In a quest to push the boundaries of speed, Hennessey Performance faced a significant setback during a high-speed test of their Venom F5 hypercar at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The Texas-based manufacturer was testing a new aerodynamic setup for the Venom F5, aiming to validate its impressive performance claims when the vehicle lost downforce at 250 mph, resulting in a crash.
On Monday, Hennessey Performance’s founder, John Hennessey, shared on social media that the Venom F5 prototype was showing promising acceleration figures when the incident occurred. He praised the resilience of the vehicle and the efficiency of first responders, noting that the test driver emerged unscathed. “The fuel tank, engine oil, and gearbox oil system remained intact, indicating that these were not the cause of the fire,” Hennessey said. He attributed the crash to a compromised hydraulic hose at the rear of the car, which led to a loss of control.
The Venom F5, renowned for its 1,817 horsepower and a top speed claim of 311 mph, was undergoing tests on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway. The car’s aerodynamic setup, crucial for maintaining stability at extreme speeds, was put to the test, but an unforeseen failure led to the crash. The model being tested was likely the track-focused Venom F5 Revolution Coupe, known for its significant downforce capabilities – more than 800 pounds at 186 mph and over 1,400 pounds at 249 mph.
Hennessey emphasized the importance of thorough testing, especially when pushing the limits of automotive engineering. “We will evaluate the aerodynamic data to determine the root cause,” he stated, reinforcing the company’s commitment to safety and performance.
The Venom F5, introduced in 2017, boasts a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and a carbon fiber chassis. It accelerates from 0 to 124 mph in just 4.7 seconds. The vehicle, with its lightweight construction and massive power output, represents the pinnacle of Hennessey’s engineering prowess. Despite the setback, the company remains focused on refining their hypercar to achieve new records.
This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with high-speed testing and the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. Hennessey’s transparency and swift response highlight their dedication to safety and innovation in the hypercar industry.
Elizabeth Puckett
[…] Hennessey Performance has once again pushed the boundaries of speed with their Venom F5, setting a new half-mile speed record at 221.92 mph on an unprepared surface. This remarkable achievement occurred during a routine engineering session, not a dedicated record attempt, showcasing the car’s extraordinary capabilities. The Venom F5 surpassed the previous half-mile speeds of the Rimac Nevera and Bugatti Chiron Super Sport by 15 mph and 28 mph, respectively. […]