Have you ever wondered what it would be like to drive one of the world’s fastest cars? I’ve got just the experience for you. I was fortunate to ride in the Hennessey Venom F5, a car designed to crush speed records and throw you back into your seat with raw, unfiltered power.
In this review, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about the Venom F5—from its insane engine to its stunning design—and we’ll also dive into what makes this hypercar truly special on the road. Spoiler: It’s not for the faint of heart.
The Heart of the Beast: Fury Engine
Let’s start where the magic happens: the engine. The 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that powers the Hennessey Venom F5 is appropriately named “Fury.” Trust me, they aren’t exaggerating. This beast cranks out 1,817 horsepower and 1,617Nm of torque. Just let that soak in for a minute.
To keep the engine cool during full-throttle runs, it relies on massive turbos the size of dinner plates, a water-cooled intake, and—get this—three fuel pumps. You burn fuel like mad with this much power. We’re talking about 12 mpg on a good day, and that’s with a whopping 90-liter tank.
All that power? Yep, it’s sent to the rear wheels only through a seven-speed robotized manual gearbox. The Venom F5 isn’t just about straight lines either—it’s much more. But let’s talk speed because that’s what you clicked for, right?
So far, Hennessey’s taken it up to 272 mph, but they’re shooting for a world record-setting 310 mph. Theoretically, it could go as high as 334 mph. We’ll just have to keep an eye out for when that happens. For now, let’s talk about what it feels like to experience this power.
Performance That Throws You Back
Imagine rolling through second gear, easing into the throttle, and suddenly it feels like everything around you is warping. That’s what a full-throttle run in the Venom F5 feels like. And yes, I screamed a little—okay, maybe more than a little.
The Venom F5 can hit 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. For context, that’s faster than your average supercar and right up there with the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport. But the Venom F5 does it differently. It’s raw, it’s visceral, and you feel it in your bones.
Braking and Handling: Stopping the Rocket
Let’s be real: when you’ve got 1,800+ horsepower under you, having reliable brakes is kind of a big deal, and the Venom F5 doesn’t disappoint. It’s equipped with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes all around, with six-piston calipers up front and four at the rear. These brakes are designed to handle forces up to 1.4G under braking.
Yes, that’s serious stopping power, but you have to push them hard to get there. They feel more like race car brakes than something you’d find on a regular ride.
When you’re cruising through tight, twisty roads, the double wishbone suspension and adjustable coilovers keep the car flat and composed. The steering is meaty but precise, giving you real confidence through the corners.
Now, I won’t lie—the Venom F5 does demand respect. It’s not the kind of car you throw around lazily. But once you get a feel for it, the handling is shockingly approachable. In many ways, it’s like a Lotus Elise on steroids.
Bespoke Design… For Speed
The Venom F5 is far from just a souped-up engine on wheels. Every bit of its design screams performance while still looking gorgeous. What do I love most? Every vent, every line, serves a function.
For example, the front splitter channels air over the car, and the side vents smooth airflow along the body. Even the huge air intakes at the rear feed air directly into that monstrous V8.
Speaking of looks, the Venom F5 has won the prestigious Red Dot Award for Automotive Design, which is a big deal. Think of it like the Grammys but for industrial design. Not only does it look fast—it is fast.
Interior: Function Meets Style
Step inside, and it’s a bit of a surprise. For a hypercar, the interior is remarkably simple yet full of luxury finishes like leather and carbon fiber. The yoke-shaped steering wheel (just like a race car, not a Tesla) gives it that futuristic vibe, while controls for things like the climate and windows are laid out neatly.
Sure, there are a few quirks. The seats feel raised, but Hennessey promises a lower seat option coming soon—enough low that even an NBA player can fit comfortably. Yes, they sold one to a 6’7 NBA player, and he fits!
There is not much storage space and there is only one cupholder, so you might miss those, but this is not your daily driver. What it lacks in practicality, it more than makes up for in raw, no-holds-barred hypercar privilege.
A Few Annoying Things
No car’s perfect, even at this level. Here are a few quirks I noticed:
- It’s loud—like really loud. Phone conversations? Forget about it.
- You need to run E85 fuel to unlock the full 1,817hp. Lower octane fuels reduce power to a “measly” 1,542hp.
- Dash reflections in the windshield can be pretty distracting, especially with a light-colored dash.
- The pedal box is tight, and your foot can slip under the brake pedal—not great.
- The indicators don’t auto-cancel, and there’s no sound. You won’t know if they’re on or off.
Cool Features to Make it All Worth It
Despite the minor gripes, the Venom F5 has some seriously cool features:
- The theoretical top speed of 334 mph still blows my mind.
- This is one of the lightest hypercars around, weighing in at just 1,385 kilos.
- It’s got soft-close doors—because even a beast can be a bit civilized.
- The front-end lift feature prevents you from scraping the pricey carbon fiber splitter, which auto-lowers at higher speeds for better aerodynamics.
- And let’s be honest, it screams America with all its Texan pride and US flags embroidered right into the leather.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy One?
So, where do we land? At a cool £2 million, the Hennessey Venom F5 isn’t exactly something you find at your local dealership. And if you’re thinking about scooping one up, well, you’re a bit late—the coupe is sold out. Don’t worry, though—a roadster version is on the way with only 30 available.
If you like your hypercars raw, wild, and unapologetically fast, the Venom F5 is your all-American hero. Sure, it’s a bit rough around the edges, but that’s what makes it stand out. It’s more than just a car—it’s an experience.
FAQs
What is the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution?
The Venom F5 Revolution is a track-focused variant of the Hennessey Venom F5 hypercar. It has been optimized for high performance, with enhanced aerodynamics, increased downforce, and track-specific features, all while retaining the car’s insane power capabilities.
How fast is the Venom F5 Revolution?
The Venom F5 Revolution is equipped with the same 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine found in the standard Venom F5, which generates 1,817 horsepower. Its top speed is estimated to exceed 300 mph, though it is more optimized for track performance rather than achieving record-breaking speeds on straight roads.
How much does the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution cost?
The Venom F5 Revolution is priced at approximately $2.7 million, reflecting its exclusive design, limited production, and cutting-edge engineering focused on extreme performance.
How many Hennessey Venom F5 Revolutions are being made?
Hennessey has announced that only 24 units of the Venom F5 Revolution will be produced. This makes it a highly exclusive car, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who seek both rarity and performance.
What makes the Venom F5 Revolution different from the standard Venom F5?
The Revolution features a range of track-specific upgrades, including a more aggressive aerodynamic package, larger front and rear wings, and improved suspension systems. Compared to the road-oriented standard version, these modifications improve the car’s handling and downforce, making it more appropriate for high-speed track conditions.
What is the engine specification of the Venom F5 Revolution?
The Revolution comes with the 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, capable of producing 1,817 horsepower and 1,193 lb-ft of torque. This gives the car incredible acceleration and top-speed potential, both on the road and track.
Is the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution street-legal?
While the Venom F5 Revolution is designed primarily for track use, it is street-legal in many countries, though its performance capabilities make it more suited to controlled environments like race tracks.
How does the Venom F5 Revolution compare to other hypercars?
The Venom F5 Revolution competes with other top-tier hypercars such as the Bugatti Chiron, Koenigsegg Jesko, and Pagani Huayra. The Revolution is focused on controlling track performance, providing outstanding handling in addition to raw speed, whereas many of these vehicles strive for top speed records.
What special features does the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution have?
Some key features include:
- Active aerodynamics with large front and rear wings for downforce.
- Lightweight carbon fiber construction, aiding in its agility and speed.
- Track-tuned suspension and brake systems to optimize control at high speeds.
Where can I buy a Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution?
The Venom F5 Revolution is available directly through Hennessey Special Vehicles. However, due to its limited production run, you may need to act quickly or inquire about availability via its official website or trusted luxury car dealerships.
