Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has revealed part of its 10-year product plan that will see three all-new ground-up models created over the next decade. The first debut will be the world’s first six-wheel-drive Hyper GT electric vehicle (EV) codenamed Project Deep Space.
Touted as the world’s most expensive electric vehicle, costing from $3 million (£2.25 million/€2.65 million), the new car will be a unique luxurious grand tourer. It will be able to transport four adults in absolute comfort along with four sets of golf clubs and luggage. Production is set to begin in 2026
This price point is even more than other electric supercars currently available. These include the Automobili Pininfarina Battista, Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne , Lotus Evija and Rimac Automobili Nevera which all start from around £2 million.
Given Hennessey’s trademark obsession with power and speed, it will be devastatingly fast with unmatched traction thanks to its unique six-wheel-drive powertrain.
With a 50 percent increase in surface contact over traditional four-wheeled vehicles, the performance of the Hennessey Hyper-GT promised to be utterly astonishing.
John Hennessey, CEO and founder, said: “Hennessey has spent more than 30 years building some of the fastest and most exciting vehicles in the world. This mantra will continue for our next 30 years by introducing the world’s first fully electrified, six-wheel-drive hyper-GT.
“We believe that Deep Space, with six electric motors combined with six driven wheels, could be the world’s quickest accelerating four-seater from 0-200 mph (0-322kph).”
The passenger cabin is no less cutting-edge. It features innovative diamond-shaped seating positions with the driver centrally located. This then allows two passengers to sit to the side slightly back from the driver.
The fourth passenger, who is positioned directly behind the driver, will occupy the world’s first VVIP (Very Very Important Person). This is a lie-flat automotive seat that brings private-jet-class luxury to the Hyper-GT world.
Nathan Malinick, Hennessey director of design, said: “In Project Deep Space, we’ve merged the essence of early-twentieth-century grand tourers with an otherworldly hyper GT form that leaves no doubt about its capability and intent. Integrating many industry firsts, our next all-new model turns the EV ‘hypercar’ concept on its head while exhibiting our ‘art of reduction’ design philosophy.
“By combining Hennessey’s passion for performance with the pinnacle of automotive luxury, we will offer our customers the best of both worlds with a central driving position, ample space for passengers, room for luggage, and best in class performance. The result of our advanced development program will be a car like no other.”
With 100 percent new design and engineering, Project Deep Space will be constructed with an ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre chassis and body panels. It will also feature dramatic gullwing doors, while the interior will be fitted with the highest quality materials.
Hopefully, as with all projects at this level, it will bring future technologies that will help make regular road cars become more efficient in the future.
Hennessey added: “I’ve been building some of the world’s fastest accelerating vehicles for decades, yet they have always been performance-limited by mechanical grip. Six-wheeled electric propulsion is the solution.
“The technology is unprecedented in this segment – both forward-thinking and innovative. Our design and engineering team is excited about embracing the future.”
Hennessey Special Vehicles will construct the new electric hyper-GT at its advanced production facility in Sealy, Texas. Hennessey will work closely with technology partners including Shell Pennzoil and Delta Cosworth to develop the electrified powertrain.
Carlos Maurer, EVP of sectors and decarbonization at Shell, said: “I recently had the opportunity to visit the Hennessey team and to hear the exciting news about their electric hypercar. It’s clear that electric vehicles will play an increasingly important role in mobility.
“Our collaboration with Hennessey will provide us with an extreme testbed for developing our own innovative fluids and lubricants as we strive to be at the forefront of this transition to a lower-carbon future.”