Ford’s new F-150 for 2021 can be had with a powerful 5.0-liter V-8 putting out 400 horsepower, but that’s only half as “good” as the 2021 Hennessey Venom 800.
Texas-based Hennessey is known for its upgraded models that after the company is done with them are often among the fastest vehicles in the world. While Ford’s Raptor had been the option designed to satiate the thrill-seekers among F-150 owners, the new Venom 800 seems ready to assume that role.
The 800 in the name gives you an idea of what coming from underneath the hood on the new Venom: 805 horsepower and 747 pound-feet of torque. This new model is more powerful than the all-new Hellcat-powered Ram TRX by about 100 hp, the company said.
(Ford shows off custom F-150 during virtual SEMA event.)
Like most Hennessey creations, it starts with your average F-150 Super Crew with at 5.0-liter V-8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, plus 4-wheel drive. From there, the company adds 3.0-liter supercharger putting out 8 psi of boost pressure.
“We’ve only used our Venom trademark on a small number of very special vehicles in the 29-year history of our company,” said John Hennessey, founder and CEO. “We feel that the new F-150 with our 805 bhp Supercharged upgrade is worthy of the Venom name.
Additionally, the engine gets a high-flow cold air induction system, upgraded fuel injectors, upgraded fuel pump system, stainless steel exhaust system, E85 flex-fuel sensor and chassis dyno engine calibration. All of these upgrades result not only in the previously mentioned boost in horsepower, but proportionally improved performance numbers.
(First Drive: 2021 Ford F-150.)
In 4-wheel drive, the Venom 800 races 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and posts a quarter mile time of 11.9 seconds at 116 mph, the company says. Going fast means there’s a need for plenty of stopping power and the Venom 800 gets an upgraded Brembo braking system with 6-piston calipers and huge 15.1-inch cross-drilled steel rotors. That’s all sitting under on- and off-road capability 20-inch Hennessey wheels with 35-inch all-terrain tires.
The off-road suspension system gets with upgraded shocks with external reservoirs and a 6-inch lift. To ensure pedestrians know what they’re looking at, it gets a Hennessey Venom front bumper upgrade with LED lights, Hennessey front grille upgrade, plus a slew of “exterior branding and serial numbered plaques in the interior and engine compartment.”
If you want one, you’d better move fast: they’re building just 100 of the beasts. Hennessey does make relatively easy to order a truck as they’re sold directly through Ford dealers, although they do need to be authorized to sell them, so some legwork is required to find out if the dealer nearest you is one.
(Jurassic Drive: Hennessey unleashes new beast — VelociRaptor 6×6.)
The total turnkey cost for the for a Venom 800, including 2021 Ford F-150 Platinum 4X4 Super Crew truck and three-year/36,000-mile warranty, is $149,500 not including delivery.
