The most underrated car: The Hennessey Venom GT

 

It might not be first class for luxury, nor at first glance will it spin heads. But is this such a bad thing? The Venom may look like an outdated Lotus Exige (from which the Venom's model is based upon), but look again. It may not carry the reputation or have the popularity of its competitors from Bugatti and Koenigsegg, but one thing that the Venom has over them is speed… and lots of it. Well, here’s why you'll never be able to forget about the Venom. The GT currently holds the Guinness Book of world records for being the fastest production car in the world; after achieving a top speed of 270.49 mph. But how long will Hennessey hold onto its crown?

 

Before we jump ahead let’s bring in some juicy numbers to tell you why this beast of a machine is capable of achieving such an astonishing speed, well the American’s have been able to build the car on fairly simple properties. Reduce weight and increase power, leading to an output of 1244 bhp (Brake Horsepower). Yeah, you guessed it brainiac. More power than a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport (which delivers a measly 1200 bhp), the Venom accelerates from 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds and from 0-300 kph in 13.63 seconds and it weighs a remarkable 1244kg. Interested in buying one? Well you’re going to need to come up with a cheque of £742,000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hennessey Venom GT has caused quite a storm in the speed world; both the Germans and the Swedish are not pleased. So what are the previous speed kings going to do about it in an attempt to regain their crown? Well for starters, Bugatti has secretly announced that they will be working on creating a Bugatti Ultimate Veyron (not so much of a secret now ‘ey) with breath-taking results. It is estimated to have around 1600 bhp and capable of reaching a top speed of 288 mph, with the power to weight ratio of one to one and accelerates from 0-60 mph in under 1.8 seconds and will set you back £4,456,000. On the other hand, Koenigsegg has introduced the One:1; a hypercar that delivers an immense 1340 bhp with an estimated top speed of 273 mph and comes with a hefty price tag of £1,426,000 . So already we are seeing tight competition between America and Europe, and the last thing these guys need is more competition. Yet here’s exactly what they’ve just got; remember the SSC Ultimate Aero that defeated the almighty Bugatti Veyron 16.4? No? Well it did, and now they’ve returned with an all new model called the Tuatara. This freak of nature has some eye watering statistics; estimated to deliver 1700 bhp from its mighty 6.9 litre supercharged V8 engine. Weighing in at 1250kg, goes from 0-60 in 2.5 seconds, and reaching a theoretical top speed of 276 mph with a price tag of £832,000. That is quite a recipe for a car on a mission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know, I know, too many numbers. Well look at it this way, on paper the Bugatti Ultimate Veyron looks like top dog in this “speed war”. However, reality doesn't always favour the "top dog". The Veyron is also the heaviest of all its competitors, with a curb weight of 1600kg. But it does have four wheel drive, giving it better traction of the line. On the other end of the spectrum, the American SSC Tuatara is the lightest out of all of its competitors. My point is we won’t know who the true king is until they are put on the tarmac and put through their paces. All we know is it’s going to be one hell of a show. One that's certain to quench your need for speed, so sit back, hold on tight and enjoy.

 

Who do you think will come out on top?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about the vehicles reviewed check out their websites at:

http://www.venomgt.com/

http://www.koenigsegg.com/, http://www.koenigsegg.com/models/one1/

http://www.sscnorthamerica.com/tuatara.php