Hennessey Venom F5 Aims to Hit 290mph

Hennessey Performance already has proven its abilities to hit insane speeds, with their kitted out Venom GT, and its recent record-breaking 270mph run at the Kennedy Space Center. But never ones to rest on their laurels, the company is working on a new model, dubbed the Venom F5, with a target top speed of an eyeball popping 290mph.

The Venom F5 is named as such because of the wind speed of an F5 tornado, which ranges between 261 and 318mph. Its body has seen refinements from the Venom GT, and looks more modern and substantial to us. And its body changes aren’t just cosmetic, they’re aerodynamic, reducing the car’s drag coefficient from 0.44 to below 0.40.

Despite weighing 119 pounds more than the Venom GT, the 2,866 pound F5 is expected to blow through the existing acceleration records set by its older brother. A custom twin-turbo V8 is being developed with the potential of outputting an astounding 1,400 horsepower or more. Drivers will be able to opt for a single-clutch paddle shift transmission or a manual transmission. Of particular note, the stability and traction control system will leverage GPS data to optimize safety and control in varying locations.

The company plans on making at least 30 Venom F5s, and plans on showing the first completed vehicle in 2015, with customer deliveries in 2016. While pricing hasn’t been announced, it’s expected to go for more than the Venom GT, which sells for $1.2 million. So if you can just save up about $100,000 a month, you should be able to afford one by the time they’re in production.