The 2020 Ford
Mustang Shelby GT500 isn’t a slouch as its supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine
produces an impressive 760 hp and 846 Nm of
torque. That’s nothing to sneeze at, but Hennessey is taking things up a notch
as they have announced three performance packages for the upcoming muscle car.
The base model is
called the Venom 850 and, as the name suggests, it features an upgraded engine
that produces 850 hp and 982 Nm of torque. This
is possible due to the use of a new supercharger, high-flow catalytic
converters, a high-flow air induction system and stainless steel long tube
headers. The car also features a host of minor styling changes including
embroidered headrests, exterior badges and an individually numbered dash plaque
signed by John Hennessey.
Sitting in the
middle is the Venom 1000 which produces 1000 hp and 1151 Nm of torque. It builds on the entry-level model by adding a
3.0-liter supercharger, an upgraded fuel system and an improved intercooler.
The car also has undisclosed transmission upgrades. On the downside, the 3 year
/ 36,000 mile warranty drops to a 1 year / 12,000 mile warranty.
The range-topping
Venom 1200 produces 1200 hp and 1354 Nm of
torque. The changes to this model are pretty extensive as the 5.2-liter V8
engine eschews the supercharger for a new twin-turbo setup. The engine has also
been outfitted with new pistons and rods.
Like the Venom
1000, the Venom 1200 has an upgraded fuel system, an improved intercooler and a
beefier transmission. There’s also a new stainless steel exhaust and a high-flow
air induction system. There’s no word on how much the cars will cost, but the
standard Shelby GT500 will arrive at dealerships this fall and reportedly be
priced from US$ 70,300 – excluding a US$ 1,095 destination and delivery fee as well
as a US$ 2,600 gas guzzler tax.
