There could be a new American supercar around soon if one the best know tuners has its way. Hennessey, which tunes Chrysler/Dodge engines, wants to build a very quick 8.5 liter supercar.

Of course, there is a question mark hanging over this project because Chrysler/Dodge is on the verge of bankruptcy and has to prove it is viable by the end of March. It seems to be doing this by hypeing up its electric vehicles, despite the fact that electric vehicles themselves do nothing for global warming. It would do better to concentrate on more niche products – but not gas guzzlers.

So, whether Hennessey Venom GT will see the light of day in production remains to be seen. However, it is a slow-slung mid-engine coupe that looks the part.

Designed by British auto designer, Steve Everitt, the Venom GT is a sleek looking coupe, with suspension based on that of sports racing cars. The engine will be Hennessey's potent Venom 1000 Twin Turbo Viper V10 8.5 liter engine, which develops 1,000 bhp. Not quite as much power as the SSC Ultimate Aero TT, but this will be a lightweight car weighing in at around 2,700 lb (1,225 kg), which would be very light. The engine will be coupled to either a 6-speed manual or sequential transaxle.

Henessey expects the car to have a power-to-weight ratio of 800 bhp per tonne, which is very high, and enough to accelerate the Venom GT to 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds, and to 180 mph in around 14 seconds. The Venom GT is seen not seen as a competitor for the Bugatti Veyron, but a much more sporty and less luxurious car.

Hennessey said, 'The company already has existing Venom 1000 Twin Turbo clients interested in ordering the lighter, mid-engined Venom GT. Right now we are taking a serious look at building two concept cars that could be shown to the public sometime in 2009. If there is enough demand we may consider doing a very limited production run of the Venom GT.'

Not sure when production is scheduled - or if it is - but the plan is to build it at Houston, Texas.

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