Hennessey has built its reputation on chasing outrageous numbers. The Venom GT became synonymous with record-breaking speed, while the Venom F5 pushed that philosophy further with a bespoke carbon-fibre platform and a twin-turbo V8 engineered for extreme performance. The new Blackbird takes a noticeably different route. Rather than pursuing the highest possible top speed, Hennessey has created a naturally aspirated, manual hypercar focused on long-distance driving, mechanical engagement and analogue character.
Its inspiration comes from the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, and the connection runs much deeper than the name. The car adopts a long, low stance, crisp body-side chine line and active vertical stabilisers that deploy automatically at 71 mph, set at plus or minus 71 degrees as a direct reference to the aircraft’s designation. Aerospace influence also appears in the diamond-shaped quad exhaust, inspired by the Bell X-1, alongside Formula 1-style side pods and LMP1-influenced winglets.
Power comes from an all-new 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 developed with Ilmor Engineering. Hennessey is targeting 800 to 850 hp and an engine speed beyond 9,000 rpm, with performance estimates of 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 220 mph (354 km/h). Drive goes exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed gated manual gearbox, while a full-carbon tub and carbon-fibre body help keep the target weight below 1,360 kg.
The cabin continues the analogue theme with no conventional infotainment screen, no digital displays and no steering-wheel buttons. Instead, there is a large central tachometer, a physical ignition key and exposed gear linkage, with navigation and smartphone functions handled discreetly through a connected device. Despite the old-school philosophy, adaptive suspension, ABS and traction control remain.
Only 71 examples will be built in Texas, priced from USD $2.5 million before taxes, with customer production targeted for 2029 to 2030, once production of the Venom F5 has finished.
