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What is the Hennessey Venom F5 and what records does it want to break?
- The Venom F5 is the successor to the Venom GT
- The F5 refers to the strongest hurricane category in the Fujita scale
- The car aims to break the production car speed record and go over 300mph.
- The car is expected to be released in 2019
The title of world’s fastest production car has seen numerous challengers over the past few decades, with a select few models making the cut. Their speeds would sure get those steel tubes from the Philippines heated up after reaching those blistering numbers.
In the past decade, there have been auto companies that have been aiming to beat the world record, with companies like Bugatti, McLaren, Koenigsegg, Ferrari, and Porsche all holding the speed record for a period of time. One company leading the race, pun unintended, is Hennessey.
Hennessey is known for rolling out some of the fastest cars in the world, but this time, they look to go into the manufacturing business with their new Venom F5. Here are things you should know about this powerful machine that aims to be the world’s fastest production vehicle.
The meaning behind F5
Most famous sports cars have names that have a good amount of though put into it, and the Venom F5 is no exception. While the word venom refers to a lethal type of poison, F5 refers to category 5 hurricanes, which is the strongest kind of hurricane according to the Fujita scale, definitely something that can rattle your steel tubes from the Philippines.
It’s a successor to the Venom GT
Before the Venom F5, there was the Venom GT. The GT is a modified Lotus Exige sports car that was outfitted with a twin turbocharged V8 engine. The Venom GT actually beat the production car speed record that was held by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, hitting 270mph (whereas the Bugatti was able to hit 267mph). However, the achievement was not recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records for various factors.
First, the Venom GT achieved its top speed by driving in a single direction test. Second, it does not qualify as a production vehicle, as there has to be at least 30 units sold, and the Venom GT only had 16. Despite this issue, it was still quite the achievement for Hennessey, as they are able to use this experience to build an even faster car.
Photo from VenomGT.com
Hurricane-like numbers
The Venom F5 aims to break the speed record, and will do it with the most powerful power plant available. The engine is a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that offers a whopping 1,600hp. This powerful engine is projected to help the Venom F5 to reach 0-60mph in just 2 seconds, and reach a maximum top speed of 300mph. The transmission is a semi-automatic 7-speed single clutch, which makes the car a rear-wheel drive. The car is named after a hurricane, and aims to perform like one in terms of speed.
It will come out in 2019
With all of the production and testing that will be done, the Venom F5 is expected to make its debut in 2019. The company is planning to produce only 24 units, with ownership being chosen in a hand-picked basis. With all of the records they intend to break, it looks like the wait will be worth it.
Key Takeaway
The title of the fastest production car is always up for debate, with various brands attempting to push the envelope even further. With the Hennessey Venom F5 coming soon, expect that the fastest is yet to come.
