With an output of 1,204 hp, the Venom 1200 Mustang GT500 is one of the most powerful muscle cars ever produced by Hennessey.
Have you ever wondered what happens if you get the most powerful factory-produced Mustang of all time, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and increase its power and performance even more? That car would be every gearheads' dream automobile. The vehicle would resemble a high-powered, futuristic monster that would rule the roads. And that’s exactly what Hennessey did. Notably, the hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator is famous for “making fast cars faster.” The Hennessey team took a legendary machine and transformed it into the exceptional Venom 1200 Mustang GT500, which can generate 1,200 bhp at 7,600 rpm and 902 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm.
“The stock Shelby GT500 is an extraordinary muscle car, but we take it to the nth degree with our Venom 1200,” said John Hennessey, company founder, and CEO. “Our engineers were able to coax more than 400 additional horsepower out of the engine, which takes performance to supercar levels. Only a handful of vehicles in the world offer this level of power… especially at this price point.”
The Hennessey team took the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which came equipped with a hand-built supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine rated at 760 bhp and 625 lb-ft of torque and boosted its horsepower by an astounding 58 percent. It goes without saying that Hennessey has created a behemoth and one of the most potent Mustang variants that the Texas-based company has ever delivered.
The 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 is equipped with a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine (760 horsepower, 625 lb-ft) and comes with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Other standout features include ultra-high-performance Brembo brakes, adaptive suspension, 20-inch wheels and high-performance Michelin Pilot S tires.
Edmunds took this fantastic vehicle for a ride and tested its performance, and came with some really remarkable results. The Shelby GT500 accelerated from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds and knocked out the quarter mile in just 11.3 seconds at 130.7 miles per hour. Equally impressive, it took the 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 only 98 feet to make a complete stop from 60 miles per hour. Considering that the usual stopping distance from 60 miles per hour is between 120 and 140 feet, we can all agree that the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is exceptional.
Despite being thrilled by the performance, Edmunds was unimpressed with the fuel efficiency and on-board technology. With EPA ratings of 12 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway (for a 14 miles per gallon combined), the Shelby GT500 fails to impress. It's worth noting that most automakers and industry experts agree that good gas mileage is getting at least 23 miles per galloon combined.
However, it’s doubtful that muscle car fans really care about EPA ratings or surging gas prices. Edmunds is even more disappointed with on-board technology as it states that “Ford has been so stingy with seemingly basic technology in the GT500.”
“Navigation and a decent audio system are bundled in the optional Technology package,” Edmunds adds. “You'll need that package to get driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. A lap timer and g-meter don't come close to making up for that.”
Despite its shortcomings, the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is still a terrific car and a beast on the road. Fortunately, muscle car enthusiasts may enjoy the even more impressive Venom 1200 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which increases performance and power.
Hennessey boasts they elevated the Ford Shelby GT500 to “supercar levels,” and they are right. The in-house engineers have extensively modified the factory configuration to enhance horsepower and torque considerably. For instance, they added a higher capacity 3.8-liter supercharger system, a brand new high-flow air induction system, and an air/oil separator system.
Furthermore, they upgraded the anodized billet fuel rails and high-flow fuel injectors. Additionally, the Hennessey team revamped the dual-clutch transmission and updated the fittings, lines, belts, and tensioners. Last, the team calibrated the Venom 1200 Mustang GT500 on Hennessey’s in-house dynamometer before road-testing it.
Hennessey stands behind the reliability of its cars and the caliber of its work; thus, it provides a 1-year/12,000-mile guarantee for each Venom 1200 conversion. Petrol heads can get the Venom 1200 package for a MSRP starting from $59,950, which includes the engine upgrades, Hennessey and Venom 1200 exterior badging, and a special serial-numbered plaque that is limited to 66 units. Additionally, buyers can also install the optional 1966 24 Hours of Daytona Livery to their build. This upgrade comes with an additional cost of $4,950.
Adina Achim is a journalist with vast knowledge and experience in the luxury industry. She is passionate about luxury car brands, technological trends in the automotive industry, and exotic cars.
