American performance powerhouse Hennessey has reached a new pinnacle of speed. The Hennessey Venom GT has officially set a new world speed record for two-seat sports cars, clocking in at a staggering 270.49 mph (435.31 km/h). This achievement marks a historic moment in automotive history, as the Venom GT officially dethrones the Bugatti Veyron.
The secret to this velocity is a monstrous 7.0-liter twin-turbo GM-sourced V8 engine that pumps out 1,244 horsepower.
“I knew the car had it in it, but it’s a thrill to officially validate the Venom GT’s 270-mph speed,” said Hennessey CEO Don Goldman. “Venturing anywhere above 200 mph—let alone 270—is not to be taken lightly, and we’re elated to have accomplished our goal.”
The record-breaking run took place on February 14, 2014, utilizing the 3.2-mile Space Shuttle landing runway at the Kennedy Space Center. It was the perfect setting for a car that feels more like a rocket than a road vehicle. Watch the video below to witness the moment the Venom GT made history.
Photo: Hennessey Performance
