Hennessey Performance Engineering has been doing crazy stuffs in the past few years. It has been transforming 4x4 vehicles into 6x6 monstrosities. Not only that, it can make an already powerful Ram 1500 TRX more potent by evolving it into the Mammoth 1000.
But Hennessey isn’t just about powerful transformations. It also has its own potent offering that can put almost any car to shame in terms of power and speed – the Venom F5. After several years of development, teasing and publicity efforts, Hennessey finally unleashed the insanely powerful Venom F5 in 2021.
Hennessey plans to build only 24 examples of the Venom F5 – selling all of them out just shortly after the unveiling of the hypercar. But the company had just started. Hennessey had hinted back then on the impending arrival of another venomous hypercar.
Now, Hennessey is unveiling the new hypercar to the global public at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in Monterey, California. Dubbed as the Venom F5 Roadster, this new 2022 hypercar takes the thrill to a new level with an open-top option.
Venom F5 Roadster And Coupe Are Hypercar Twins
Hennessey has assigned its Hennessey Special Vehicles division to build the Venom F5 Roadster out of its base in Texas. The Venom F5 Roadster and Venom F5 Coupe are essentially twins, with the open-top version borrowing the mechanicals and some exterior elements of the fixed roof model. Both feature a carbon fiber monocoque chassis as the main backbone.
From the front through the sides and to the rear, the Venom F5 Roadster is undeniably the Venom F5 Coupe sans the fixed roof. Nevertheless, there are still a number of physical, cosmetic and emotional elements that distinguish the Venom F5 Roadster from its fixed-roof sibling.
Just like the Venom F5 Coupe, the Venom F5 Roadster comes powered with Hennessey’s twin-turbocharged, 6.6-liter ‘Fury’ V8 engine. This mill can provide up to 1,817 hp of max output, with an automated single-clutch gearbox sending power to rear wheels.
Interestingly, the Fury V8 engine is viewable from the outside thanks to a new tempered glass engine viewing window. Located in the middle of the rear engine cover, this panel -- developed and certified for use in jet aircraft – is able to withstand aerodynamic forces beyond 300 mph and temperatures above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Venom F5 Roadster Is Engineered To Achieve 300 MPH
Hennessey engineered the Venom F5 Roadster to achieve a top speed that exceeds 300 mph. Via a combination of high power, lightweight construction (dry weight of under 3,100) and great aerodynamics, Hennessey expects the open-top monster to become the fastest convertible in the world. Interestingly, the company’s very own Venom GT Spyder holds the current record of around 265.6 mph.
Whether the Venom F5 Roadster can really surpass the record of the Venom GT Spyder, the answer lies in the capabilities of its fixed roof twin. During a test run, the Venom F5 Coupe managed to go as fast as 271.6 mph. In paper, the Venom F5 Coupe’s power, gearing, weight, and aerodynamic drag should allow it to reach a top speed of 334 mph. The company is confident the hypercar can set a new speed record at around 310 mph.
Open Top Driving With A 1,817-HP Hypercar
Nevertheless, the Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster offers something the Coupe cannot -- a new visceral level of road driving achievable only via an exposed cockpit. In such as setup, the driver can hear the screams and roars of the 1,817-hp Fury engine sans any obstruction. Of course, when elements don’t allow an open-top drive, the driver can still find refuge through a removable roof panel that Hennessey crafted from rigid carbon fiber composites.
Thanks to its construction, the removable carbon fiber roof is fully insulated against the elements, for a weatherproof drive. To ensure that the panel can withstand the overwhelming acceleration capabilities and extreme aerodynamic forces at high speeds, Hennessey secured it with four quick-release bolts and a pair of high-strength latches. Lined with soft Alcantara upholstery, the single-piece roof panel weighs just 18 lbs, which means even one person will find it easy to remove or install.
Only 30 Examples Set For Production
Hennessey gave the Venom F5 Roadster a new set of unique wheels in a bid to set it apart from the Coupe that is now all sold out. The open-top hypercar rides on forged from aluminum alloy wheels with seven pairs of spokes, each resembling an elongated Hennessey ‘H’. The outer face of each rim features a milled ‘Hennessey’ script, and the ‘Roadster’ script on the opposite side. Customers may also upgrade Hyper Silver wheels to an exclusive highly polished aluminum.
The company plans to build just 30 examples of the Venom F5 Roadster, with production set to commence in late 2022. Hennessey is giving customers the chance to specify their hypercar according to their taste and preferences, especially in terms of exterior and interior colors. Of course, they could also opt to leave carbon fiber areas exposed, in either gloss or satin finish.
According to Hennessey, validation of the high-speed capabilities of the Venom F5 Roadster will to occur as the production rate levels out.
Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering