Hennessey Special Vehicles has revealed the all-new Hennessey Blackbird, an aerospace-inspired, naturally aspirated, manual-transmission, touring hypercar. Inspired by the legendary Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird aircraft, the new Hennessey hypercar is an alternative to increasingly complex, digitized and hybridized modern hypercars, company officials stated in a press release.
Blackbird is the third hypercar developed by Hennessey Special Vehicles after Venom GT and Venom F5. Where the Venom F5 focuses on speed, power, and intensity, Blackbird is built around the connection between driver, machine and road: natural aspiration, a 6-speed gated manual, rear-wheel drive, lightweight carbon construction and a cockpit without screens, noted the release.
Blackbird’s Performance & Powertrain
At its heart is an all-new naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 developed with Ilmor Engineering. Hennessey is targeting 800-850 horsepower 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 pounds, adaptive suspension, ABS, traction control, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires give Blackbird the technical credibility to match its analog character.
“Blackbird isn’t just the next chapter in the Hennessey story; it represents the beginning of a new book,” said John Hennessey, company founder and CEO. “Our third hypercar, Blackbird, is unexpected by design, yet it’s exactly what I wanted to create and what our customers have been asking for. Challenging expectations has always been part of our DNA.
“From the beginning, Blackbird was guided by a simple idea: to deliver an analog experience where beauty and drama define every moment. This is not a numbers car. We set out to create an unparalleled emotional experience; from the first time you see it to the moment you take the wheel and feel the connection between driver and machine.”
Design Inspired by the SR-71
Influenced by the SR-71, Blackbird’s long stance, disciplined surfacing, crisp body-side chine line, and active vertical stabilizers translate aerospace inspiration into a modern Hennessey design language. The stabilizers deploy automatically at 71 mph and sit at +/- 71 degrees, creating one of the car’s most distinctive links between design, aerodynamic function and narrative, the company said.
Blackbird is engineered to cover more than 800 miles in a day, with a larger glasshouse, gullwing doors, more cabin space than Venom F5, adaptive suspension, strong NVH targets, four cup holders, discreet device integration, and luggage capacity for two full-size carry-on bags plus additional rear-quarter and cabin storage.
Blackbird on the Inside
Inside, Blackbird follows an analog-first philosophy: no infotainment screen, no digital displays, no steering-wheel buttons, and a large analog central tachometer as the cabin’s only visual focus. Connectivity is retained and future-proofed through hidden technological integration, preserving functionality without letting technology dominate the experience, the company said.
The six-speed gated manual, exposed shift linkage, physical ignition key, analog controls, and screen-free cabin create an environment that requires participation. Aviation cues inside include a dash-mounted whiskey compass as standard with an optional timepiece, while the broader cockpit architecture prioritizes visibility, clarity and permanence. Shrouded in leather at the center of the dash, a representation of the SR-71 connects the car to its inspiration.
“The Blackbird interior delivers a cockpit worthy of its name,” said Brycen Hicklin, Hennessey senior designer. “Thoughtfully balancing mechanical tactility with refined luxury, it serves to elevate the driver and passenger experience. Every interaction rewards the driver with an authentic connection to the machine, while exceptional comfort and generous luggage capacity encourage long journeys without compromise.”
Optional Sky Glass, featuring an asymmetrical tapering shape inspired by the SR-71’s canopy, optimizes the light and airy feel of the Blackbird’s cabin. Further use of glass in the rear bulkhead aperture and covering the engine bay amplifies interior light even more, reinforcing the cabin as a place to spend long drives in comfort.
The Hennessey Blackbird Availability & Pricing
Limited to 71 examples worldwide, priced from $2.5 million before taxes, and designed and built in Texas, Blackbird is targeted for customer production from 2029-30. More than two-thirds of production has already been allocated ahead of its Aug. 14 public debut at The Quail, in California.