It seems like an eternity since the Hennessey Venom F5 was announced, and that’s because it was. The Amercian-made hypercar was shown off all the way back in 2017 and was billed as the fastest car on the planet, with a potential top speed of nearly 300mph. Now the production version has been unveiled, and it’s even better looking (and faster) than the concept.
Unlike the old Venom GT, which was based on a Lotus Elise, the Venom F5 is built on its own carbon fibre tub supplied by Silverstone-based engineering firm Delta Motorsport. Named after the most powerful of hurricanes, the F5 is a remarkably sophisticated-looking hypercar, with a simple-yet-elegant design that helps air pass over the car for a higher top speed. If you’re a downforce junkie, then Hennessey will sell you a track pack for better cornering ability.
But the reason you’re here is for the engine, we presume. The F5 is powered by a 6.6-litre LS V8 that, with the help of two turbochargers, chucks out a ridiculous 1,792bhp and 1,617Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed single-clutch gearbox, while dry weight is kept nice and low at 1,360kg.
So, just how fast does the F5 go? Well, Hennessey has yet to take the car to its top speed. However, the company is targeting 311mph, which would make it slightly faster than the current record holder for a production car – the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport.
But top speed isn’t everything. Hennessey claims the F5 will go from 0-62mph in under three seconds, while a 0-124mph run will be completed in around five seconds.
If the F5 sounds like your kind of car, then you’ll need to get saving. Fast. Only 24 examples will be made, each carrying a price tag of around £1.6m. On the bright side, Hennessey will configure the car in right-hand drive for us folk in the UK.
Keyword: Hennessey Venom F5: America’s 311mph hypercar breaks cover