Roaring Hennessey Venom F5 Shoots Endless Flames on Its Way to Over 250 MPH

In the world of ultra-limited hyper sports cars, America has a proud name keeping up with tradition: Hennessey Performance Engineering. The Sealy, Texas-based aftermarket company and small-series automaker currently has the Venom F5 to showcase for itself. It is a 1,817-horsepower, ultra-limited and ultra-expensive, sold-out model.

So, naturally, everything needs to be perfect. Otherwise, those affluent owners would easily ruin the hard-earned, three-decade-long reputation of the outlet with possibly irremediable consequences. No worries, though, as it seems Hennessey is diligently conducting all the testing in the world. And since their own Pennzoil Proving Ground seems outmatched by the Venom F5, they’re using other venues for the high-speed shenanigans.

Or rather we should call them “high-speed stability and vehicle dynamics” evaluations. The company is also adamant that even though it’s probably the first time we are witnessing the “F5 Mode” get unlocked, this is still “not a top speed test.” Logically, we are now wondering when those are going to begin, considering that even now they’re already exceeding the 250+ mph (402+ kph) threshold.

In exchange for our patience, just like a few days ago, we are getting another sample of the twin-turbocharged V8’s prowess. This time around, though, this Venom F5 is liberated from the confines of a chassis dyno facility and onto the high-speed strip of the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds in Florida.

As such, all the roaring and gear-change flame shooting happen in broad daylight. Now, all that is exciting. But of course, everyone will just call it another hot appetizer (pun intended) for the main course. And that one would be the ultimate trial to go after the production vehicle world speed record, as Hennessey has made vows to exceed the 300-mph marker (483 kph)… and perhaps even the 500 kph (311 mph) barrier!