) 972 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm (874 rear wheel lb-ft) 166 bhp / Liter 767.23 hp per ton (2.61 lbs / hp) 16 psi (1.1 bar) 93 octane |
Transmission Type Gear Ratios Final Drive | Ricardo 6-Speed Manual 2.61:1, 1.71:1, 1.23:1, 0.94:1, 0.77:1; 0.63:1 3.36:1 |
Speed by Gear Redline 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th | 7,200 rpm 68 mph 104 145 190 232 260 (6,600 rpm) |
Performance 0 - 100 km/h 0 - 200 km/h 0 - 300 km/h | 2.9 sec 7.0 sec 14.9 sec |
Aerodynamics Drag Coefficient Downforce | 0.36 (rear wing down); 0.43 (wing raised) 1,492 lbs @ 150 mph |
Brakes Calipers Rotors | Brembo 6-piston (all 4 corners) 15.0 x 1.34 in Carbon Ceramic (all 4 corners) |
Suspension Type Ride Height | KW Variant 3 Adjustable Coilover (all 4 corners) Adjustable by 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
Dimensions Length Width Wheelbase Track - Front Track - Rear | 15.27 ft (4,655 mm) 6.43 ft (1,960 mm) 110.24 in (2,800 mm) 63.46 in (1,612 mm) 63.15 in (1,604 mm) |
Weight & Measurements Curb Weight Dry Weight F/R Balance Fuel Capacity | 2,685 lbs (1,220 kilo) 2,524 lbs (1,147 kilo) 37/63 (empty); 44/56 (with driver & passenger) 18.5 gal (70 liter) |
Wheels & Tires Tire - Front Tire - Rear Wheel - Front Wheel - Rear | 235/30/20 Michelin PS2 335/30/20 Michelin PS2 8.5 x 20 in 12.5 x 20 in |
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