PRESS RELEASE

08/19/2026

New Hennessey Blackbird Hypercar Sold Out Four Hours After Global Debut

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Sealy, Texas

August 19, 2026

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  • All 71 Blackbird models contracted and deposited
  • Dramatic customer demand sees Blackbird wait list grow rapidly following Monterey Car Week global public debut
  • Hennessey’s new model ticks every box for hypercar buyers, pairing driver engagement with beautiful design, a naturally aspirated V8, manual transmission, and totally screen-free cabin

 

Sealy, Texas (August 19, 2026) Hennessey Special Vehicles, has announced that all 71 of its Blackbird hypercars sold out just four hours after its global public debut during Monterey Car Week in California. The all-new Hennessey Blackbird struck a nerve with hypercar buyers demanding the recipe of beautiful design, naturally aspirated V8, manual-transmission, analog touring hypercar.

Inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, the new Hennessey hypercar was created for drivers who value emotion, engagement, and long-distance usability with driving sensation the central focus for the naturally-aspirated hypercar, six-speed manual hypercar.

John Hennessey, Company Founder and CEO: “Our decision to focus on driving enjoyment with the new Hennessey Blackbird clearly ticked all the boxes for our customers. With buyers tired of overly complex, hybridized cars filled with screens, and lacking emotion, we knew that Blackbird fitted the brief for the car today’s buyers want. However, none of us expected such an overwhelmingly positive response. Selling out so fast is testament to the stunning design and our team’s appreciation of what makes hypercar ownership special.”

In the build-up to Monterey Car Week, the Hennessey team pre-sold more than 60 of the 71-car production run to customers new and old in markets around the world. As the car was unveiled at The Quail, just a handful of build slots remained, with all remaining allocations subsequently taken within four hours of the unveiling.

Priced from $2.5 million (before taxes), Blackbird is the third hypercar developed by Hennessey Special Vehicles after Venom GT (2010) and Venom F5 (2021). The new model prioritizes the connection between driver and road, with significant luggage capacity and a comfortable cabin making touring a genuine reality.

Despite its long-distance capabilities, Blackbird still offers all the performance buyers expect from a Hennessey. At its heart is an all-new naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 developed with Ilmor Engineering. Hennessey is targeting 800-850 hp and more than 9,000 rpm, with 0-60 mph achieved in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 220 mph. An all-new bespoke Hennessey full-carbon tub, carbon-fiber bodywork, target weight of less than 3,000 lbs, adaptive suspension, ABS, traction control, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires give Blackbird the technical credibility to match its analog character.

 

HENNESSEY BLACKBIRD SPECIFICATION SUMMARY

Engine

All-new naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 developed for Blackbird with Ilmor Engineering

Target Output

800-850 hp

Target Engine Speed

More than 9,000 rpm

Performance

0-60 mph 2.5 seconds; top speed 220 mph

Transmission

Six-speed gated manual transmission

Drive

Rear-wheel drive

Chassis

Bespoke Hennessey full-carbon tub

Body

Bespoke carbon-fiber bodywork

Suspension

Inboard suspension architecture with adaptive suspension

Target Weight

Target dry weight < 3,000 lbs (< 1,360 kg)

Tires

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2

Wheels

Two unique Hennessey wheel options

Driver Aids

Traction control and ABS

Interior

Zero screens, large central tachometer, analog controls, device-connectivity

Storage

Front trunk (2x full-size carry-on bags); rear quarter storage and in-cabin storage

Jon Visscher

Europe / Asia

jon.visscher@vcomm.co.uk

+44 (0)7816 906 794

ABOUT HENNESSEY SPECIAL VEHICLES

The Hennessey Special Vehicles team was formed to create the world-record-breaking hypercars, the Hennessey Venom GT (270.49 mph in 2014) and the current world-record-holding ‘fastest convertible’ the Hennessey Venom GT Roadster (265.5 mph in 2016).

In 2020, Hennessey Special Vehicles launched the 100% bespoke, twin-turbocharged, 6.6-liter V8 Venom F5 Coupe, which sold out in 2021. An open-top Roadster and track-focused Revolution variant joined the F5 Coupe in 2022 and 2023, boasting the F5’s prodigious 1,817 bhp ‘Fury’ engine. In mid-2023, the Texas-based company revealed the Venom F5 Revolution Roadster, which combines visceral open-air motoring with a racing circuit focus. The company is delivering like never before on its mission of ‘making fast cars faster.’ HennesseySpecialVehicles.com

ABOUT HENNESSEY

Based in Sealy, Texas, Hennessey comprises Hennessey Special Vehicles, Hennessey Performance Engineering, and Tuner School. Founded in 1991, the company has re‑engineered more than 18,000 cars, trucks, and SUVs for performance enthusiasts worldwide, delivering unparalleled driving thrills across multiple vehicle categories.

Every Hennessey product is dyno‑tested, road‑tested, street‑legal, and backed by a comprehensive limited warranty. Customers can purchase road‑ready performance‑enhanced vehicles directly from Hennessey or through its authorized dealer network representing Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC.

With its own test track, in‑house engineering capability, and a rapidly expanding manufacturing footprint exceeding 100,000 square feet, Hennessey is scaling production toward 2,000 vehicles per year while maintaining its commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and extreme performance. HennesseyPerformance.com