Modern hypercars can change gears faster than you can decide which one you want. Hennessey’s Blackbird would prefer you did the work yourself. Revealed on August 3, the Texas-built touring hypercar comes exclusively with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed gated manual. Not only has your left foot been recalled from retirement, but this car also wants to bring you back to the days when cars were still unadulterated.
Hennessey’s third hypercar, following the Venom GT and Venom F5, uses an Ilmor-developed, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 targeting 800–850 hp and more than 9,000 rpm. No turbos. No hybrid assistance. Performance targets include 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.5 seconds and 220 mph (354 km/h). These remain development targets, not numbers recorded on somebody’s exceptionally exciting commute.
A bespoke carbon-fiber tub and body target a dry weight below 3,000 lbs (1,360 kg). Adaptive inboard suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, ABS, and traction control complete the package. Manual does not mean entirely unsupervised.
The Lockheed SR-71 inspiration includes active vertical stabilizers deploying at 71 mph (114 km/h)—a clear nod to the legendary stealth reconnaissance aircraft, plus an optional canopy-inspired Sky Glass roof. Gullwing doors handle entry, while Bell X-1-inspired diamond exhausts handle the farewell.
Inside, there are no built-in screens or steering-wheel buttons. You get an exposed shift linkage, physical ignition key, analog controls, and a large central tachometer. Navigation, CarPlay, and Android Auto use your device in a dedicated holster.
Touring provisions include more cabin space than the F5, premium audio, room for two carry-on bags, additional storage, and four cup holders. Hennessey wants comfortable 800-mile (1,287-km) days. Hence the beverage infrastructure.
Production is targeted for 2029–2030, priced from US$2.5 million before taxes. All 71 cars are already allocated; the remaining slots disappeared within four hours of its public debut. Plenty of people still want to change their own gears. But as it appears, 71 of them have significantly more car budgets. And if you haven’t already realized, 71 planned units are also a homage to the SR-71. That’s a nice touch. Though probably not quite for the super-rich who failed to secure a unit.
Images: Hennessey Performance.
