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Hennessey has not yet finished building Venoms, but the Texas-based manufacturer has already unveiled the model that will follow them: the Blackbird. This new programme is intended to be the more driver-centric choice within Hennessey’s extreme line-up, and it will make its public debut at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering on August 14.

Where the Venom GT and Venom F5 are chasing record-setting performance, the Blackbird shifts the focus away from outright numbers and towards driver engagement. For that reason, it uses a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V-8, a gated six-speed manual gearbox, and rear-wheel drive. The engine is being developed with Ilmor Engineering; if that name is unfamiliar, Ilmor has a long history in motorsport and beyond, and has worked with Chevrolet to develop and build its IndyCar engines since 2012, while also partnering with both Chevrolet and Honda to create the new hybrid IndyCar powertrain in 2025.

Hennessey says it is aiming for 800-850 horsepower from the 6.2-litre engine, though it has not shared details on how it plans to reach that level of output other than claiming a redline of more than 9000 rpm. Even if outright figures are not the main point, the Blackbird will still post some serious ones: Hennessey claims a 0-60 mph run in just 2.5 seconds, along with a top speed of 220 mph.

A claimed dry curb weight of under 3000 pounds should play a major role in delivering those figures. The Blackbird will use a new bespoke carbon tub, while extensive carbon-fibre bodywork also helps keep weight down. An inboard suspension layout is combined with adaptive dampers, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres will be fitted to one of two wheel options that Hennessey plans to offer. You will get both traction control and ABS, but beyond that, there are no additional control systems.

As you may already have guessed, the Blackbird name comes from the SR-71 Blackbird. The styling of the car also draws from the aircraft. Hennessey says the active vertical stabilisers visible on the car deploy at 71 mph and operate at +/- 71 degrees. Another aviation-inspired detail is the quad exhaust outlet design, which Hennessey says is intended to echo the exhaust ports of the Bell X-1.

Hennessey has highlighted the Blackbird’s cabin as one of the most important elements of the overall experience. As the images show, there are no screens whatsoever inside. That decision was made deliberately to create a back-to-basics, driving-first environment that Hennessey believes will remain timeless in its design. Key highlights include the exposed linkage for the gated shifter, a large central tachometer, and a strong emphasis on visibility. Hennessey also says it specifically chose to use a physical ignition key.

How much technology you have in the Blackbird depends largely on what you bring with you — specifically, your phone. The details are still somewhat limited, but Hennessey says it has adopted a “hidden” technology strategy so that the phone can still be paired with the car. From there, the Blackbird features a “Hennessey holster” into which you place your phone so it can serve as the car’s infotainment centre. Presumably, it will be positioned accessibly enough to handle navigation and manage the audio system.

Long-distance driving was an important priority for Hennessey during the Blackbird’s development, with the company saying major effort went into NVH and comfort for road trips. The car even offers room for two small carry-ons in the front trunk, along with rear luggage pods. In what may be its most distinctly American touch, the Blackbird comes with four cupholders, hopefully with enough room for a Big Gulp.

If you want a Blackbird, be prepared for a fairly long wait. Hennessey says it is targeting production between 2029-2030. Pricing starts at $2.5 million before options, and just 71 examples will be built. According to Hennessey, “more than two-thirds” of the production run has already been spoken for, so at the time of this story being published, there is still a chance to get in early.