Say hello to John Hennessy’s baby: a love letter to excess horsepower, but not in the form of a tuned truck or muscle car. This is the Hennessey Venom F5, an entirely bespoke extreme-engined hypercar capable of speeds in excess of 300mph. Powering it is an engine appropriately named ‘Fury’, a whopping 6.6-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 1817bhp. Weighing only 1360kg, the F5 is only 30kg heavier than a Ferrari F8 Tributo but with 1000bhp more. That equals some impressive performance figures: 0-62mph in 2.6s, 0-124mph in 4.7s, and an insane 0-250mph in 15.5s – that’s nearly twice as fast as a Bugatti Chiron… Right, enough comparisons, time to strap Top Gear Magazine’s Jack Rix to this rocket to see how it drives.
Roadster
Hennessey Special Vehicles Presents the Venom F5 Roadster
The next model in Hennessey’s hypercar line-up – the Venom F5 Roadster – is set for its global launch on August 9, 2022. Less than two weeks later, it will be on display to the world’s motoring fans on 19 August at The Quail during California’s world-famous ‘Monterey Car Week’. Sharing the same 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 ‘Fury’ engine as its Coupe sibling, the 1,817 bhp Roadster will certainly deliver ‘wind-in-your-hair-thrills’!
Hennessey Venom F5
Hennessey and team have developed a completely new design, chassis and carbon fiber body focused on aerodynamics to achieve the lowest possible drag. The exterior of the F5 is shaped by aerodynamics and inspired by the pursuit of speed. The entire car exudes determination, purpose and drama from every direction with sculpted aerodynamic ducting and sharp, powerful lines to give the car a real sense of speed and intent, even while stationary.
“Our customers love speed, so we’re fired-up to push the boundaries of what’s possible to attempt the world’s fastest production car record, but the Venom F5 is about more than just speed and power. This car will handle superbly, quality is exceptional, there are more than 3,000 bespoke parts, materials are exquisite, everything is a fitting tribute to 30 years of the Hennessey brand.”
The rear-wheel drive F5 produces 1,817 hp and weighs a mere 1,360 kg (2,998 lb). These facts combine to deliver a power-to-weight ratio of 1.34 hp-per-kg (1,298 hp-per-ton) – well in excess of any road car on sale today. As a key strength of the F5, its tremendous power and lightweight construction help to shape the extreme, visceral and untameable nature of the F5 as an unstoppable force in the hypercar world.
The F5 is powered by a rear-mid-mounted 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that generates 1,817 hp at 8,000 rpm. This power, 277 hp/liter, in a car that weighs just 1,360 kg (2,998 lb) generates a power-to-weight ratio of 1.34 hp/kg (1,298 hp/ton) – the highest of any road car.
Specifications
The Venom F5 is a symphony of mind-bending numbers, but that’s not the whole story. The car’s dynamics have been developed by Hennessey’s in-house dynamics guru – legendary US racing driver and vehicle set-up expert John ‘Heinrocket’ Heinricy. During the car’s development, his input will ensure that F5 offers a world-class all-around driving experience on the road and track.
The F5 aims to exceed 500 kph (311mph) on a two-way validated speed run using a production specification car. The record attempt will be independently verified by the world-renowned experts from Racelogic using VBOX GPS data acquisition systems. Racelogic / VBOX engineers will be on-site to install, test, and calibrate the speed testing equipment in the F5 to ensure absolute accuracy and transparency. In addition, VBOX engineers will verify all test data and final speed numbers. The speed test will be attended by independent witnesses, media guests, and F5 customers. GPS data and uninterrupted video footage will also be made publicly available following the speed test.
The rear-wheel drive F5 produces 1,817 hp and weighs a mere 1,360 kg (2,998 lb). These facts combine to deliver a power-to-weight ratio of 1.34 hp-per-kg (1,298 hp-per-ton) – well in excess of any road car on sale today. As a key strength of the F5, its tremendous power and lightweight construction help to shape the extreme, visceral and untameable nature of the F5 as an unstoppable force in the hypercar world.
The key to the F5’s development is making the driver feel perfectly in tune with the car while delivering exhilaration and rewarding handling characteristics. The F5’s development will produce a car that inspires driving confidence at all speeds with the accuracy and feedback-rich responses of a race car. Every part of the new model will be touched by Heinricy and his team, whose exacting standards will ensure the F5 offers a world-class driving experience.
The Fury is a 90-degree push-rod cross-plane crank V8 engine that weighs 280 kg (617 lb). Using all 30 years of the Hennessey team’s knowledge, the bespoke unit features an all-new cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads and runs an aggressive road cam providing a characteristic off-beat race car sound and feel. Each engine is hand-built with precision components crafted from high-grade metals including aluminum, titanium, and Inconel. These include the crankshaft, pistons, valves, and connecting rods.
Rear mid-engined coupe
LHD and RHD available
Rear-wheel drive
Length: 4,666mm
Width (excluding mirrors): 1,960mm
Width (including mirrors): 1,971mm
Height: 1,131mm (from ground)
Wheelbase: 2,800mm
Front track: 1,574mm
Rear track: 1,584mm
Kerb weight: 1,385kg
Dry weight: 1,360kg
Ride height (adjustable): LOW: 75mm (front) 85mm (rear)
HIGH: 140mm (front) 160mm (rear) – using HLS
Configuration: V8
V-angle: 90°
Capacity: 6,555 cc
Bore: 104.8 mm (4.1 inches)
Stroke: 95.3 mm (3.8 inches)
Compression ratio: 10:1
Max power: 1817 hp @ 8,000rpm
Power-to-weight ratio: 1,298 hp/ton (1.34 hp/kg)
Max torque: 1,617 Nm (1,193 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm
Maximum rpm: 8,200 rpm (8,500 rpm F5 mode)
Turbocharger: Precision ball bearing twin turbochargers (76 mm billet aluminum compressor wheels)
Exhaust system: Stainless steel
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Engine block: Cast iron
Cylinder heads: Aluminum cylinder heads with canted titanium intake valves
Connection rods: Forged steel
Valves: Inconel exhaust valves with dual valve springs
Total engine weight: 280 kg (617 lb)
Power density: 277 hp/liter
0 – 100kph (0 – 62mph): 2.6
0 – 200kph (0 – 124mph): 4.7
0 – 300kph (0 – 186mph): 8.4
0 – 400kph (0 – 249mph): 15.5
Top speed: > 500 kph (> 311mph)
Configuration: Longitudinal
Gear change: Semi-automatic with paddle shift
Clutch: Single clutch (240mm / 9.4-inch diameter)
First: 3.133
Second: 2.100
Third: 1.520
Fourth: 1.172
Fifth: 0.941
Sixth: 0.784
Seventh: 0.675
Reverse: 2.875
Final drive: 3.167
Differential: CIMA
Driveline: Bespoke steel. Outboard CV joint inboard tripod joint
Monocoque construction: Carbon fiber
Monocoque weight: 86 kg (190 lb)
Body panel construction: Carbon fiber
Front suspension: Double wishbone independent with fully adjustable coil over Penske dampers
Rear suspension: Double wishbone independent with fully adjustable coil over Penske dampers
Steering: Rack and pinion with electric power assistance
Hubs and bearing carriers: Unitary hub with 5 studs
Wheels: Forged aluminium alloy
– Front – 19-inch x 9.5-inch
– Rear – 20-inch x 12-inch
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
– Front – 265/35ZR19
– Rear – 345/30ZR2
Front brakes: 390 mm diameter x 34 mm carbon ceramic
– Bespoke 6-piston calliper
Rear brakes: 390 mm diameter x 34 mm carbon ceramic
– Bespoke 4-piston calliper
Drag coefficient: 0.39 Cd
Front splitter: Carbon fiber gloss (satin as an option)
Rear diffuser: Carbon fiber gloss (satin as an option)
Aero: Track pack available
5 vehicle mode selection (Sport, Wet, Drag, Track, F5)
Traction control system with limited ESP
Engine power limitation dependant on rear wheel traction
Launch control
Steering wheel: Carbon fibre with leather side grips. Aluminium paddle shift levers
Pedals: Machined aluminium
Gear change: Paddle-shift with fully automatic or manual functionality
Driver display: 7.0-inch interactive display
Infotainment: 9.0-inch Alpine interactive touchscreen with Apple Car Play, and Android Auto
AC Control: 1.3-inch touchscreen with twist and swipe feature for fan, and temp control
F5 Cockpit
On the inside the F5 proudly exhibits premium simplicity, there is nothing inside the car that is peripheral to the act of driving. This is helps to save weight, and to promote total driver focus – just like a pilot sitting in a fighter jet cockpit. The interior is true to the car’s roots displaying raw carbon fibre throughout, but with hints of luxury from leather panels on the doors, dashboard and seats.
As the driver opens the F5’s butterfly door, they are greeted with a bespoke carbon fibre steering wheel, which is inspired by an aeroplane ‘yoke’ and an F1 racing car’s steering wheel. To maximise driver visibility of instrumentation and the road ahead, the top of the wheel is eliminated, while also encouraging proper hand placement for optimal steering wheel control. The parts of the steering wheel where the hands naturally grip, are leather-clad, the rest is exposed carbon-fibre. On the wheel are tactile controls for lights, windscreen wipers and turn signals, while in the centre sits a green switchable mode dial that lets the driver select from Sport, Wet, Drag, Track, and F5 modes.
Behind the wheel on the top of the steering column sits a 7.0-inch instrument display cluster. Inspired by the head-up display screen in a jet fighter, the screen changes with each drive mode, displaying a different colour and content layout. At all times the screen displays vehicle speed and engine revs alongside oil, coolant and engine temperatures.
The carbon fibre bucket seats are cushioned with leather-clad pads that adhere to the ‘function defines form’ design philosophy and contribute to a lighter seat. The F5 accommodates two people in comfort providing optimum support for cruising or faster cornering. They both cosset the occupants during spirited driving and provide comfortable support under extreme acceleration and at high speed.
The interior surfaces are a balance of leather and satin-finish carbon fibre. The dashboard features leather and aluminium inserts overlaid on the exquisitely finished carbon fibre. On each door panel sits a lightweight carbon fibre door handle that ‘floats’ above the leather highlighting the union of optimal performance and luxury. The door handles are accented by aluminium inserts that depict the Texas and US flags, clearly communicating the car’s proud American heritage.
Seated in the cabin the driver is surrounded by a belt of gloss carbon fibre, which subtly contrasts with the satin carbon fibre and leather. Looking around the cabin the driver’s eyes are naturally drawn down to the slimline carbon fibre centre console upon which sit the function buttons for the windows, hazard lights, parking brake, vehicle lift system and door locks.
As the eye follows the centre console up the dashboard, there are three simple circular buttons for gearbox operation ‘N’, ‘D’ and ‘R’ above which sits a tactile circular controller with a 1.3-inch digital screen set within it, which is used to adjust the car’s HVAC systems. Touch screen activation paired with a rotating machined aluminium bezel allows the temperature, airflow and intensity to be adjusted. As the centre console accelerates upwards towards the dashboard, two circular air vents are visible, stacked one above the other.
Above the central vents sits a 9.0-inch Alpine touchscreen infotainment system. This gives the driver and passenger access to Apple Car Play and Android Auto with satellite navigation, stereo functionality and Bluetooth phone pairing for hands-free phone and multimedia use. The integration of Apple Car Play and Android Auto future-proofs the F5’s infotainment interface to ensure the system always remains up-to-date.
The leatherwork is supplied by Muirhead, one of Europe’s oldest tanneries. It is applied to hand-crafted interior trim alongside touches of Alcantara, which covers the headlining and stowage compartments to add a further hint of luxury and help manage interior sound levels.
The first Venom F5 is a customer car and is trimmed to their specification in ‘Butterscotch’ leather with black leather and Alcantara accents. There are also a few touches of green in the car, which are placed as a nod to the mantra ‘green means go’. Green is also accented on the ‘drive’ button, the mode selector on the steering wheel, and is accented in leather on the seat bolster – all of which are areas that the driver interacts with directly.
The F5’s pedals are machined from solid aluminium, providing yet another touchpoint that exudes quality and is reflective of the lightweight nature of the F5. The accelerator pedal is narrow and floor-hinged, while the brake pedal is wide and hinged from above. In the passenger footwell, there is a small compartment that stores a tool kit by default, but customers can also personalise the storage space to meet their own requirements.
Carbon Fiber Chassis
This achievement sets the tone for the rest of the car where lightness features in every component to achieve the 1,360kg total dry vehicle weight.
The all-new Hennessey-designed carbon chassis features an intricate carbon weave in a herringbone pattern down the center line of the car. Molding the carbon fiber interior and exterior parts required more than 600 separate bespoke pieces of tooling. During the car’s three-year engineering development significant time has been spent on perfecting the chassis and body of the car to achieve lightness, leading to torsional rigidity, and purpose-led beauty.
The exterior body panels are also constructed from high-strength carbon fiber for weight saving. The lightweight doors and door sills highlight the extent of carbon fiber engineering that features on the F5. By integrating the sills as part of the door structure, the Hennessey team avoided the ingress and egress challenges of some other hypercars.
The carbon-fiber tub also plays an important structural role, which is clear to see within the engine bay. Here, a pair of substantial braces link the double-wishbone suspension directly to the monocoque. This transfers forces to the exceptionally rigid carbon fiber shell, aiding the car’s stability, road holding, and predictable handling even at high speed and under extreme cornering loads.
The intrinsic strength of carbon fiber enhances occupant safety in the event of an accident. The carbon fiber body joins an aluminum subframe where engine and suspension components connect. The subframe components are engineered to deform in the event of an accident to absorb the energy of an impact and protect the passenger cell.
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