Hennessey Will Extract 1200bhp From Your Shelby Mustang GT500

The 2020 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 hasn’t even been launched to the world’s automotive media, and yet Hennessey is already talking about upgrade packages. Of course it is.

The Texas-based tuning company has announced a trio of packages for the car, just in case its 750bhp doesn’t give quite the face-smashing delivery you desire.

The starting point is the Venom 850, which develops - you guessed it - 850bhp, while the torque rises from 625lb ft to 725. The kit includes a stainless steel long-tube exhaust manifold, freer-flowing catalytic converters and a new induction system. The standard supercharger is retained, but CNC ported and treated to an upgraded pulley and belt.

Opt for the Venom 1000, and that supercharger is ditched for a more effective 3.0-litre unit. You get similar breathing mods as the 850 pack, plus a strengthened transmission to cope with 1000bhp and 850lb ft of torque.

That should be enough poke to satisfy most, but for particularly power-hungry folk, there’s the Venom 1200 to consider. This drops the supercharger entirely, switching to a twin-turbo setup with a new intercooler.

The range-topping Venom programme also includes unspecified fuel system upgrades, new pistons/con-rods, and a stainless steel exhaust system. It too features an uprated gearbox, so nothing goes bang when you’re unleashing 1200bhp (when running on 109 octane race fuel) and 1000lb ft of torque.

So, which will it be for you?