THE GIST: Hennessey has revealed the Blackbird, a $2.5 million supercar inspired by the SR-71 spy plane. Limited to 71 units, it pairs an 800-850 hp naturally aspirated V8 with a six-speed gated manual transmission and can sprint to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds on the way to a 220 mph top speed.
Hennessey’s next supercar is named after a jet from the 1960s and has all of the features of a car from the same era. The Blackbird was inspired by the iconic SR-71 spy plane as a throwback driving machine.
The two-seat coupe is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 that sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed gated manual transmission with exposed linkage.
It has a fully analog interior layout with dials, knobs and buttons and no screens. Infotainment will be provided via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto directly from a smartphone connection.
The Blackbird is constructed with a carbon carbon fiber body and tub and has a targeted weight of less than 3,000 pounds. Its exterior styling pays homage to the SR-71 with inward-canted tail stabilizers, while the quad exhaust honors the X-1 jet that Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in.
The engine is being developed by Ilmor to rev to 9,000 rpm and crank out 800-850 hp. Hennessey says the car will be able to accelerate to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 220 mph, but is geared toward engaging and comfortable grand touring, rather than the raw performance of its current Venom F5.
The Blackbird rides on a computer controlled adaptive suspension and offers better sound insulation and visibility than the Venom F5, along with four cupholders and storage space for two carry-on bags. Sky Glass roof panels will be an available option to give it more of a jet cockpit feel.
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Pricing has been set at $2.5 million and orders are limited to 71 cars. Hennessey says more than two thirds have already been spoken for ahead of the car’s public reveal at The Quail classic car event in Carmel, Calif., on Aug. 14. Unfortunately for reservation holders, production and deliveries are slated for 2029-2030.
