Former GM Exec to Lead Hennessey’s Quest for Speed Record

Houston-based tuner Hennessey Performance Engineering has tapped former General Motors Co. engineering executive John Heinricy to take over the development of the company’s ultra-fast Venom F5 hypercar.

Hennessey aims to surpass the 300-mph barrier with the F5 (pictured), which would make it the fastest car in the world. The current record of 278 mph was set last year by a Koenigsegg Agera RS.

Heinricy retired from GM after a nearly 40-year career with the carmaker. During his tenure heading GM’s performance operations, he oversaw the development of the Cadillac CTS-V and Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Heinricy also has won several races as a driver on the SCCA circuit.

At Hennessey, Heinricy will serve as chief engineer for the F5. He previously had worked as a consultant on the project and helped Hennessey test several other cars in the past.

Previous reports said Hennessey plans to begin testing a prototype of the Venom F5 early next year and complete validation before year-end. The car’s power will come from a 7.6-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that is expected to produce 1,600-plus hp and 1,300 lb-ft of torque.

Production will be limited to 24 vehicles.