Hennessey unveils world’s most powerful manual hypercar: Venom F5-M Roadster

Hennessey Special Vehicles, the renowned Texas-based hypercar manufacturer, has unveiled its latest creation: the Venom F5-M Roadster. This new model is set to become the world’s most powerful manual production car, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry.

The Venom F5-M Roadster is a testament to Hennessey’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. At the heart of this groundbreaking vehicle is a gated six-speed manual transmission, a feature that sets it apart in an era dominated by automatic and paddle-shift gearboxes. This decision reflects Hennessey’s focus on delivering an unparalleled driving experience that prioritises driver engagement and sensory feedback.

John Hennessey, founder and CEO of Hennessey Special Vehicles, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “We are thrilled to offer the Venom F5-M Roadster – the world’s most powerful manual. This is something we’ve always wanted to build, and it’s a response to our clients’ requests. It’s old school, it’s badass, and it offers ultimate driving engagement.”

The vehicle’s powertrain is centred around Hennessey’s proprietary Fury V8 engine, capable of producing an astounding 1,817 bhp. This power output, combined with the manual transmission, presents a unique engineering challenge. Hennessey’s team, led by engineering expert Brian Jones, has meticulously remapped the engine and optimised gear ratios to ensure that this immense power can be effectively and safely transferred to the road through the rear wheels.

Only 12 units of the Venom F5-M Roadster will be produced, each with a starting price of $2.65 million. Despite the hefty price tag, all units have already been sold, underscoring the high demand for exclusive, high-performance vehicles among automotive enthusiasts.

The Venom F5-M Roadster boasts several distinctive design features that set it apart from its predecessors. Most notably, it features a massive 55-inch (1,400 mm) dorsal fin extending from the roof-mounted air scoop to the rear deck’s edge. This not only enhances the car’s aerodynamic performance but also contributes to its striking visual appeal.

Inside the cockpit, the manual transmission takes centre stage. The gear shifter, crafted from aluminium and carbon fibre, is positioned for optimal driver interaction. The six-speed gate, milled from billet aluminium, further emphasises the car’s focus on providing a tactile, engaging driving experience.

Nathan Malinick, Hennessey’s Director of Design, highlighted the car’s unique character: “We’re extreme, we’re authentic, and we’re distinctly American. These characteristics are evident in the F5-M’s design, both inside and out, and in its performance. This is a car for driving enthusiasts who crave unparalleled power, dramatic design, and an incomparable driving experience.”

The exterior of the F5-M features a bespoke livery that accentuates the car’s lines and open-top design, drawing inspiration from heritage motorsport aesthetics. The design incorporates exposed carbon fibre with contrasting accent stripes that flow from the front to the rear, visually connecting the exterior with the redesigned cockpit.

The Venom F5-M Roadster builds upon the legacy of its predecessor, the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder, which still holds the record for the world’s fastest convertible road car. The Venom GT Spyder, also equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, set a world record in 2016 with a top speed of 265.6 mph.

All design, specification, and construction work for the Venom F5 series, including the new F5-M Roadster, is carried out at Hennessey’s headquarters in Sealy, Texas. The company has already delivered 24 semi-automatic Venom F5 Coupe, Roadster, and Revolution models to customers worldwide.

The introduction of the Venom F5-M Roadster represents a bold move by Hennessey in an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by electric and autonomous technologies. By focusing on raw power, driver engagement, and limited production, Hennessey is catering to a niche market of enthusiasts who value the visceral experience of controlling a high-performance machine.