2011 Hennessey Venom GT (720p)

American-designed and built supercars are on the comeback, it seems, with the Devon Motorworks GTX coming to this weekend's Pebble Beach Concours and now Hennessey Performance Engineering previewing its Venom GT Concept for the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Originally announced way back in 2007, the Venom GT has gone through several iterations while still on the drawing board. The latest - and likely final, at least for the concept - reveal a car that's likely to prove uncompromisingly fast. From a sub-2,400-pound curb weight to its Hennessey-built V-8 engine rated at 'up to 1,200 horsepower', the vehicle is a recipe for crushing performance. Estimated figures put the 0-60 mph dash at 2.4 seconds, 0-100 mph in a shifter-kart-beating 5.3 seconds, and a face-stretching top speed of 272 mph. With a mid-engine, rear-drive layout, dynamic rear-wing aero and low-slung profile, it's sure to be a solid handler as well. Though the design is strongly reminiscent of the Lotus Exige -- upon which it appears to be based, though Hennessey claims no association with Lotus Cars -- the car is also original and attractive enough to win its fair share of fans on looks alone. Taken together these three key elements - speed, handling, design - form the basis for all successful supercars, so Hennessey may just have a winner on its hands. Until it hits the streets, however, it's just vaporware. Hot, nasty, awesome vaporware.

Added 1 Apr 2026