Great Machines: Driver's Notebook: Pick Your Poison
June 1, 2008
John Hennessey would rather show than tell. "And that’s how you hit 150 [mph]," says Hennessey as he rolls his right foot off the throttle of his latest creation—the Venom 650R. The steroidal Dodge Viper SRT10’s 678 hp V-10 bellows through the hills just north of Malibu. Biting down on the asphalt of Pacific Coast Highway, the 19-inch Michelins leave black rubber marks, like snake tracks in the sand. "Lots of cars can hit 60 mph in under four seconds, but where this car excels is at the top end," he explains.
Hennessey claims the 2008 SRT10 model requires little massaging to cut down unnecessary weight and eke out a bit more horsepower. Lightweight brake rotors save eight pounds each, while stainless-steel exhaust headers, new catalytic converters, and a high-flow air filter improve the already stout 600 hp stock V-10. Compared to Hennessey’s Venom 1000 Twin Turbo SRT conversions—which are cumbersome to drive at safe road speeds due to an over-the-top engine output of 1,000 hp—the 650R modifications offer heightened performance without the threat of losing traction at low revs.
After a short time at the wheel on a local canyon road, it is obvious that the 650R is quicker than the regular Viper, and handles better through hairpin turns. "We use a similar KW coil-over suspension to the Dodge Viper ACR," says Hennessey, "which gives the driver more feedback in turns and creates a better sense of the road through the steering wheel."
In addition to the performance upgrade, which uses 645 ft lbs of torque to catapult the Viper from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, Hennessey offers a VenomAero body kit to improve airflow and downforce. A lower and longer front fascia reduces wind resistance, while a larger rear spoiler keeps the rear end planted at high speeds. Hennessey Performance Engineering plans to convert 100 Dodge Viper SRT10 coupes and convertibles into 650R models. But for those who long for more power and exclusivity, the Texas-based tuner has teamed up on a special project with their Lone Star State neighbors at Neiman Marcus.
"For the last 11 years we have featured a specialty car in the Christmas book, but Hennessey didn’t really fit the holiday season," says Ginger Reeder, a spokesperson for Neiman Marcus. "So when we decided to launch the spring men’s catalog, we got the ball rolling with Hennessey and he created the perfect car for Father’s Day."
The Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Venom 700NM is essentially the same vehicle as the Venom 650R, but the addition of Hennessey’s high-flow cylinder heads boosts the horsepower rating up to 700 and the top speed to 214 mph. Only seven cars—each with a black-and-red leather interior, matching luggage, and serial numbered dash plaque—will be offered for $179,500. The cost also includes a flight to Lonestar Motorosports Park for a track day at Hennessey’s High-Performance Driving School.
"It’s a strong cup of coffee," says Reeder. "It exudes power and is not a car that the owner will drive every day." Hennessey agrees: "Cars are like golf clubs. Everyone should own a putter, 5-iron, 7-iron, and a driver for different fields of play. Our cars are Big Berthas."
Reeves Callaway, owner of Corvette tuner Callaway Cars and son of the late Big Bertha builder Ely Callaway, may challenge that assertion.
Hennessey Performance Engineering, www.hennesseyperformance.com
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