New $1.25-million Venom GT2 hypercar to kick out 1,500 horsepower

Texas auto tuner Hennessey Performance Engineering has lifted the veil on its latest turbocharged road demon: the Venom GT2.

According to Hennessey, the $1.25-million hypercar, which will debut in late 2013, packs a 7.0-liter twin turbo V8 engine producing up to 1500 horsepower.

Check this out: The new Venom is expected to zip from zero to 60 mph in just 2 seconds, finish a quarter-mile drag race in 8.8 seconds and have a top speed of 287 mph.

PHOTOS: Hennessey Performance Engineering’s Venom GT2 hypercar

Company founder John Hennessey said there have been aerodynamic improvements to the modified Lotus Elise body, specifically changes to the side mirrors, roof and front air dam.

There is a seven-speed paddle shift transmission option available.

The new Venom features increased headroom with a double-bubble roof, he said. The windshield, dash and cockpit is Lotus stock.

“The Venom GT will continue to offer the best power-to-weight ratio for any hypercar available on the market,” Hennessey said.

The Hennessey team is currently building the 10th production Venom GT. That vehicle boasts 1,244 horsepower.

Hennessey has been in business in Texas since 1991. This year, the company expanded its business to Southern California when it added a new facility in Lake Forest.

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