Venom GT sets new world record

It's official: the Hennessey Venom GT is the fastest car to accelerate from 0-300km/h... in the world.

You already knew the Texan-built FrankenLotus was a little bundle of unholy firepower, but now the dinky nuke has burned its name into the record books. Specifically, the Guinness Book of World Records; a representative was officially on hand during a record-run along Ellington Field in Houston to clock the Venom's raucous acceleration.

The GT, powered by a twin-turbocharged 7.0-litre aluminium V8, took just 13.63 seconds to hit 186mph. That's not quick, that's Quick.

John Hennessey told TopGear.com: "We're excited to have set a new world record with our Venom GT. And we look forward to further demonstrating why our vehicle may be the most exciting road car available on the market today."

Of course, you'll remember the video we posted in September last year of the Venom accelerating from 0-230mph in just 19.96 seconds. Interestingly, on that run, the 0-186mph time was clocked at 13.48 seconds; just over a tenth faster than the record-setting run.

Whatever, it's proof that if you see this car gunning in your rear view mirror, best to let it past.

Top Gear drives the Hennessey Venom GT: full story