Hennessey Blackbird Hypercar Unveiled as Analog‑Focused Touring Supercar
Hennessey Special Vehicles announced the all‑new Blackbird, its third hypercar and the first designed around a purely analog driving experience. The Texas‑built model draws its name and styling cues from the Lockheed SR‑71 Blackbird, featuring active vertical stabilizers that deploy at 71 mph.
Power comes from a brand‑new 6.2‑liter naturally aspirated V8 developed with Ilmor Engineering, delivering 800‑850 hp and revving beyond 9,000 rpm. Coupled with a six‑speed gated manual gearbox, rear‑wheel drive, a carbon‑fiber monocoque and adaptive suspension, the Blackbird is projected to accelerate from 0‑60 mph in 2.5 seconds, reach a top speed of 220 mph (354 km/h) and weigh under 1,360 kg. Production is limited to 71 units, priced from US$2.5 million before taxes, with deliveries slated for 2029‑2030.
Founder and CEO John Hennessey emphasized that the car is “not a numbers car” but an “analog experience where beauty and drama define every moment,” aiming to reconnect drivers with the road in an era of increasingly digital and electrified hypercars.
Entities: Hennessey Special Vehicles · Ilmor Engineering · John Hennessey · Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird · Lockheed SR‑71 Blackbird · Sealy, Texas · Texas
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Design elements reference the Lockheed SR‑71 Blackbird, including active vertical stabilizers that deploy at speed. (Hennessey Special Vehicles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Blackbird uses a 6.2‑liter naturally aspirated V8 developed with Ilmor Engineering, rated at 800‑850 horsepower and revving over 9,000 rpm. (Hennessey Special Vehicles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Hennessey Special Vehicles unveiled the Hennessey Blackbird hypercar. (Hennessey Special Vehicles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The vehicle is built in Sealy, Texas, with deliveries targeted for 2029‑2030. (Hennessey Special Vehicles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The car features a six‑speed gated manual gearbox, rear‑wheel drive, and a cabin without digital screens. (Hennessey Special Vehicles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The car uses a full carbon‑fiber tub and bodywork, targeting a weight below 3,000 lb and equipped with adaptive suspension. (Hennessey Special Vehicles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Performance figures are 0‑60 mph in about 2.5 seconds and a top speed near 220 mph. (Hennessey Special Vehicles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Production is limited to 71 units, each priced at $2.5 million before taxes. (Hennessey Special Vehicles)