Hennessey reveals Blackbird with naturally aspirated V8 with manual gearbox

New Delhi:Hennessey has revealed the Blackbird, a new limited-run hypercar inspired by the iconic Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft. Unlike the Venom F5, which focuses on outright speed, the Blackbird has been made to deliver a more engaging driving experience. 

It gets a naturally aspirated V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, a six-speed manual gearbox and a distraction-free, screenless cabin. Production is limited to 71 units, with customer deliveries set to start in 2029.

Production of the Blackbird will start at Hennessey’s Texas facility in 2029. Prices begin at USD 2.5 million (approximately Rs 24 crore, before taxes). Two-thirds of the production was already booked ahead of the model’s public debut at The Quail during Monterey Car Week on August 14.

Hennessey Blackbird design draws heavily from the SR-71 aircraft

The Blackbird’s design draws heavily from aerospace engineering and the SR-71 aircraft. Its most striking feature is a pair of active vertical stabilisers mounted at the rear, which deploy automatically above 114 kph for better stability and aerodynamic performance. The car also features a diamond-shaped quad exhaust, inspired by the Bell X-1 aircraft, along with sculpted side pods, Formula 1-influenced bodywork and a distinctive body-side chine line reminiscent of the SR-71.

Compared to the Venom F5, the Blackbird has also been made with improved everyday usability in mind. It has a larger glasshouse for better visibility and increased luggage space for longer journeys.

Hennessey Blackbird interior

The cabin gets an analogue philosophy on purpose, replacing digital screens with analogue gauges, physical controls and a classic twist-key ignition. An exposed gear linkage reinforces the mechanical feel. Smartphone integration is handled through a dedicated Hennessey Holster instead of a built-in infotainment system. Even the steering wheel remains free of buttons to minimise distractions.

Hennessey says the cabin is roomier than the Venom F5 and provides enough luggage space for two full-size carry-on bags. The company also claims the Blackbird has been engineered to comfortably cover more than 1,200km in a single day, reinforcing its grand touring credentials.

At the core of the Blackbird sits the all-new 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8. It has been co-developed with Ilmor Engineering, renowned for its expertise in IndyCar and NASCAR powertrains and is expected to make something between 811 hp and 862 hp, revving beyond 9,000rpm. It is claimed to be the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 ever built.

Power is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission featuring an exposed gear gate and linkage. Hennessey has tuned the powertrain to provide instant throttle response, linear power delivery and an authentic naturally aspirated soundtrack without having turbocharging or hybrid assistance. Made

It is built around a bespoke carbon-fibre monocoque with lightweight carbon-fibre body panels. The Blackbird targets a dry weight of under 1,360kg. The hypercar is claimed to reach a top speed of 354kph. It also comes with adaptive suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, ABS and traction control. However, Hennessey says the primary focus is driving involvement and grand touring capability rather than outright lap times.