Hennessey has introduced the Venom F5-M Roadster, a 2,031-horsepower convertible with a six-speed manual gearbox. Limited to just 12 units, this hypercar redefines analog driving at the highest level.
Hennessey Special Vehicles has launched a new chapter in the hypercar world with the debut of the Venom F5-M Roadster—a machine that now holds the title of the most powerful manual-transmission road car ever produced. With 2,031 horsepower delivered by its 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 Fury engine, the F5-M is engineered for those who crave a raw, unfiltered connection between driver and machine.
Unlike previous iterations, the F5-M is not simply a Venom F5 with a manual lever added for nostalgia. The engineering team in Sealy, Texas, has reworked the carbon fiber monocoque chassis to handle the immense forces generated by the new six-speed gated manual transmission. This open-top roadster is designed to let the full fury of its V8 soundtrack flood the cabin, offering a visceral experience that few modern cars can match.
The car’s world premiere is set for the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 9 to 12, where professional driver Alex Brundle will pilot the F5-M up the iconic hill twice daily. The event promises to showcase not just the car’s performance, but also its unique approach to analog driving in an era dominated by automation and electrification.
Analog Power, Modern Control
To manage the extraordinary output sent to the rear wheels, Hennessey has developed bespoke engine management and traction control systems. These have been meticulously calibrated to ensure power delivery remains linear and progressive, allowing drivers to modulate acceleration with confidence in every gear. John Hennessey, the brand’s founder and CEO, describes the F5-M as the most immersive driving experience the company has ever created, emphasizing the purity of its noise, feel, and power delivery.
The F5-M’s manual gearbox features a billet aluminum open-gate design, putting the driver at the center of every shift. The cockpit has been reconfigured to highlight the short-throw shifter, with the central console stripped of unnecessary modules to focus attention on the act of changing gears. Every detail, from the exposed carbon fiber to the hand-stitched leather knee pads, is crafted to heighten the sense of occasion.
Design That Commands Attention
Visually, the F5-M stands apart from the rest of the Venom family thanks to its dramatic 55-inch (1.4-meter) dorsal fin. This aerodynamic element stretches from the roof’s air intake to the rear edge, serving both as a visual signature and as a stabilizing force at speeds exceeding 320 km/h. The integrated roof scoop channels cool air directly to the engine, while the fin helps maximize dynamic downforce and stability.
The first of the 12 planned units will feature a striking exposed carbon fiber body finished in deep purple with gold anodized accents. Luxurious touches include a 24-karat gold front emblem and the owner’s surname engraved on the rear and hand-embroidered on the interior’s leather knee pads, underscoring the car’s exclusivity.
Engineering Without Compromise
At its core, the Hennessey Venom F5-M is a celebration of pure engineering. Its mid-rear V8 Fury engine sends all 2,031 horsepower to the rear wheels through the exclusive six-speed gated manual transmission. The car sits on an evolved carbon fiber monocoque chassis, with a redesigned body that incorporates the roof air intake and the signature dorsal fin. Adaptive suspension adjusts to the selected driving mode, ensuring the F5-M remains composed whether on road or track.
Production is strictly limited to 12 units, each starting at $2,650,000 (approximately €2,320,999 before taxes). Nathan Malinick, Director of Design, emphasizes that the F5-M is not just a manual version of the F5, but a comprehensive response to a radically different kind of driver engagement.
Following this launch, Hennessey plans to offer the evolved chassis and manual gearbox across the broader Venom F5 range, including the Coupé and track-focused Revolution variants. This move signals a commitment to analog driving even as the industry shifts toward electrification—a trend also explored in the context of iconic models like the Miata, as seen in the discussion of the final gasoline-powered MX-5 in this recent analysis.
In a market increasingly defined by digital interfaces and automated systems, the Venom F5-M Roadster stands as a rare tribute to mechanical purity and driver involvement. Its arrival marks a significant moment for enthusiasts who value the tactile, demanding nature of true manual performance at the highest level.
