Jay Leno Takes the Wheel of the 1,800 HP Hennessey Venom F5 and It's Mind-Blowing
'Aaaaaaagh!' That effortless scream from Jay Leno pretty much sums up his exhilarating experience as he takes the ferocious Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster for a spin. Owned by entrepreneur Robert Herjavec, this marvel of modern engineering roared through the Hollywood Hills, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to witness. With only 30 units slated for production, the Venom F5 Roadster is the epitome of automotive exclusivity, and Herjavec's ride is just the second to roll off the assembly line.
The Engine of the Beast
At the heart of the Venom F5 Roadster lies a formidable twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V8 engine, affectionately named 'Fury.' And for a good reason. This mechanical beast churns out an awe-inspiring 1,817 horsepower and 1,193 lb-ft of torque, catapulting the car from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.5 seconds. 'I live in a hilly area; I need the torque to get up there,' jokes Herjavec, making us wonder what vehicles his neighbors might need for a similar climb.
A Peek Under the Hood
The Venom F5 Roadster pushes conventional boundaries with its transparent engine cover, showcasing the Fury V8 in all its glory. Crafted to withstand aerodynamic pressures exceeding 300 mph and temperatures above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, this transparent cover is more than just eye candy; it's an engineering triumph. Moreover, a carbon-fiber monocoque tub forms the car's skeletal framework, bolstered by aluminum alloy subframes and a sleek carbon fiber shell.
Top Speed and Performance
This razor-sharp, meticulously designed Roadster features a seven-speed semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters, channeling its immense power exclusively to the rear wheels. Its speedometer is calibrated to a staggering 311 mph, making you fantasize about taking it to a deserted stretch of autobahn. Currently, it trails the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, which holds the title of the world's fastest production car with a top speed of 341 mph, but the Venom F5 is hot on its tail with a top speed of 330 mph.
The Roadster Experience
Driving the Venom F5 is a visceral experience. The ride height is so low that even compact cars resemble SUVs from its cockpit. 'It's almost scary fast!' exclaimed Robert as the duo hit the highway. Despite being only 44.5 inches in height and weighing a mere 2,998 pounds, the car maintains remarkable stability at high speeds, delivering a ride quality that mimics that of a grand tourer, but with mind-boggling acceleration.
Minimalist Luxury
The cabin is a study in minimalist luxury, featuring a blend of high-quality leather and carbon fiber elements. Space is tight, making even celebrity passengers like Jay Leno and Robert Herjavec appear slightly cramped. Nevertheless, the symphony of sounds emanating from the Fury V8 more than compensates for the lack of room. Every downshift unleashes a roar reminiscent of a beast preparing for a hunt, prompting Herjavec to humorously declare, 'My wife is never getting into this car.'
Exclusive Design Details
Hennessey's attention to detail extends to the dihedral doors—named for their unique upward, butterfly-like opening—which even caught Herjavec by surprise with their elegance. Once a color is chosen by a customer, it's retired, ensuring each Venom F5 remains one-of-a-kind. Complementing this are the wheels: 19-inch forged aluminum alloys at the front and 20 inches at the rear, epitomizing style and function.
The Future of Hypercars
Adding to the allure, Herjavec awaits his highly-anticipated Mercedes-AMG One, a hypercar designed for the racetrack but legal for the roads. The company's first-ever hypercar made a significant impression on him during a test drive on the Valencia Formula 1 circuit. Remarkably, even at a staggering $2.75 million, the Mercedes-AMG One is still cheaper than the $3 million Venom F5 Roadster.
In wrapping up their adventure, the duo couldn't help but marvel at the extraordinary engineering prowess and sheer thrill encapsulated in this one-of-a-kind machine. As Leno's joyous exclamations echo through the hills, it's evident that the Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster is more than just a car—it's an experience.