Hennessey is by no means a one-make tuner, although it does tune a lot of Chrysler engines. It also produces upgraded versions of the Bentley Continental GT, Corvette Z06, Shelby Cobra GT500 and Porsche GT2. However, at present, the Venom 1000 is the most amazing.
Hennessey Venom 1000
Hennessey has not wasted time in getting to work on the 2008 Dodge Viper – here is the 1,000 bhp Venom. Yes, the 600 bhp 8.4 liter engine is tuned to develop 1,000 bhp at 5,100 rpm, with 1,100 lb ft (1,490 Nm) at 3,800 rpm. That is a stupendous amount of torque, sufficient to shred tires and mangle most drive-shafts! Only 24 of these amazing cars are being built.
Hennessey starts off by increasing the stroke of the engine to increase capacity to 8,550 cc, and then adds twin Garrett turbos with ball bearings to reduce friction and turbo lag. It also adds a large air-to-air intercooler in the front.
To complement the power, the Quaife limited slip differential is upgraded, ands there is adjustable traction control – probably working whenever you put your foot down! The wheels and tires are massive, though, with 19 inch by 10 fronts, and 20 inch by 13 rears, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires.
The Brembo brakes are also upgraded, and to keep the car on the ground there is extra aerodynamic aids in the form of a front airdam, rear diffuser and spoiler.
Needless to say, the Hennessey Venom 1000 is amazingly fast – as fast as anything around, although the mid-engined Bugatti and SSC are likely to get their power onto the road better than any front-engined car however powerful. But the Venom 1000 is up there with them.
Hennessey quotes a top speed of 255 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds. The car will get to 100 mph in under 6 seconds Fearsome stuff.
Supercharged Chrysler 300C SRT-8
If you fancy a hotter version of the Chrysler 300C SRT-8, which is already pretty damn quick– or other Chryslers with the Hemi-head V-8 - you can have an upgrade. A ram air induction pipe will help a little, but if you relaly want to burn rubber, then the supercharged upgrade is for you. The supercharged unit produces 600 bhp.
You can go even further with the Shelby Cobra GT500, which produces 500 bhp as standard. Hennessey produces versions with 620, 650 or 750 bhp, all highly supercharged. The mid version produces its 650 bhp at 6,100 rpm, and is good for a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds.
Hennessey also works on Porsche engines, and is now offering hotter versions of the 911 Turbo and GT2. Despite being based on the existing 3.6 liter flat-six and original turbos – modified, along with many other components – you can get upgrades to 590, 650 or even 700 bhp. Wow! Hennessey really means power!
