Hennessey Performance Transforms McLaren MP4-12C from Mild to Wild with HPE800 Twin Turbo

Texas-based automotive tuning company, Hennessey Performance (HPE), has set their sights on taking the new McLaren MP4-12C to a higher level of performance. Today the company is introducing their HPE800 Twin Turbo concept for the 12C. The HPE800 Twin Turbo will include upgrades to the powertrain designed to reliably increase power to over 800 bhp. HPE will also add a more aggressive aero package to the vehicle in order to increase downforce. The Hennessey CarbonAero bodywork will incorporate a new, center-positioned frontal air inlet with hood extractor. This new design will allow room for larger heat exchangers for improved engine intercooling as well as transmission cooling.

“We’ve been taking fast cars and have been making them faster for over twenty years,” said company founder and president John Hennessey. “I spent a lot of time around the new 12C at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed and was very impressed. We’re excited to have the opportunity to take a great car and give it our own special performance touch while giving 12C owners a uniquely aggressive appearance”.

HPE800 Twin Turbo Upgrade Includes:
• Upgraded intercooler system
• Upgraded air intake system
• Upgraded ball-bearing turbochargers
• Hennessey titanium exhaust system
• External wastegates
• External blow-off valves
• Upgraded fuel and engine management system
• Upgraded transmission cooler
• Upgraded transmission clutch system
• Custom dyno-tuned engine calibration
• Hennessey Warranty

Other Upgrades Include:
• Hennessey CarbonAero body upgrade
• Hennessey Monoblock wheels
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires
• Hennessey custom interior upgrades including carbon fiber, Alcantara and leathers

HPE does not plan to offer any kind of a suspension or brake system upgrade as the factory systems will be difficult to improve upon. The company plans to offer the upgrades listed above as an entire package as well as some individual parts. These items will be available directly from HPE facilities located in Texas and Southern California. Pricing has not yet been set.

Source: Hennessey Press Release

Video of Jay Leno Test Driving the Venom GT

The Hennessey Venom GT is a true American supercar. Take a look at this video from Jay Leno’s Garage as Jay takes the Venom GT for a test drive. I looks like Jay really enjoyed driving the Venom GT, with a million dollar price tag we will have to take Jay Leno’s word for it.

Source: Hennessey Press Release

2011 Hennessey Venom GT

The Venom GT simply expresses the supercar that John Hennessey has always dreamed of building for himself.  He wanted a nimble, lightweight, mid-engine chassis with a powerful American V-8 engine.  Maximum power-to-weight ratio is critical for a performance vehicle, and it is the cornerstone to this car.

His dedicated staff of former Bonneville, Formula One and Le Mans race engineers have teamed to design the Venom GT— incorporating many of the best technologies and advanced materials available today. The goal? The best overall performing and best looking road-legal supercar that they could build.

John thanks you for this opportunity to introduce you to the all-new Hennessey Venom GT.

Powering the Venom GT is a 6.2L supercharged LS9 V-8 engine producing 725 bhp at 7,200 rpm.  An available twin-turbocharged V-8 (shown) offers the ultimate power trip delivering up to 1,200 bhp.

Weight is kept to a minimum thanks to the extensive use of aluminum for the construction of items such as the engine block, cylinder heads and intercoolers.  Airflow ducting is a mix of lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum components. Exhaust gasses flow thru a lightweight Titanium exhaust system.  Twin ballbearing turbochargers provide instant throttle response with a never ending mountain of power.

Inside, the Venom GT merges high-tech materials with supple luxury. Machined metal meets carbon fiber—all surrounded by sumptuous leather—to produce an unforgettable cockpit.

Hold on tight to the sport steering wheel as the available 1,000 bhp twin-turbo powerplant will generate an estimated 0-to-60 mph time of 2.7 seconds.  Should you choose the available 1,200 bhp twin-turbocharged engine, you will have the esteemed privilege to use the entire range of the speedometer.

Combined with a super-light curb weight of under 2,685 lbs (1,220 kilos), the Venom GT offers an unmatched power-to-weight ratio.

The Venom GT incorporates an active aerodynamic system that allows for real-time down force adjustments based on actual driving conditions. “The Venom GT is a purpose built thrill ride designed to dominate the competition” says John Hennessey. “This car is for a very select client who demands ultimate performance, but with absolute exclusivity.”

F1 meets road car. To maximize the power-to-weight ratio, the Venom GT utilizes some of the most hightech racing components available today. This includes the use of carbon fiber body panels and hybrid wheels constructed of both carbon fiber and forged-aluminum. Massive Brembo 6-piston alloy brake calipers combine with lightweight carbon-ceramic rotors to give the Venom GT world-class stopping power while simultaneously minimizing curb weight and rotational mass.

The Venom GT has an active suspension system that adjusts ride height according to varying conditions. The system allows a range of adjustment up to 2.4 inches (6 cm), enabling the driver to raise the Venom GT in order to navigate items such as a driveway or a parking garage.

All components aboard the Venom GT are built for purpose, not flash. Lightweight carbon fiber surrounds an alloy shifter that actuates a Ricardo 6-speed manual gearbox. An AP Racing multi-disc clutch transfers the engine’s copious power while remaining easy to modulate.

With lateral acceleration well exceeding 1 g-Force, body support for occupants comes in the form of race-spec, deep-side bucket seats that are constructed of carbon fiber and covered in fine leather.

Source: Hennessey Performance Press Release

2011 Hennessey Venom GT Photo Gallery and Video

Hennessey Performance is pleased to introduce the first official images of its Venom GT supercar. Based upon the Lotus Elise, the Venom GT combines a high-tech, lightweight British chassis with a powerful American V8.

“This is not the first time that Britain and America have joined forces to produce a weapon of mass propulsion”, said company founder and president, John Hennessey. “Over fifty years ago the American-built P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft was flown into history powered by a British Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Today the Hennessey Venom GT promises to set a new standard of power to weight ratio in the rarefied air of today’s supercar market.”

SOMETIMES LESS EQUALS MORE
In the case of the Venom GT, less weight means more performance. The Venom GT will have a production curb weight of less than 2,400 lbs (1,071 kilos) aided by its lightweight carbon fiber bodywork and carbon fiber wheels. Stopping power is delivered via Brembo brakes with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers in rear clamping down on 15-inch carbon ceramic rotors.

SOMETIMES MORE EQUALS MORE
The Venom GT’s base power plant is the supercharged 6.2 liter LS9 V8 (the same as in the Corvette ZR1) tweaked by Hennessey to 725 bhp. The company will also be offering 1000 bhp and 1200 bhp twin turbo V8 engine variants. The mid-engine V8 will transmit its power to the rear tires via a Ricardo 6-speed gearbox.

POWER WITH CONTROL
Hennessey plans to manage power output by using a programmable traction control system. CFD (computational fluid dynamic) tested bodywork and down force will also help keep the Venom stable at speed. An active aero system with adjustable rear wing will deploy under varying conditions on both the road and racetrack. An adjustable suspension system will allow ride height adjustments according to speed and driving conditions. Finally, power will be put to the ground via massive Michelin PS2 tires.

POWERED BY THE USA, BUILT IN THE UK
Hennessey will be building the power plants at its Texas facility. The engines will then be air freighted to the company’s assembly facility near Silverstone, England where the Venom GT is built and tested. Venom GT buyer will be offered a 1-day driver orientation and instruction program by a Hennessey factory test driver, at a track in the UK or USA prior to delivery.

LIMITED PRODUCTION
The company plans to establish a network of Venom GT dealers and distributors in the Middle East, Europe, Russia, Australia and Asia. Production is limited to just 10 vehicles per year and the company already has orders for 4 Venom GT’s.

About Hennessey Performance
Hennessey Performance has been making fast cars go faster since 1991. It operates from a 30,000 square foot workshop and showroom facility situated on 143 acres near Sealy, Texas (about 45 minutes west of Houston). The company also has a showroom and installation facility located in Lake Forest, California. Hennessey Performance offers a wide variety of dyno proven, track tested parts and upgrades for a variety of modern performance vehicles. Hennessey Performance is also the only tuner in North America that operates its own test track – Lonestar Motorsports Park.

(Source: Hennessey Press Release)

Hennessey Performance Venom GT to Debut in Geneva

The VENOM GT will finally make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. If the artist renditions tell the story, this American Supercar will truly be a show stopper. If you have been keeping tabs on this supercar like I have, you probably can’t wait to see the actual photos. The VENOM GT is not only easy on the eyes but will also provide you with all the power you can handle and then some. Remember the VENOM GT is produced by Hennessey Performance Engineering who builds some of the world’s fastest and powerful vehicles.

Read the full press release from Hennessey Performance below.

Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) will be unveiling its VENOM GT supercar to the public for the first time at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The VENOM GT will be powered by Hennessey’s specially-tuned version of the Corvette ZR1’s LS9 engine, which will be both supercharged and twin-turbocharged. With over 1,000 bhp of power on tap, and a curb weight under 2,500 lbs, the mid-engine VENOM GT will boast an astounding power-to-weight ratio of less than 2.5 to 1.

“It goes without saying that I am not the first Texan to come up with the idea of marrying a powerful American V8 with a light-weight British chassis,” says company founder, John Hennessey, referring to legendary tuner Carroll Shelby. “However, I am confident that automotive fans around the world will find our forthcoming VENOM GT to be every bit as earth-shattering as the 289 AC Cobra was back in the early 1960’s”.

The company currently has three orders for the VENOM GT, which is based on a radically modified Lotus Exige S chassis. Cost for the base vehicle with 1,000 bhp is $600,000 US Dollars.

About Hennessey Performance Engineering
HPE is one of the world’s premier automotive aftermarket tuners. The company, founded by John and Hope Hennessey, builds some of the world’s fastest and most powerful sports cars, muscle cars and sport-utility vehicles that have been praised by the automotive media as well as have set numerous world first’s and/or world records. HPE is located at Lonestar Motorsports Park in Sealy, Texas, (just west of Houston, Texas).

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2011 Venom GT Specifications:
Vehicle Type:
• Mid-engine, rear-drive; 2-door, 2-passenger

Dimensions:
• Curb Weight: 2395 lbs

Engine:
• Hennessey 1000 HP V8 Twin Turbo System
• Dry Sump Oil System

Transmission:
• 6-speed Manual

Brakes:
• Front – 15 inch carbon rotors with 6-piston calipers
• Rear – 14 inch carbon rotors with 4-piston calipers

Power:
• 1000 bhp @ 6600 rpm
• 950 lb-ft torque @ 4,800 rpm

Estimated Performance:
• 0-60 mph: 2.2 sec.
• 0-100 mph: 4.9 sec.
• 0-150 mph: 7.9 sec.
• 0-200 mph: 14.5 sec.
• Top Speed: 262 mph

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Purchase Details:
Base Price: $600,000 US Dollars

Build & Payment Schedule: Allow 9 month build time. A $200,000 US Dollar payment is due to confirm an order. A $200,000 payment due after 4 months. Final payment due upon completion.

Options:
• 1200 bhp Engine Upgrade (must use 98 octane fuel): $125,000
• Right Hand Drive: $24,500
• Air Freight Shipping: Call