Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Guinness reconfirms Bugatti Veyron's world record top speed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/guinness-reconfirms-bugatti-veyrons-world-record-top-speed/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/guinness-reconfirms-bugatti-veyrons-world-record-top-speed/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/guinness-reconfirms-bugatti-veyrons-world-record-top-speed/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After taking last week to review the record category for World's Fastest Production Car, Guinness World Records has reconfirmed that the holder of this hotly contested superlative remains the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.

The Veyron Super Sport set the official record back in 2010 with a Guinness-verified speed of 267.8 miles per hour, but other interested parties have recently contested that record's validity because the Veyron used that day had its speed limiter removed. With the speed limiter in place, the Veyron Super Sport tops out at 258 mph.

Guinness rules state that a record-setting production car must be unchanged from what is available to customers. While some, particularly Hennessey Performance, have claimed that removing the Veyron's speed limiter violated that rule, Guinness has settled the matter by stating that "a change to the speed limiter does not alter the fundamental design of the car or its engine."

This is a nice win for Bugatti on top of the news last week that the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse also set a record for the fastest open-top production car with a speed of 254.04 mph. That record, however, as far as we know, has not been verified by Guinness World Records.

For its part, Hennessey, whose claim against the validity of Bugatti's record didn't work this time, could potentially break the record outright if given enough road for its own Venom GT to run. The 1,244-horsepower Venom hit 265.7 mph earlier this year before running out of room on a two-mile runway, though those runs were not officially verified by Guinness. Nevertheless, there still remain questions about whether or not the Venom GT counts as a production car by Guinness standards. The world record authority defines "production" as building at least 50 examples and only 29 Venoms are supposed to be built, though Guinness does permit itself to grant exceptions.

Continue reading Guinness reconfirms Bugatti Veyron's world record top speed

Guinness reconfirms Bugatti Veyron's world record top speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti veyronbugatti veyron super sportguinness world recordhennesseyhennessey venom gtworlds fastest production carMon, 15 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20541149/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/guinness-reconfirms-bugatti-veyrons-world-record-top-speed/20541149/article-detail.xml 20541149 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/track10-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/track10-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Bugatti Veyron Super Sport stripped of World's Fastest Car title by Guinness]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/bugatti-veyron-super-sport-stripped-of-worlds-fastest-car-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/bugatti-veyron-super-sport-stripped-of-worlds-fastest-car-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/bugatti-veyron-super-sport-stripped-of-worlds-fastest-car-title/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport - rear three-quarter view

Last week, the Hennessey Venom GT laid claim (unofficially) to the world's fastest production car with a top speed of 265.7 miles per hour, but more importantly, it brought to light that the previous record holder, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, may have had an unfair advantage. According to Hennessey, the Veyron SS that topped out at 267.8 mph back in 2010 had a modified speed restrictor, and The Sunday Times is reporting that Guinness World Records agrees.

Guinness has apparently stripped the Veyron SS of its title as the report - as well as Hennessey's claim - says that the standard production version of the Veyron SS has its speed limited to 258 mph, but this was altered just for the test to pick up the extra speed. The rules for the record indicate that the record-setting car must be unchanged from what is available to customers. Since the Venom GT's record is still unofficial, the world record for fastest production car reverts back to Shelby SuperCars (SSC) Ultimate Aero with a top speed of 256.1 mph.

In order for the Venom GT to take this title from the Ultimate Aero now, it must attain its average speed over two timed runs. Perhaps more importantly, Hennessey must also build some fifty identical examples of the Venom GT in order for it to qualify as a "production" car. In the short term, at least, that might end up being the taller order.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport stripped of World's Fastest Car title by Guinness originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti veyronbugatti veyron super sportguinness book of world recordshennesseyhennessey venom gtSSC Ultimate Aeroworlds fastest production carMon, 08 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532880/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/bugatti-veyron-super-sport-stripped-of-worlds-fastest-car-title/20532880/article-detail.xml 20532880 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/10-2011-bugatt-veyron-super-sport-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/10-2011-bugatt-veyron-super-sport-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Hennessey Venom GT goes 265.7 mph, claims top-speed crown from Veyron]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/hennessey-venom-gt-goes-265-7-mph-claims-top-speed-crown-from-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/hennessey-venom-gt-goes-265-7-mph-claims-top-speed-crown-from-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/hennessey-venom-gt-goes-265-7-mph-claims-top-speed-crown-from-v/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT

It's official: The Hennessy Venom GT has crested 265.7 miles per hour over the course of two miles during testing at the United States Naval Air Station in Lemoore, CA. Hennessey used two VBOX 3i data logging systems to document the run and even had VBOX officials on hand to certify the numbers. As you may recall, the Venom GT gets its thrust from a twin-turbo 7.0-liter V8 engine good for 1,244 horsepower and 1,155 pound-feet of torque. Needless to say, the lump has no problem pushing the 2,743-pound mid-engine coupe down a runway.

Now, Hennessey claims the new speed run makes the Venom GT the world's fastest production car, seeing as how the Bugatti Veyron is limited to 258 mph from the factory. We're thinking the Hennessey machine is on the bleeding edge of what we'd refer to as "production." After all, the company used the seventh car produced for this test.

Even with two miles to stretch its legs, the Venom GT ran out of runway before it ran out of steam, which means Hennessey will be looking for even more space to attempt to find the car's upper limits. Check out the video below to see the full run for yourself. You can also read through the full press release.

Continue reading Hennessey Venom GT goes 265.7 mph, claims top-speed crown from Veyron

Hennessey Venom GT goes 265.7 mph, claims top-speed crown from Veyron originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fastest production carhennesseyhennessey venom gtvenom gt fastest production carvideoWed, 03 Apr 2013 12:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20528360/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/03/hennessey-venom-gt-goes-265-7-mph-claims-top-speed-crown-from-v/20528360/article-detail.xml 20528360 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hennessey-venom-gt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hennessey-venom-gt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hennessey Venom GT officially sets 0-300 km/h world record [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/hennessey-venom-gt-officially-sets-0-300-km-h-world-record-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/hennessey-venom-gt-officially-sets-0-300-km-h-world-record-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/hennessey-venom-gt-officially-sets-0-300-km-h-world-record-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We're happy there's a John Hennessey who walks the Earth. While any number of humans may have had the idea of marrying a stretched Lotus with a twin-turbocharged ZR1 engine, only Hennessey had the wherewithal to make the Venom GT. And because he has, we bring you the news that the Venom GT has officially broken the world record for a car traveling from 0 to 300 kilometers per hour.

The deed was done on January 10th and officially certified by Guinness World Records. Conducted at Ellington Airport near Houston, Texas, the certified time of 13.63 seconds is actually the average of two separate runs going the opposite direction. The first run, with a 4-mile-per-hour tailwind, was achieved in 13.18 seconds, and the second, with a 6-mph headwind, happened in 14.08 seconds.

Guinness only recognizes deeds done in kilometers per hour, but you may be interested to know that the 1,244-horsepower Venom GT also reached 200 mph on that day in a record 14.51 seconds. According to Hennessey, the previous record for that achievement was 17.68 seconds by the Koenigsegg Agera R and the 1,200-hp Bugatti Veyron Sport requires a positively glacial 22.2 seconds.

There are more numerically significant accomplishments in Hennessey's press release below, but what you'll really want to do is check out the video replay, as well as flip through these photo galleries of the world record run and glamour shots of the car in question.

Continue reading Hennessey Venom GT officially sets 0-300 km/h world record [w/video]

Hennessey Venom GT officially sets 0-300 km/h world record [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0-2000-3000-300 kph guinness world record run0-300kphguinnessworldrecordrunguinness world recordguinness world recordshennesseyhennessey venom 0 60hennessey venom gthennesseyvenom060hennesseyvenomgtjohn hennesseyvenomvenom gtvenom gt world recordvenomgtworldrecordTue, 22 Jan 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20434673/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/22/hennessey-venom-gt-officially-sets-0-300-km-h-world-record-w-vi/20434673/article-detail.xml 20434673 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/03-hennessey-venom-gt-record-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/03-hennessey-venom-gt-record-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the Venom GT go from 0 to 230 MPH in under 20 sec.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/watch-the-venom-gt-go-from-0-to-230-mph-in-under-20-sec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/watch-the-venom-gt-go-from-0-to-230-mph-in-under-20-sec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/watch-the-venom-gt-go-from-0-to-230-mph-in-under-20-sec/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT Video

The crew at Hennessey has finally gotten around to showing the world just how quick the Venom GT really is by pulling off a 0-230 mph sprint on runway. The best run took a scant 19.96 seconds to stick the speedometer at 228 mph.

That's the kind of speed that will peal your eyelids back if you aren't careful. Of course, it takes some pretty lofty power figures to generate that kind of velocity. The Venom GT benefits from a General Motors LS9 V8 engine pulled from the wicked Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

After some healthy tweaking, including abandoning the factory supercharger for twin ball bearing turbochargers, the 7.0-liter V8 spits up to 1,244 horsepower to the rear wheels. We're just happy to see all that thrust get put to task. You can check out the quick video of the Venom GT sprinting to glory below.

Continue reading Watch the Venom GT go from 0 to 230 MPH in under 20 sec.

Watch the Venom GT go from 0 to 230 MPH in under 20 sec. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hennesseyhennessey performancehennessey venom gtvenom gtvenom gt accelerationTue, 04 Dec 2012 18:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20394056/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/04/watch-the-venom-gt-go-from-0-to-230-mph-in-under-20-sec/20394056/article-detail.xml 20394056 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/venom-gt-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/venom-gt-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the Hennessey Venom GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/jay-lenos-garage-welcomes-the-hennessey-venom-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/jay-lenos-garage-welcomes-the-hennessey-venom-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/jay-lenos-garage-welcomes-the-hennessey-venom-gt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT

John Hennessey has stopped by Jay Leno's Garage for a second time to show off the 2012 Hennessey Venom GT. Last time the tuner-turned-supercar-maker visited the comedian's garage, Leno didn't get a shot behind the wheel of the Venom GT because the vehicle had yet to be legalized in the States. That was then. Now, the 1,200 horspeower beast has all of its paperwork in order, and Hennessey has been kind enough to hand over the keys to one very yellow Venom GT. Leno proceeds to take the machine out into the wild for a brief frolic through public streets.

What does he think? Surprisingly enough, Leno compares the vehicle to his Ariel Atom, albeit with considerably more power. That's high praise considering how lithe and well-balanced the Atom is. Leno also spends plenty of time pontificating on just how much cabin room the Venom GT offers, even for a six-foot tall comedian like himself. Hit the jump to check out the video.

Continue reading Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the Hennessey Venom GT

Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the Hennessey Venom GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hennesseyhennessey venom gthennessey venom gt videojay lenojay lenos garagejohn hennesseylenos garagevenom gtvenom gt videovideoThu, 05 Jan 2012 19:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20141376/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/jay-lenos-garage-welcomes-the-hennessey-venom-gt/20141376/article-detail.xml 20141376 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/hennessey-venom-gt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/hennessey-venom-gt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hennessey Venom GT making official U.S. debut at Monterey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/hennessey-venom-gt-to-make-official-u-s-debut-at-monterey/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/hennessey-venom-gt-to-make-official-u-s-debut-at-monterey/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/hennessey-venom-gt-to-make-official-u-s-debut-at-monterey/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT in yellow

Hennessey has announced that it will show off its Venom GT on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at
the McCall's Motorworks Revival during the Pebble Beach weekend, which will take place at the Monterey Jet Center. Of course, we've seen various images of the car along with a few videos thrown in for good measure, but the Texas-based company says this is the car's first official unveiling in the U.S. after making an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK.

In any case, who are we to shun an invitation to gaze upon the glorious Venom GT? With 1,200 horsepower, a 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds and a top speed estimated at 267 miles per hour, this is one supercar that we're more than happy to drool over. See the first car delivered to a customer in our attached high-res image gallery, and click past the break for a brief press release.

Continue reading Hennessey Venom GT making official U.S. debut at Monterey

Hennessey Venom GT making official U.S. debut at Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hennesseyhennessey performancehennessey venom gtmontereypebble beachvenom gtMon, 15 Aug 2011 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20018106/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/15/hennessey-venom-gt-to-make-official-u-s-debut-at-monterey/20018106/article-detail.xml 20018106 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/hennessey-venom-gt-yellow_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/hennessey-venom-gt-yellow.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Hennessey Venom GT Chassis #03 dressed up in red]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/pics-aplenty-hennessey-venom-gt-chassis-03-dressed-up-in-red/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/pics-aplenty-hennessey-venom-gt-chassis-03-dressed-up-in-red/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/pics-aplenty-hennessey-venom-gt-chassis-03-dressed-up-in-red/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hennessey Venom GT Chassis #3 in Red
2011 Hennessey Venom GT in red - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've seen the silver-colored Hennessey Venom GT chassis number 01 out running about, and now, the tuning company has decided to show off its bright red chassis number 03. The 1,200-horsepower supercar can ran from 0-60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds and has an estimated top speed of 267 mph.

We've stared at it, heard it, seen it belch fire on the dyno, Jay Leno's had his time with it and now we say enough is enough. We're more than ready for our test drive, and while the red paint job of this latest build is indeed sexy, we'd gladly drive one in beige if it meant some seat time was in order.

Click through the gallery below to see the 2011 Hennessey Venom GT looking resplendent in its shiny new red coat of paint.


Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT – Chassis Number 03


[Source: Hennessey Performance]

Pics Aplenty: Hennessey Venom GT Chassis #03 dressed up in red originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hennesseyhennessey venom gtvenomvenom gtWed, 23 Mar 2011 20:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19889309/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/23/pics-aplenty-hennessey-venom-gt-chassis-03-dressed-up-in-red/19889309/article-detail.xml 19889309 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/018-hennessey-venom-gt-chassis-03-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/018-hennessey-venom-gt-chassis-03-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Hennessey Venom GT rocks the dyno, spits fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/17/video-hennessey-venom-gt-rocks-the-dyno-spits-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/17/video-hennessey-venom-gt-rocks-the-dyno-spits-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/17/video-hennessey-venom-gt-rocks-the-dyno-spits-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT dyno run
Hennessey channels Top Gun with its Venom GT - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Hennessey Venom GT is a beastly two-seater that produces as much power as a small sun. An LS9, taken from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, is massaged to produce an astonishing 933 horsepower and 874 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheels. If those numbers don't scare you, we're guessing you're probably a naval aviator who is used to seeing the bright flash of afterburners coming to life. If so, you're in luck because the Venom GT also spits hot fire.

We've seen it run on the dyno and we've also seen it produce a few flames from just off idle. Now we have video of Hennessey upping the ante by combining the two. While at full song scream, the Hennessey Venom GT belches a massive jet of fire out of its twin-exhaust outlets. Neato. Grab a stick, some marshmallows and click past the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Hennessey Venom GT


[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey Venom GT rocks the dyno, spits fire

Video: Hennessey Venom GT rocks the dyno, spits fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynohennesseyhennessey venom gtvenomvenom gtvideoFri, 17 Dec 2010 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19767864/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/17/video-hennessey-venom-gt-rocks-the-dyno-spits-fire/19767864/article-detail.xml 19767864 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/hennessey-venom-gt-dyno-run_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/hennessey-venom-gt-dyno-run.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Hennessey Venom GT visits Jay Leno's Garage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/video-hennessey-venom-gt-visits-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/video-hennessey-venom-gt-visits-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/video-hennessey-venom-gt-visits-jay-lenos-garage/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jay Leno drives the Hennessey Venom GT
Jay Leno drives the Hennessey Venom GT - Click above to watch video after the jump

In his quest to get his mitts on every piece of covetable sheetmetal on the planet, Jay Leno has just had a Hennessey Venom GT in his modest little garage. With 1,200 horsepower packed into a lightweight chassis supplied by the gurus at Lotus, the machine is what our supercar dreams would be made of - if only we took LSD before bed. John Hennessey, the man behind this beast, says that the original goal for the Venom GT was to create a vehicle that made no apologies for its performance and power-to-weight ratio. As a result, don't expect too many creature comforts to crop up in the cabin.

At around 2,700 pounds, the Venom GT provides one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any vehicle made today - production or otherwise. The biggest surprise is that even with all that power, the engine is sucking down about 18 psi of boost and runs off of pump gas. Sounds tasty to us. Hit the jump to see the late night funny man's take onthe Venom GT.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey Venom GT visits Jay Leno's Garage

Video: Hennessey Venom GT visits Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hennesseyhennessey venom gtjay lenovenom gtvideoMon, 06 Dec 2010 14:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19748528/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/06/video-hennessey-venom-gt-visits-jay-lenos-garage/19748528/article-detail.xml 19748528 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/jay-leno-venom-gt-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/jay-leno-venom-gt-630.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Hennessey Venom GT clears its pipes ahead of SEMA debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/26/video-hennessey-venom-gt-clears-its-pipes-ahead-of-sema-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/26/video-hennessey-venom-gt-clears-its-pipes-ahead-of-sema-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/26/video-hennessey-venom-gt-clears-its-pipes-ahead-of-sema-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT exhaust pop
Hennessey Venom GT clears its throat - Click above to watch the video after the break

It may look like a steroid-fueled Lotus Elise that's had a few too many trips to the gym - and we truly mean that in the very best way possible - but this latest video proves there's no mistaking the fact that it ain't powered by no wimpy four-cylinder engine sourced from Toyota.

Yes, of course we already knew that the Hennessey Venom GT is powered by a 6.2-liter LS9 V8 as used in the Corvette ZR1 in one of three force-fed configurations: the base supercharged mill with 725 horsepower and 741 pound-feet of torque and a pair of twin turbocharged beasts that put out 1,000 hp and 1,200 hp. (See a dyno video here.)

But upon hearing this sucker start up and clear its pipes, even the mighty ZR1 cowers in the corner with its supercharged tail tucked firmly between its legs. It's a modern-day Shelby Cobra, complete with its British-sourced chassis and big, burly American V8 power. We can hardly wait to see the Venom GT with our own eyes next week at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Check out the 360-degree walkaround video after the break.


Gallery: 2011 Hennessey Venom GT


[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey Venom GT clears its pipes ahead of SEMA debut

Video: Hennessey Venom GT clears its pipes ahead of SEMA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hennesseyHennessey Performancehennessey performance engineeringhennessey venom gthennessey venom gt videoSEMAsema 2010SEMA ShowVenom GTvenom gt videoTue, 26 Oct 2010 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19689883/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/26/video-hennessey-venom-gt-clears-its-pipes-ahead-of-sema-debut/19689883/article-detail.xml 19689883 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/hennessey-exhaust-pop_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/hennessey-exhaust-pop.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Hennessey Venom GT glamor shots prove poison can be very pretty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/14/2011-hennessey-venom-gt-glamor-shots-prove-poison-can-be-very-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/14/2011-hennessey-venom-gt-glamor-shots-prove-poison-can-be-very-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/14/2011-hennessey-venom-gt-glamor-shots-prove-poison-can-be-very-pr/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hennessey has already divulged practically every piece of information we want to know about its 2011 Venom GT supercar. It's built on a heavily molested Lotus Elise chassis and driven by one of three versions of the 6.2-liter LS9 V8 used in the Corvette ZR1. The base model is supercharged and produces 725 horsepower and 741 pound-feet of torque. The other two mills are both twin turbocharged and produce 1,000 hp and 1,200 hp, respectively. All three models use the same six-speed Ricardo transmission as the Ford GT. Weight: 2,548 lbs dry and 2,685 lbs loaded with fuel. Price: Somewhere north of $600,000 for the base supercharged model. Yeah, this is some serious stuff.

The Texas-based tuner (can we really call a company that builds something like this a tuner?) has finished the very first production Venom GT, and it's a duesy. Chassis Number 01 is a top tier twin-turbo model, the same one clocked producing 933 rwhp a few weeks ago on a dyno.

As if the numbers don't paint a pretty enough picture, Hennessey recently hired a photographer to snap some beauty shots of its Venom GT. The high-res image gallery below sports some 56 images, some of which are good, many of which could be better. May we offer up our own ace photog Drew Phillips? We're quite sure he'd be happy to snap a pictorial starring the new Venom GT.


Gallery: 2011 Hennessey Venom GT


[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]

Continue reading 2011 Hennessey Venom GT glamor shots prove poison can be very pretty

2011 Hennessey Venom GT glamor shots prove poison can be very pretty originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hennessey venom gt2011HennesseyVenomGthennesseyhennessey venomhennessey venom gtHennesseyVenomHennesseyVenomGtvenomvenom gtVenomGtMon, 14 Jun 2010 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19514635/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/14/2011-hennessey-venom-gt-glamor-shots-prove-poison-can-be-very-pr/19514635/article-detail.xml 19514635 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/venompress001opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/venompress001opt.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Hennessey Venom GT dyno'd at 933 RWHP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/video-hennessey-venom-gt-dynod-at-933-rwhp/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/video-hennessey-venom-gt-dynod-at-933-rwhp/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/video-hennessey-venom-gt-dynod-at-933-rwhp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above to watch video after the jump

By now we should all know that Hennessey isn't the kind of vaporware tuner that throws out a rendering, some wild projected power numbers and then drops off the face of the planet, but that didn't stop us from being skeptical when the Texas-based tuner/builder rolled out plans for its Venom GT. Originally, the car was supposed to get its power from a beefy V10 borrowed from the nose of a Dodge Viper, complete with a 1,000-horsepower tune in a 2,700-lb chassis. The final product, however, swapped the 10-pot for the supercharged V8 found in the mighty Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Despite dropping two cylinders, horsepower estimates stayed the same.

Now Hennessey has rolled out a video of its creation on the dyno. How does a streetable 933 horsepower at the rear wheels sound? How about 874 lb-ft of torque at the tires? It sounds mighty tasty to us, especially considering that those numbers come courtesy of regular 93 octane pump gas (no race fuel here, kiddies) and, again, are at the wheel. Ditch the drivetrain loss and power at the crank will easily crest 1,000 ponies. Go ahead and hit the jump to see the monster pull for yourself.


Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT


[Source: Hennessey]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey Venom GT dyno'd at 933 RWHP

Video: Hennessey Venom GT dyno'd at 933 RWHP originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevrolet Corvette ZR1ChevroletCorvetteZr1Dodge ViperDodgeViperDynoHennesseyHennessey Venom GTHennessey Venom GT DynoHennesseyVenomGtHennesseyVenomGtDynoLS9LS9 V8Ls9V8VenomVenom GTVenom GT DynoVenomGtVenomGtDynoThu, 03 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19501823/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/03/video-hennessey-venom-gt-dynod-at-933-rwhp/19501823/article-detail.xml 19501823 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/screen-shot-2010-06-03-at-12.12.38-pmopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/screen-shot-2010-06-03-at-12.12.38-pmopt.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Hennessey Venom GT blasts through Merry Ol' England]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/video-hennessey-venom-gt-blasts-through-merry-ol-england/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/video-hennessey-venom-gt-blasts-through-merry-ol-england/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/video-hennessey-venom-gt-blasts-through-merry-ol-england/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above to watch video after the jump

By all accounts, the Hennessey Venom GT is an all-new level of bat-guano crazy. When everyone's favorite Texas tuner announced that it would be creating a hand-crafted, mid-engine terror, we all knew it was going to be special, even if our feeble little minds couldn't quite comprehend just how incredible the car would be. Now that the covers are off and we know that a 725-horsepower V8 feeds the rear tires a universe of punishment, we can't help but want a little seat time.

New footage of the $600,000 creation whipping around the streets and bi-ways of England has surfaced. Unlike the track video we caught a glimpse of last time, the new clip dishes up all the audio glory you'd expect from the behemoth. Hit the jump and crank it up.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey Venom GT blasts through Merry Ol' England

Video: Hennessey Venom GT blasts through Merry Ol' England originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hennesseyHennessey Performancehennessey venom gthennessey venom gt videoHennesseyPerformanceHennesseyVenomGtHennesseyVenomGtVideoVenomVenom GTvenom gt videoVenomGtVenomGtVideoWed, 14 Apr 2010 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19439946/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/14/video-hennessey-venom-gt-blasts-through-merry-ol-england/19439946/article-detail.xml 19439946 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/hennessey-venom-gt-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/hennessey-venom-gt-630.jpg <![CDATA[Hennessey signs DiMora to sell Venom GT overseas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/hennessey-signs-dimora-to-sell-venom-gt-overseas/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/hennessey-signs-dimora-to-sell-venom-gt-overseas/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/hennessey-signs-dimora-to-sell-venom-gt-overseas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

You might say the American automotive industry is divided into two groups: The Big Three, and the rest. That latter category might include up-and-comers like Tesla, niche manufacturers like SSC, as well as super-modifiers like Hennessey and wannabes like DiMora. Those last two are hoping to break out obscurity with high-end offerings of their own, and have teamed up along the way to make it happen.

After decades of tuning Vipers and 'Vettes, Hennessey recently debuted the new Venom GT, a of Lotus on 'roids with a supercharged Corvette LS9 V8 mounted amidship. It can be ordered, starting at around $600,00, with 725, 1,000 or even 1,200 horsepower. Sounds exactly right for the Middle East, doesn't it?

To that effect, Hennessey has signed DiMora - the effort behind the vaporware Natalia SLS super-sedan - to sell the Venom GT in the Middle East and in India, two burgeoning markets for rich toys like this one.


Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT


[Source: Inside Line]

Hennessey signs DiMora to sell Venom GT overseas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>di moraDiMorahennesseyhennessey venom gtHennesseyVenomGtindiamiddle eastMiddleEastvenomvenom gtVenomGtMon, 12 Apr 2010 09:38:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19434847/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/12/hennessey-signs-dimora-to-sell-venom-gt-overseas/19434847/article-detail.xml 19434847 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01-venom-gt-official-dark-630op2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01-venom-gt-official-dark-630op2.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Hennessey Venom GT hits the track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/11/video-hennessey-venom-gt-does-a-lap-on-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/11/video-hennessey-venom-gt-does-a-lap-on-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/11/video-hennessey-venom-gt-does-a-lap-on-track/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Venom on track
Hennessey Venom GT on track - Click above to watch video

The Hennessey Venom GT was out testing on track, and while the minute of footage tends toward the Zapruder end of 'gotcha' videos, there are still some pretty clear sights and sounds of the stretched and steroided Elise with the giant badonkadonk.

We're going to guess this is the base, 725-horsepower version and what can be heard of it sounds pretty compelling. If nothing else, maybe this will help you dole out the $600K necessary to do some track time in one of your own. Follow the jump for the video. Hat tip to Mikespeed95

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey Venom GT hits the track

Video: Hennessey Venom GT hits the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hennesseyHennessey Performancehennessey venom gtHennesseyPerformanceHennesseyVenomGtVenomVenom GTVenomGtSun, 11 Apr 2010 20:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19434853/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/11/video-hennessey-venom-gt-does-a-lap-on-track/19434853/article-detail.xml 19434853 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/hennesseyvenomspyvid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/hennesseyvenomspyvid.jpg <![CDATA[Hennessey Venom GT: A $600k mid-engine Cobra for the 21st Century]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/hennessey-venom-gt-a-600k-mid-engine-cobra-for-the-21st-centur/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/hennessey-venom-gt-a-600k-mid-engine-cobra-for-the-21st-centur/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/hennessey-venom-gt-a-600k-mid-engine-cobra-for-the-21st-centur/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's Embargopalooza tonight at Autoblog, and if there wasn't already enough high-powered hotness to be had, we're throwing one more V8-powered sled into the mix.

We've traveled a long road to get here, but the Hennessey Venom GT has finally arrived after countless reports, spy shots, videos and announcements. If you're suffering from Hennessey fatigue, stop right here. You know most of the story already and have surely weighed-in with your opinion. But if a chopped and lengthened Lotus Elise powered by the Corvette ZR1's supercharged eight piques your interest - and you're looking for a glimpse into the man behind the madness - make the jump for a new take on an age-old equation.


Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT

Continue reading Hennessey Venom GT: A $600k mid-engine Cobra for the 21st Century

Hennessey Venom GT: A $600k mid-engine Cobra for the 21st Century originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gthennesseyHennessey Performancehennessey performance engineeringhennessey performance venomhennessey performance venom gthennessey venom gtHennesseyPerformanceHennesseyPerformanceEngineeringHennesseyPerformanceVenomHennesseyPerformanceVenomGtHennesseyVenomGtvenomvenom gtVenomGtMon, 29 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19412720/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/29/hennessey-venom-gt-a-600k-mid-engine-cobra-for-the-21st-centur/19412720/article-detail.xml 19412720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01-venom-gt-official-dark-630op2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01-venom-gt-official-dark-630op2.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Hennessey Venom GT spied out in the open]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/26/video-hennessey-venom-gt-spied-out-in-the-open/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/26/video-hennessey-venom-gt-spied-out-in-the-open/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/26/video-hennessey-venom-gt-spied-out-in-the-open/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT spied in public - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The insane Hennessey Venom GT won't be revealed publicly until this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed (but come back this Monday at midnight for the full scoop), however, the crew at PistonHeads have recently caught the car out in the open. We're definitely swooning over this one, what with its Lotus Elise-based body, Porsche Carrera GT proportions and Corvette ZR1-sourced powerplant.

We don't have the official details just yet, but we're told that this supercar stunner will produce around 1,000 horsepower. And when you consider that the whole car only weighs about 2,400 pounds, we're expecting some pretty impressive performance numbers. Hit the jump to see a video of the Venom GT in the flesh.


Gallery: Hennessey Performance Venom GT in the shop


[Source: PistonHeads]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey Venom GT spied out in the open

Video: Hennessey Venom GT spied out in the open originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevrolet Corvette ZR1ChevroletCorvetteZr1goodwood festival of speedGoodwoodFestivalOfSpeedhennesseyHennessey Performancehennessey venom gtHennesseyPerformanceHennesseyVenomGtlotus eliseLotusEliseLS9LS9 V8Ls9V8spy shotsspy videoSpyShotsSpyVideoVenom GTVenomGtvideoFri, 26 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19415732/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/26/video-hennessey-venom-gt-spied-out-in-the-open/19415732/article-detail.xml 19415732 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/venomgtopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/venomgtopt.jpg <![CDATA[EXCLUSIVE: First shots of the Hennessey Performance Venom GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/first-shots-of-the-hennessey-performance-venom-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/first-shots-of-the-hennessey-performance-venom-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/first-shots-of-the-hennessey-performance-venom-gt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for image gallery

Hennessey Performance is on a roll. First we got a Cadillac CTS-V that accelerates so violently it sets off its OnStar system. Then we get a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1-powered pony car that handily won our Best Camaro of SEMA. Now this: The first shots of the Hennessey Venom GT, a lightweight, LS9-powered ICBM aimed directly at the world's hypercar elite.

Originally teased way back in November of 2007, the House That Hennessey Built has been working overtime to create this Lotus Elise-based, mid-engine masterpiece for the Geneva Motor Show this March, and judging by these first shots from the shop, things are looking downright diabolical.

According to Hennessey, the final weight - with fuel, but no driver - should come in under 2,400 pounds, and with the "mildly tweaked" LS9 putting out between 650 and 700 horsepower, that puts the Venom in contention with the Bugatti Veyron for power-to-weight bragging rights. But naturally, Hennessey isn't stopping there. After the bugs are worked out, the supercharger will be dispatched in favor of a duo of turbos, netting output somewhere north of 1,000 hp. 0-60 times? Less than 2.5 seconds. Top speed? An estimated 262 mph.

Putting that grunt to the ground is a Ricardo six-speed manual gearbox - the same transmission the tuning firm used on its 1,000+ hp twin-turbocharged Ford GTs - with carbon fiber Dymag wheels fitted at all four corners, each shod in Michelin PS2 tires. Fifteen-inch carbon ceramic discs with eight piston Brembo calipers are mounted up front, while 14-inch rotors with six piston calipers reside in the rear, and although we haven't gotten confirmation, the shot above suggests the driver sits front and center. Nope, the Venom will be available in traditional left- or right-hand drive, according to Hennessey.

That's all for now, but look for more details to be released in the coming weeks and get an exclusive eyeful in the gallery below.


Gallery: Hennessey Performance Venom GT in the shop

EXCLUSIVE: First shots of the Hennessey Performance Venom GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2010geneva motor showGeneva2010GenevaMotorShowgthennesseyhennessey performancehennessey performance venom gthennessey venom gtHennesseyPerformanceHennesseyPerformanceVenomGtHennesseyVenomGtvenomWed, 09 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19271161/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/09/first-shots-of-the-hennessey-performance-venom-gt/19271161/article-detail.xml 19271161 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01-venom-gt-shop-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01-venom-gt-shop-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Exclusive: Hennessey shows off CFD drawings of Venom GT supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/exclusive-hennessey-shows-off-cfd-drawings-of-venom-gt-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/exclusive-hennessey-shows-off-cfd-drawings-of-venom-gt-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/exclusive-hennessey-shows-off-cfd-drawings-of-venom-gt-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hennessey Venom GT CFD renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the Quail Motorsports Gathering in Monterey, CA we happened to run into a Mr. John Hennessey admiring the same Lamborghini LP670-4 SV we were drooling over. With the Venom GT set to debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, we asked how the project was going. He promptly produced an iPhone and gave us a sneak preview of dozens of CFD (computational fluid dynamics) renderings. At the time, we had no way to show you the photos, but John was kind enough to send a few our way.

As you can see by the renderings, the Venom GT features an adjustable rear wing that also acts as an air brake. We were informed that the Venom GT should be capable of 1.5 negative g's under braking, and that with the carbon ceramic brakes it will be able to stop from 200 mph in seven seconds flat.

We also learned the Venom GT is actually based on a stretched Lotus Exige chassis, making sense of the visual similarities between the two cars. Hennessey told us that he wanted to keep the car as light as possible, and the Exige was the best platform available to help him achieve that goal. The switch from the Viper V10 to the LS9 V8 was done for the same reason, and John liked the idea of an American V8 in an English car -- the same formula that was so successful for Carroll Shelby back in the 1960s. Expect more details to be revealed in the run-up to the Venom's Geneva unveiling, but until then, check out the high-res gallery of CFD renderings below.


Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT CFD renderings

Exclusive: Hennessey shows off CFD drawings of Venom GT supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Geneva 2010Geneva2010HennesseyHennessey Performance EngineeringHennessey Venom GTHennesseyPerformanceEngineeringHennesseyVenomGtTue, 01 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19147683/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/01/exclusive-hennessey-shows-off-cfd-drawings-of-venom-gt-supercar/19147683/article-detail.xml 19147683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/venom-cooling-slines-02-1-620op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/venom-cooling-slines-02-1-620op.jpg -1 2