The newest Lotus comes from Hennessey from its SEMA Show-bound Venom GT. The new toy is based on the Lotus Elise and comes equipped with a 1,200 hp (895 kW) twin turbocharged V8 engine from Corvette. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six speed manual gearbox.
The V8-powered sports car also gets special race disc brakes from Brembo with 15.2 inch diameter carbon ceramic rotors and 6 piston aluminum calipers.
According to Hennessey, the Venom GT weighs 2,685 lbs (1,220 kg) and is estimated that the car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 2.4 seconds, to 200mph (322 km/h) in 15.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 267 mph (429 km/h).
In comparison, the Bugatti Veyron completes the 0-200mph sprint in 24.2 seconds.
If you find that find 1,200HP are too much, Hennessey will also offer two more versions of the V8 engine, one producing 725 hp (541 kW) and the other 1,000 hp (746 kW).
"We are very excited to have the opportunity to show our Venom GT in the Mobil 1 display at this year's SEMA show," said company founder and president, John Hennessey. "We first announced our interest in developing an ultra lightweight, ultra powerful sports car – the Venom GT concept – nearly three years ago during SEMA."
"Driving the Venom GT is a thrilling experience. It is a driver's car, a supercar with a soul that will give you as much speed and performance as you dare ask of it. It's the quickest, fastest and most exciting vehicle that I have ever driven.", Hennessey adds.
The American company said it plans to build just 10 Venom GTs per year. Until you can get your hands on one, you can look at some pictures. Probably will make you want one more.