2024 Hennessey Venom Mustang 1000 runs at 300kph with Christmas tree on roof

MANILA: Hennessey, a hypercar and high-performance vehicle maker located in Texas, has set a new unofficial holiday record by accelerating its Venom 1000 Mustang GT500 to 192mph (312kph) while carrying a lit Christmas tree on the roof. The achievement occurred during the 2022 Christmas season at the Continental Tire Proving Grounds in Ulvade, Texas.

Based on the most powerful factory-produced Mustang of all time, the stock Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 boasts a hand-built supercharged 5.2-liter V8 with a 2.65-liter Roots-type supercharger nestled on top.

Hennessey's Texas team upgraded the iconic pony car with a high-flow induction system, new fuel rails and injectors, and an air/oil separation system. In addition, fittings, lines, belts, and tensioners are upgraded, and the dual-clutch transmission is recalibrated for its high-output role. The result is the 2023 Hennessey Venom 1000 Mustang GT500, which is rated at 1,000 bhp and 850 lb-ft of torque on 93 octane pump gas.

The road-legal 2023 Hennessey Venom 1000 Mustang GT500 was driven by professional race car driver Spencer Geswein under blue Texas sky and temperatures in the mid-fifties, and it did so without incident. This is true even though an evergreen that is festooned with festival lights really adds to the drag (and holiday pleasure).

The only modification made specifically for the run was the removal of the factory under-hood "rain tray" to improve airflow. The car, a prized 2022 "Golden Ticket" GT500, was painted an extremely uncommon but festive-looking shade of green called "Eruption."

John Hennessey, company Founder and CEO: "Our annual ‘Christmas Tree Run’ serves two roles for our growing company. First, testing our performance at a proving grounds is a great opportunity to validate our engineering – the Venom 1000 delivers impressive numbers. Second, adding the seasonal twist allows our hard-working team to end the year with some high-speed fun before they slow down and enjoy their families for the holidays."

Meanwhile, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged cross-plane crank V8 engine that churns out a maximum power output of 760hp and a maximum torque of 847Nm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed Tremec dual-clutch transmission, enabling higher acceleration, responsiveness, and performance.

The car also features a Magneride damping system that uses sensors to monitor body and wheel motion thousands of times per second to adjust shock absorber stiffness and enable quick responsiveness to varying road conditions. It also comes with red-painted Brembo brake calipers that are designed for the heat and performance demands that the brake system requires when the car is on a track.

Other performance-enhancing features include a 3.73 Torsen limited-slip rear differential; magnesium tower-to-tower brace; electronic line lock and launch control; MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar front suspension and independent integral link with stabilizer bar rear suspension; selectable drive modes (Normal, Sport+, Track, Drag/Strip, Wet mode); magnesium paddle shifters; aluminum front bumper beam; unique front fascia, fenders, grille, and front splitter; and active valve performance exhaust system with quad exhaust tips.

For better handling, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is engineered with improved chassis stiffness and precise steering response. It also features an increased front track width and lower ride height to enhance track capability and lateral grip.

The new Mustang Shelby GT500 is designed to highlight its performance qualities inside and out. Its exterior design features LED headlamps with signature lighting, LED tail lamps with sequential tri-bar turn signals, a unique hood with self-centering hood pins, distinctive front fascia, vinyl over-the-top racing stripes, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, and a larger front radiator block-off plate. It is also equipped with 20” x 11.0” flow-formed high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and large ventilated SHW brake rotors.

On the inside, the car comes with a rotary gear shift dial, Shelby-exclusive aluminum instrument panel trim, Recaro leather-trimmed with Miko Suede seats, four-way manually adjustable driver and two-way manually adjustable front passenger seats, leather- and Alcantara-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and Ford Performance aluminum scuff plates.

For a smarter ride experience, the new Mustang Shelby GT500 comes with Track Apps located in the instrument cluster, providing performance metrics. Meanwhile, the accelerometer shows lateral and longitudinal g-forces, acceleration times and lap times, and countdown starts.

The cabin also comes with a host of comfort and convenience features including dual-zone automatic temperature control, intelligent access with push-button start, illuminated visor mirror, power windows with global open and front one touch-up/down function, remote start system, and an electric parking brake.

It is also equipped with a 12-inch LCD digital instrument cluster with MyColor, Sync 3 enhanced voice recognition, communications, and entertainment system. The cockpit also features an eight-inch capacitive center touchscreen with swipe capability and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

To ensure greater safety whether on-track or on-road, the new Mustang Shelby GT500 comes with electronic stability control, Belt-Minder safety belt reminders, and an individual tire pressure monitoring system. It is also equipped with dual-stage front airbags, knee airbags, front-seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags.

Photos from Hennessey, Ford Philippines

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