2006 Hennessey Viper Venom

Hennessey Performance Engineering was established in 1991 by John Hennessey in Sealy, Texas and focused on mechanical component modification and building high-performance automobiles. One of the earliest offerings was the Hennessey Venom 650R package on the 1996 Dodge Viper GTS, which transformed it into one of the fastest road legal cars in the world. To the cost of $37,000, the vehicles received numerous upgrades which tuned the engine to 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Larger brakes, suspension modifications, and various other tweaks to handle the power allowed the car to go from zero-to-sixty mph in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 215 mph.

In 2006, Hennessey introduced the Venom 1000 Twin Turbo Viper which had a 0-60 mph time in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 255 mph. The V-10 engine was completely modified and the suspension and brakes were upgraded to cope with the power. The bodywork was honed for improved aerodynamics with an aggressive extended nose resulting in a unique and distinct appearance. The upgrades added an additional $87,000 to the base price, bringing the total to $225,000.

Production was limited to just 24 examples. The 522 cubic-inch V10 engine received twin Garrett Ball Bearing turbos with large intercooler, polished stainless-steel inlet tubes, custom intercooler hoses with T-clamps, and external wastegates. Stainless steel was used for the Turbo Headers, Turbo Down Pipes, and exhaust system. The hydraulic lifters were upgraded, a custom prepared crankshaft installed, as well as Manley Pro Forged Steel Rods. The pistons were JE Forged Aluminum with JE Forged Steel Wrist Pins. It had a custom heavy-duty axle with Hoops and a Quaiffe differential. The fuel injectors, pump and fuel lines were upgraded, the transmission was a six-speed short shift unit, and the suspension used 3 way Custom Coil Overs. Hennessey Racing wheels wrapped 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels hiding red calipers and large brakes. The interior featured Custom Hennessey leather seats with sticking/logo embroidery, 5 point harnesses, and extra boost gauge.

The Twin Turbocharged V10 engine calibrates launches with a computer-regulated progressive power delivery system that starts at 800 horsepower and increases to its peak of 1,100 beginning at 120 MPH. Road & Track magazine performed a 0-200 shootout in their September 2007 issue, with the Hennessey Venom outperforming the Bugatti Veyron to 200 MPH by four seconds. It completed the standing mile at a speed of 220.9 MPH. Motor Trend did a similar story in their June 2006 issue, where the Venom was victorious in the all around supercar shootout.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2020