Hennessey bringing 1,451-hp Venom GT to SEMA

The 2016 Venom GT can reach 60 mph from a stop in 2.4 seconds.

American tuner Hennessey has announced plans to introduce an even more extreme version of the record-setting, Lotus-based Venom GT at the SEMA show that will open its doors next week in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Power for the 2016 Venom GT is provided by a twin-turbocharged, 7.0-liter V8 engine that generates a volcano-awakening 1,451 horsepower -- 207 more than the outgoing model -- because it's now capable of running on E85 Flexfuel. The coupe hasn't been officially tested on a track yet, but Hennessey estimates it will be capable of reaching 60 mph from a stop in 2.4 seconds, 100 mph from a stop in 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of over 280 mph.

The company explains it went to great lengths to ensure the GT remains the fastest production car on the planet.

"Being the fastest matters. We are intent on keeping the Venom as the fastest, best performing and most exciting hypercar on the road," affirmed John Hennessey, the man who founded the company that bears his name in 1991.

Hennessey estimates that production of the updated Venom GT will be extremely limited because it's busily putting the final touches on a brand new model dubbed F5 that will raise the bar in terms of power, speed, and performance.