It's surprising F5 hasn't been used for a facelifted car before now really. It is the refresh keyboard button after all. But that's not what it means in the context of the
Hennessey Venom
as here 'F5' relates to the highest ranking on the Fujita Scale. Which measures tornados.
Appropriately enough also the latest Hennessey creation will literally be as fast as a the most ferocious tornados also. The original Fujita scale placed an F5 tornado as one with winds of between 261 and 318mph. Hennessey believes a top speed of 290mph is 'within reach' for the Venom F5.
How? More power, of course. Official figures haven't been released yet with the car still in development but over 1,400hp has been suggested as 'conceivable' with bigger turbos and upgrades to the fuel system and intercooler.
But of course power will only get you so far when the air has to be cleaved at over 250mph so the Venom's aero has been modified also. The drag coefficient is now 'below 0.4Cd' from 0.44 with the same combination of diffusers, wings and venturis keeping the Venom stable at speed.
The F5 will be heavier than the Venom GT's 1,244kg but a kerbweight of below 1,300kg is promised. Combined with the additional 200hp over the GT Hennessey believes it will surpass the original car's ludicrous acceleration too (0-186mph in 13.63 seconds and 200mph in 14.51 seconds).
Aiding those stats will be a single clutch paddleshift gearbox. But don't worry, there's a manual should you wish. Buyers of the F5 won't be able to forego a stability and traction control system though. Hennessey partner Don Goldman says "Of course, the Venom F5 retains the raw, explosive edge that makes the Venom GT such a thrill ride... but these changes will make the F5 easier and more satisfying to drive, day in and day out." Big girls.
Hennessey will reveal the Venom F5 fully next year before going on sale in 2016. At least 30 will be produced at a price in excess of $1.2 million. The issue now for Hennessey is that 13 of the original GTs are still to find customers. Could be a tough sell now.
