The Hennessey Venom F5 was introduced in November 2017 with one goal in mind, that is to bag the title of the world’s fastest production car. The custom-built F5 packs a monstrous 1,600 hp and 1,762 Nm of torque, with power sent exclusively to the rear through a seven-speed single clutch automatic transmission.

Now, does being the fastest in the world really matter? Company founder John Hennessey told Autocar, “for our clients, being the fastest really matters. They want it to be the best. The last car went 270 mph (434 km/h) and was still pulling, but it had a massive amount of downforce and drag; it had a drag coefficient of 0.44.”

The F5 will feature a carbon-fibre structure with metal subframes front and rear. Its shape is aerodynamically modelled based on its projected top speed of 301 mph (484 km/h), and it will have a full-length undertray as well as a deployable rear wing. Hennessey quotes a drag coefficient of 0.33, but the figure may be improved before the first production model arrives.

Unlike the Venom GT which made 1,261 hp from a twin-turbocharged 7.0 litre GM V8, the Venom F5 will pack a larger 7.4 litre unit and the output touted aren’t just numbers plucked from the sky.

“That was the number we decided we needed,” said Hennessey. “By our calculations, we can hit 300 mph (482 km/h) with less than 1,600 hp, but I always like to feel I’ve got more power in case it’s hot or we’re running at higher altitude,” said Hennessey.

“The seven-speed gearbox is “about the only thing we’re outsourcing. It’s similar to the one the Koenigsegg guys use,” he added. For tyres, Hennessey said Michelin will give its full technical support to “make sure we have a proper tyre for the speeds we want to run. What really matters is the load capacity of the tyre and what load is being generated at each corner.”

Speaking on the record breaking attempt, Hennessey said, “Christian [von Koenigsegg] had the balls to come and take our record in the US, so maybe we should take it back there.” Last year, Koenigsegg snagged the coveted title from the Venom GT with an Agera RS, which was one of five records set in a day.

Hennessey plans to build just 24 units of the Venom F5. Currently, a dozen units have already been ordered, each costing US$1.6 million (RM6,359,200) before options. Besides Hennessey, just three other automakers are keen being part of the 300 mph club – Bugatti, Koenigsegg and McLaren.

Hennessey Venom F5