Hennessey sets convertible speed record

The open-top version of the Venom GT beat the existing convertible speed record, set by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport Vitesse, by more than 11mph (17.6 km/h). While the record was not Guinness recognised (neither was the Bugatti's), it was certified by US company Racelogic, an independent speed-testing firm.

 

The delay between setting the record and announcign is believed to be so the announcement could co-ordinate with the third anniversary of Bugatti's open-top speed record.

 

Driver for the new record run was Brian Smith, director of the Ford Performance Racing School.

 

The Venom GT is capable of 0-60mph in less than 2.4 seconds and has been tested from 0-200mph in less than 13 seconds.

 

The Spyder record comes on the back of a 270.4mph (435km/h) record set by the hardtop Venom GT in 2014. There's some dispute over this record, though; it was not Guinness-recognised as it did not consist of an average speed from a two-way run, or come from a minimum production car run of 30 units. However, Guinness do recognise the Venom GT's 0-300km/h standing-start record of 13.63 seconds.

 

The Venom GT Spyder is based on the Lotus Exige, but features a longer wheelbase, lightweight body and a number of other modifications.

 

Power comes from a twin turbo Chevrolet 7.0-litre V8, producing 1,451bhp @ 7,200rpm (1082kW) and 1,287lb/ft @ 4,200rpm (1,744Nm) - 149kW more than the previous Venom GT Spyder. The RWD Spyder puts its power down to the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres via a Ricardo 6-speed manual gearbox.

 

To mark the new world record and celebrate Hennessey's 25th Anniversary, a limited run of just three 'World Record Edition' Venom GT Spyders will be built, at a cost of US$1.3 million each (AU$1.73 million approx.) plus taxes.

 

Hennessey's "standard" Venom GT Spyder can be built in RHD to order, with the lightweight convertible also available with options including a bare carbon fibre body finish, interior by Stefano Ricci, and sound system designed by Aerosmith's Steven Tyler.

 

In related news, Tyler's own Venom GT Spyder, a 2012 model and the first Spyder built, is being auctioned for charity, with a starting price of US$1.1 million (AU$1.45 million approx.).