- Hennessey has unveiled the Blackbird as a brand-new model with a three-screen setup that, according to the manufacturer, is built into the car’s interior.
- The Blackbird will feature a naturally aspirated V8 with 800-850bhp, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a 0-60mph time of under 3.0 seconds.
- The company plans to launch 71 examples of the Blackbird in Texas in 2029, with prices starting at $2.5 million (excluding taxes).
For details, see Autocar and Top Gear.
American supercar maker Hennessey has introduced the Blackbird as its latest model, positioning it against its own Venom F5. According to the company’s materials, it is capable of producing the equivalent of 800-850bhp, with the top speed limited by the car’s software rather than by any electronic screens.
Described by Hennessey as a supercar with an “atmospheric” V8 developed by Ilmor Engineering, the Blackbird is said to deliver 800-850bhp, accelerate from 0-60mph in less than 3.0 seconds, and reach a maximum top speed of 220mph. Autocar reports a redline of 9,000rpm.
The Blackbird’s transmission, as promised, sends power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Autocar also says the car has a dry weight of less than 1,360kg (3,000lb), thanks to a bespoke carbonfibre tub and carbonfibre bodywork, while Top Gear adds that it should be “well under 1,400kg”.
Both outlets note that the technical details are not the only thing being taken from the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane of the 1960s. Autocar says the design is inspired by the aircraft’s nameplate, as well as its overall shape; Top Gear also points to how designer Nathan Malinick translated the SR-71’s features into the car’s design.
On the inside, the car reportedly uses a digital instrument cluster: the speedometer and tachometer are the only elements on the display, while the rest of the information is handled by a dedicated screen for the driver. Autocar also says the starting point for the 71 customer Blackbirds planned for Texas in 2029 will be $2.5 million (excluding taxes). The company’s materials note that the interior layout is designed to be “dated the minute that it lands”, with the aim of preventing the screens from becoming outdated.
Autocar adds that 71 customer Blackbirds are planned for Texas in 2029, with prices starting at $2.5 million (excluding taxes). The company’s materials also say that the design director Nathan Malinick, who oversaw the project, explained that the screens were designed to “date the minute that it lands”, in order to solve the problem of screens becoming outdated.