After several delays, Hennessey Performance has released the first official images of the Venom GT supercar.

Based on the Lotus Elise/Exige, the Venom GT "combines a high-tech, lightweight British chassis with a powerful American V8." Speaking of the latter, power comes from a supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8 engine (from Corvette ZR1 fame) with 725 bhp (541 kW / 735 PS). If that doesn't seem good enough, Hennessey will also offer 1000 bhp (746 kW / 1014 PS) and 1200 bhp (895 kW / 1217 PS) twin-turbo V8s.

Thanks to carbon fiber bodywork and carbon fiber wheels, the Venom GT has a curb weight of less than 2,400 lbs (1,071 kilos). This enables the 1200 bhp model to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 272 mph (440 km/h). If Hennessey is correct, the Venom GT will easily surpass the Bugatti Veyron's top speed of 254 mph (408 km/h). Should that fail to impress you, Hennessey also says the Venom GT will rocket from 0-100 mph (161 km/h) in 5.3 seconds, 0-150 mph (241 km/h) in 8.9 seconds, and 0-200 mph (322 km/h) in 14.3 seconds.

Other performance goodies include a Brembo braking system (with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers in rear clamping down on 15-inch carbon ceramic rotors), a Ricardo six-speed gearbox, a programmable traction control system, an adjustable suspension, and Michelin PS2 tires.

Production will be limited to 10 units a year, and four have already been sold. Hennessey has previously stated the 1000 bhp model will have a base price of $600,000 (€444,863 / £400,154).

According to John Hennessey, "This is not the first time that Britain and America have joined forces to produce a weapon of mass propulsion. Over fifty years ago the American-built P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft was flown into history powered by a British Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Today the Hennessey Venom GT promises to set a new standard of power to weight ratio in the rarefied air of today's supercar market."

Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT Officially Revealed [Video]

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