Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution: new Roadster version arrives with 1817bhp
Limited to just twelve units, the F5 Revolution Roadster packs a monstrous twin-turbocharged V8 and a removable carbonfibre roof
Following the coupe, Roadster and Revolution, Hennessey has announced yet another version of its phenomenal Venom F5 hypercar; and it could be the most visceral yet. Debuting at the The Quail next week, the new Venom F5 Revolution Roadster combines the ferocious power and track focus of the F5 Revolution with an open-top bodystyle – just twelve units will be produced at $3m apiece (c£2.36m), and each has already been sold.
The fundamentals are the same as the reworked Revolution model that broke cover at the beginning of the year, building upon the standard F5 (if there ever was such a thing) for more grip and immediacy on track. At the Revolution Roadster’s core remains a carbon monocoque chassis, with Hennessey’s twin-turbocharged 6.6-litre ‘Fury’ V8 mounted in the middle and generating 1817bhp and 1193lb ft of torque.
As with the Revolution coupe, the engine breathes through a central roof scoop behind the passenger compartment, with the Revolution Roadster featuring a removable roof panel for unfiltered access to the snarling V8. Like the rest of the body, the roof is built from carbonfibre and is secured by four quick release bolts and a pair of latches. Weighing just 8kg, removing the panel is a one-person job, according to Hennessey.
For the Revolution Roadster, Hennessey has fitted a tempered glass viewing window in place of the coupe’s solid carbon engine cover, and the aero setup is extreme with front dive planes, an extended splitter and an enormous carbon rear wing. No downforce figures have been disclosed, but for reference, the Revolution coupe is said to generate up to 363kg of downforce at 186mph and 635kg at 249mph.
Where the standard F5 is geared towards ultimate top speed (Hennessey originally predicted it would top out at 300mph), the Revolution is set up for the track; there’s no word on exact performance figures, but Hennessey promises that it’s the most exciting, capable version of the F5 yet.
As such, the base car’s automated single-clutch transmission has been modified for track use (which could entail tweaked software and shortened ratios), and the Revolution features new geometry for its double wishbone suspension. The dampers are also manually adjustable to tailor the car for different tracks, and the Revolution is lighter than the standard 1360kg F5 coupe (it’s uncertain whether the open-top version carries a weight penalty).
In keeping with its track-oriented brief, the Revolution is equipped with a data logging system to display lap times, splits and cornering forces both real-time and after a session. At $3m, the Revolution Roadster is the most expensive F5 of all, eclipsing the Revolution coupe’s $2.7m asking price.
