Hennessey unveils 1200bhp Elise-based supercar

Hennessey Performance has officially unveiled its new Venom GT, the twin-turbocharged V8 supercar based on the Lotus Elise.

The combination of a British chassis and American powerplant (the engine is from the Corvette ZR1) instantly brings to mind the AC Cobra, and the Venom certainly has the figures to live up to such a billing.

Installing GM's 6.2-litre V8 in the standard Elise proved impossible so the chassis has been significantly modified and strengthened to accept the engine, but even in its base form the car produces 725bhp and a sub-three-second 0-60mph time.