As the famous US saying goes, “might is right”. Despite having 1,817bhp as standard, customers of the Hennessey Venom F5 have demanded more. As a result, the V8-powered hypercar has been fine-tuned with improved aerodynamics, enhanced handling, improved long-distance comfort, and even more power.

The 6.6-litre twin turbocharged V8 has been reworked by Ilmor Engineering, and benefits from new turbochargers, new oval-shaped pistons, billet aluminium connecting rods, titanium exhaust valves, lightened valve covers, and enlarged high-flow fuel injectors. The result is enhanced durability, an improved 0-200mph time of just 10.3 seconds, and an additional 214bhp and 252lb-ft of torque. The full 2,031bhp arrives at 8,000rpm, while 1,445lb-ft (1,959Nm) is available at 5,200rpm.

The car’s aerodynamic profile has been finessed, with data from road and track use, and wind tunnel tests being analysed. F1 and Indycar aerodynamicist Dr. Mark Handford joined the Hennessey team to redesign the front splitter, add diveplanes to the bumper, and louvres above the front wheel arches. Tyre wake deflectors are fitted to the underside of the Venom F5 Evolution, and a new Gurney lip has been added to the rear spoiler to improve stability.

Cornering performance is enhanced by new adaptive suspension, with steering response, pitch and roll controlled through the car’s five selectable driving modes: Sport, Road Race, Drag, Wet, and F5 which unleashes all 2,031 horses. Hennesey says the F5 Evolution is as capable on track as it is at long-distance cruising.

Based on strong customer demand, a range of comfort options have been added to the hypercar, with a new Touring Seat. These leather-clad carbon fibre seats feature additional bolstering, and will provide greater support on road trips and rallies. A Touring exhaust, and carbon fibre cupholder are also available.

The Evolution package can be specified for new orders, and can be retrofitted to all existing Venom F5 models including the Coupé, Roadster, and Revolution variants. The cost of this upgrade begins at $285,000 (roughly £215,500), with the Touring options available for additional cost.

The Hennessey Venom F5 Evolution is now the most powerful piston-engined car in the world. While the additional 214bhp is described as a “happy byproduct” by the Texas-based manufacturer, we suspect that it isn’t so much of an accident. The uprated engine delivers more power and torque than before, and is housed in a low-drag body.

By Hennessey’s calculations, the standard Venom F5 has a theoretical top speed of 328mph. With the new F5 Evolution, we suspect that it’s only a matter of time before a top speed run with a two-way average in excess of 300mph is recorded.