Hennessey

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 07, 2024

Joe Rogan Takes Delivery Of His Brand New Hennessey Veloc...

Joe Rogan adds a new Hennessey to his collection. While most of the world knows Joe Rogan as an A-list celebrity, who hosts the most listened-to podcast (The Joe Rogan Experience) and UFC commentator, the team at Hennessey Performance knows him as the ultimate car guy. With an impressive collection of cars that features everything from a Gunther Werks Porsche 911 to an ICON 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser, it's clear that Joe truly loves all things automotive. Joe Rogan has just taken delivery of his new 2024 Ford Raptor R, now equipped with the Hennessey' Freedom Series' VelociRaptoR 1000 package. Joe traded in his MAMMOTH 1000 RAM TRX for this new Raptor R, finished in a striking Shelter Green. The VelociRaptoR 1000 upgrade transforms the Ford Raptor R into the ultimate off-road machine, taking its performance to new heights. The package includes a high-flow air induction system, upgraded fuel injectors, and a larger supercharger, resulting in over 1,000 horsepower. An upgraded intercooler and a custom stainless-steel exhaust system guarantee optimal power delivery and an aggressive exhaust note. Hennessey Performance's VelociRaptoR 1000 stands out as an example of its dedication to pushing the limits of automotive engineering. For Rogan, this upgrade means even more off-road fun, in addition to it being the perfect daily driver. With this new Hennessey Performance addition to his collection, Joe Rogan continues to show why he's one of the coolest car collectors on the planet. View all Ford Raptor Rs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford Raptor Rs For Sale Source: Hennessey Performance

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 12, 2024

Joe Rogan Joins John Hennessey For A Ride In The 1,817HP ...

Now, we're wondering when Joe Rogan will have one sitting in his garage. Along with being a world-renowned comedian and host of the most listened-to podcast on the planet, Joe Rogan also stands out as a passionate car collector who wholeheartedly appreciates the engineering that goes into building supercars and hypercars. Based in the great state of Texas, Joe Rogan's car collection now features a 993 Gunther Werks Porsche 911, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Sick Fish, 2005 BMW E46 M3, 1969 Chevrolet Nova, 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, 1993 Porsche 964 911 RS America, 2008 SharkWerks Porsche 997 911 GT3 RS, and a 2021 Ford Raptor Hennessey Velociraptor 600 just to name a few. Sticking on the topic of Texas and high-performance cars, Joe Rogan recently met with John Hennessey in Houston to experience all that the Hennessey Specialty Vehicle's Venom F5 Revolution hypercar has to offer. Posted on Hennessey Performance's Facebook, John and Joe stand proudly in front of the American-made hypercar before hopping in to unleash all 1,817 horsepower on the open road. The caption reads, "Just a couple of Texas boys ready to embarrass all of you on Grand Parkway with their 1817 HP @joerogan @john_hennessey_texas." The spec chosen to give Joe Rogan the ride of a lifetime? A stealthy gloss black Venom F5 Revolution coupe optioned with silver satin-finished wheels, yellow carbon ceramic brakes, and tons of carbon aero upgrades. The Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution was engineered to push the boundaries of speed, thanks to its monstrous 6.6L twin-turbocharged V8 nicknamed 'Fury'. A jaw-dropping 1,817 horsepower and 1,193 lb-ft of torque gives the Venom F5 a top-tier position as one of the fastest cars ever built. Performance-wise, the Venom F5 Revolution is built to exceed 300 mph, with a mind-blowing 0 to 60 mph time of less than 3 seconds. While a video of the high-speed ride-along has yet to be released, you can most definitely guarantee that John Hennessey left a memorable smile on Joe Rogan's face with the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution. View all supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Supercars And Hypercars For Sale Source: Hennessey Performance Facebook

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 12, 2024

Top Celebrity Deliveries Of The Hennessey Venom F5 Hypercar

The ultimate American hypercar is making its way into celebrity garages. Hennessey is known for being at the forefront of American performance, with custom creations that push the boundaries of power, speed, and engineering capabilities. However at the top of Hennessey’s expansive portfolio is Venom F5, the hypercar that continues the legacy of the Hennessey Venom GT in displaying unfathomable performance and revolutionary engineering. The Venom F5, along with its open-top Roadster counterpart, and the F5 Revolution and Revolution Roadster, are all seeking to break records and redefine hypercar excellence, journeying towards breaking the 300-mph threshold of top speed, and also breaking records on the track, like David Donohue did with the F5 Revolution at Texas’s Circuit of the Americas. With its exclusivity, prestige, and incredible performance, the Hennessey F5 Venom and all of its variants are ending up in celebrity car collections nationwide, from athletes to entrepreneurs and more. Here are some of the most famous new owners of the Hennessey Venom F5 hypercar. View All Exotic Cars For Sale Image Source: Hennessey via Instagram Michael Jordan Known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan took delivery of his F5 at his personal golf course. Read More Image Source: Robert Herjavec via Instagram Robert Herjavec Finished in bright red, the famed entrepreneur and Shark Tank star brought his new Hennessey Venom F5 hypercar to Jay Leno’s Garage to show it off to a friend and another prolific car collector. Read More Image Source: Hennessey Rafa Martinez The famed car collector now has three examples of the ultra-exclusive hypercar, with two featuring configurations inspired by 90s Dodge Vipers, and an F1-inspired configuration for his new F5 Revolution. Read More

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 21, 2024

Shark Tank Investor Robert Herjavec Visits Jay Leno In Hi...

The Shark Tank star now holds the keys to one of the fastest hypercars on the planet! In the world of supercars and hypercars, there's a unique blend of diversity and unity that brings people together. It's a space where enthusiasts from various backgrounds find common ground, sharing stories and passions over the roar of engines and sleek designs. Among the almost infinite list of celebrities, athletes, and influential individuals who call themselves car lovers, Croatian-Canadian businessman and Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec is proud to consider himself an avid collector. With a growing garage that currently features icons like the Ferrari LaFerrari and Ford GT, Robert was excited to share his newest purchase during a visit to Jay Leno's Garage. In a sea of Jay's rarest and most collectible examples, the spotlight is on Robert's brand-new Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster. Sporting a head-turning red finish with plenty of exposed carbon components, the Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster stands out as the most popular American-made hypercars on the market. Even with its top removed for a visceral driving experience, the Venom F5 beautifully harnesses all 1,800 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged V8 engine nicknamed 'Fury.' Robert Herjavec expresses his love for the Hennessey by saying "brutal acceleration and amazing performance - and an absolute blast to drive ! Not sure who was smiling more - Jay or me !" in an Instagram post. Along with a walk-around and test drive of Robert's Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster, Jay Leno also opened up the doors to his collection to showcase everything from vintage Bugatti's to modern McLarens. Now that the Hennessey Venom F5 resides in Robert's possession, we cannot wait to see him enjoying it on roads and tracks in the future. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Robert Herjavec (@robertherjavec) Source: @RobertHerjavec Instagram

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By Tyler Rampersaud – November 30, 2022

Hennessey Congratulates Jason Camper On His Future New "H...

Hennessey fans are green with envy for this car. Hennessey’s Venom F5 Roadster is an incredible performance machine and undoubtedly an example of the pinnacle of hypercar engineering. With an incredible top speed said to eclipse a once-impossible 300 mph, the vehicle is incomparable and simply unfathomable. Collectors like entrepreneur Jason Camper who look to get their hands on the latest and greatest in the automotive world simply had to have the Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster, and that’s why Camper is currently having one made. MUST READ: Makes And Movements: Hennessey Venom F5 x Skeleton Concept Venom F5 In an Instagram post congratulating him on his upcoming new hypercar, Hennessey showed off the unique configuration that Jason Camper chose to have his F5 Roadster finished in. Called the “Hulk” spec, Jason Camper’s Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster will be finished in lime green paintwork with accents throughout in a deep, contrasting blue. Hennessey says that the car is set to be completed in 2023, and as the manufacturer continues its journey to prove the mythical-sounding 300-mph anticipated top speed, Camper will surely have one of the fastest and most unique machines out there. View All Vehicles From Hennessey For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hennessey Performance (@hennesseyperformance) Source: Instagram/Hennessey

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By Tyler Rampersaud – September 07, 2022

Jay Leno And Post Malone Drive The New Hennessey Venom F5...

Hennessey takes on the challenge of impressing two auto aficionados. When it comes to pure performance, Hennessey is an expert brand when it comes to delivering speed, power, and engineering that defies the laws and pushes the boundaries of the automotive world of the present, and the new Hennessey Venom F5 is currently the best example. Powered by Hennessey’s “Fury” V8 engine, the Venom F5 boasts 1,817 horsepower and has its sights set on achieving speeds of more than 300 mph. It’s one of the greatest engineering feats in the automotive industry, and one of the world’s greatest performance cars, and comedian and prolific car collector Jay Leno got behind the wheel of the incredible hypercar, and accompanying him was another famous car enthusiast. MUST READ: Post Malone Car Collection That celebrity is rapper Post Malone, owner of quite the car collection, and the pair got to experience the mind-blowing performance of the Hennessey Venom F5, and in turn, the pinnacle of American automotive performance. There’s no doubt that they both enjoyed the car, and to watch them do so, the review will be on the Jay Leno’s Garage show on CNBC and the Peacock streaming service in a week on September 14 at 7 pm. View All Hennesseys For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hennessey Performance (@hennesseyperformance) Source: Instagram/Hennessey

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2018

Hennessey and Post Malone Collab in the Works?

Post Malone and Hennessey Performance (HPE) seem to have something in the works, according to a recent Instagram post from the Texas tuner (see below). The post features a picture of both John Hennessey, the main man behind HPE, and Post Malone. What's interesting is the description, which reads: "There’s only one HPE build big enough for these two weekend warriors.. ? @postmalone and @johnhennesseytexas collaboration coming soon."I honestly have no idea which HPE they could possibly be talking about, but it could mean many things. If they're talking about "big enough" in terms of power, maybe they're referencing the upcoming Venom F5 hypercar. The Venom F5 packs 1600 bhp and suggested top speed of over 300 mph. If they're talking about "big enough" in terms of size, then it could mean the massive VelociRaptor 6x6 (pictured above) or Goliath 6x6.Who knows what it means, but I'm sure we will be learning about it very soon.View Hennessey Vehicles For Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/Bpf4cEBDudq/

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