Hennessey Blackbird: V-8, Stick Shift, No ScreensHennesseyHennessey isn't quite done building Venoms, but the Texas-based carmaker already revealing its successor: the Blackbird. This new project is designed to be the driver-focused option amongst Hennessey's wild array of vehicles, and it will be publicly debuted at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering on August 14.While the Venom GT and Venom F5 are pushing for record-breaking performance, the Blackbird puts numbers in the rearview, instead prioritizing driver involvement. To that end, it has a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8, a gated six-speed manual, and rear-wheel drive. The engine is being developed with Ilmor Engineering; in case you're unfamiliar, amidst a long history in motorsports and more, Ilmor has partnered with Chevy to develop and build its IndyCar engines since 2012, and partnered with both Chevy and Honda to build the new hybrid IndyCar powertrain in 2025.HennesseyHennessey says it's targeting 800-850 horsepower from this 6.2-liter, but doesn't supply any details about how it plans to achieve such a high output beyond a claimed 9000-rpm-plus redline. Despite numbers not being the point, the Blackbird will still have some mighty ones to brag about: Hennessey says the 0-60 mile-per-hour sprint comes in just 2.5 seconds, and the top speed will be 220 mph.AdvertisementAdvertisementA claimed sub-3000-pound dry curb weight should be a big help in achieving those numbers. The Blackbird will make use of a new, bespoke carbon tub, and carbon fiber bodywork galore also contributes to the low weight. Inboard suspension architecture is paired with adaptive dampers, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires will wrap one of two wheel options Hennessey will offer. You'll have both traction control and ABS, but that's it as far as control systems go.HennesseyAs you probably already guessed, the Blackbird name is derived from the SR-71 Blackbird. The car's design also pulls inspiration from the aircraft. Hennessey says the active vertical stabilizers you see deploy at 71 mph and sit at +/- 71 degrees. Another aircraft-derived feature is the quad exhaust exit design, which Hennessey says is meant to mimic the Bell X-1's exhaust ports.HennesseyHennessey emphasized the Blackbird's interior as one of the most important parts of the experience. As you can see from the photos, there are no screens at all inside. That was intentionally done to offer a back-to-basics, driving-focused environment that Hennessey hopes will be timeless in design. Some of the highlights are the exposed linkage for the gated shifter, large central tachometer, and focus on visibility. Hennessey also says it chose to use a physical ignition key.However much technology you want in the Blackbird is dependent on what you bring along — namely, your phone. Details are a little thin, but Hennessey says it has a "hidden" technology strategy such that you can still pair the phone with the car. From there, the Blackbird has a "Hennessey holster" that you place your phone in to use as the car's infotainment center. Presumably, it will be in an accessible enough place to run navigation and control the audio system.HennesseyLong-haul driving was a priority for Hennessey with the Blackbird, as it says great effort was put into NVH and comfort for road trips. The car even has space for two small carry-ons in the front trunk, in addition to rear luggage pods. In perhaps its most American move, the Blackbird has four cupholders, hopefully with enough space for a Big Gulp.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you want one of these Blackbirds, there will be a fairly lengthy wait. Hennessey says it's targeting production from 2029-2030. The price is $2.5 million before options, and only 71 will be built. According to Hennessey, "more than two-thirds" of the production run are already spoken for, so as of this story's publishing, you can still get your foot in the door.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State
+9 others
