Hennessey Venom F5-M debuts as world's most powerful manual hypercar

Hennessey Venom F5-M debuts as world's most powerful manual hypercar

The Texas-based manufacturer Hennessey is launching the Venom F5-M, claiming it to be the world’s most powerful manual hypercar. The vehicle will make its global debut in the Supercar Paddock at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, which runs from July 9-12.

Professional racer Alex Brundle will drive the F5-M up the Goodwood Hill twice daily during the festival. The event serves as an early dynamic showcase for the machine, which arrives in an automotive segment otherwise dominated by two-pedalled vehicles.

The F5-M is an open-top Roadster built upon a carbon fibre chassis with bespoke bodywork and revised aerodynamics. While the standard Venom F5 coupe, launched in 2020, and the F5 roadster, launched in 2022, both utilized seven-speed automated manual transmissions, the F5-M replaces those with a unique six-speed gated manual transmission.

Power is supplied by the 6.6l twin-turbo Fury V8 engine. According to source materials, this powertrain delivers 1,514kW, which provides a claimed top speed of more than 500km/h, though that figure remains untested.

To manage this output, the powertrain is paired with engine management systems and sophisticated traction control designed for linear power application.

"We’ve always believed the Venom F5 delivers the most intense performance experience on the planet — but with the F5-M, we’ve gone even further.

"A gated six-speed manual puts the driver completely in control, while the open-top design brings the Fury V8 sound directly into the cockpit. The noise, the feel, and the power delivery are raw and unfiltered — it’s the most all-consuming driving experience we’ve created."

Visually, the F5-M is distinguished from other Venom models by an integrated roof scoop that feeds cool air to the engine bay and a dramatic dorsal fin stretching from the roof-mounted air intake to the trailing edge of the rear deck to enhance high-speed aerodynamics.

The interior has been reconfigured for the manual experience. A short-throw billet aluminium gear lever is weighted to slot through a billet aluminium gate.

"We’re extreme, we’re authentic, and uniquely American, and these qualities are reflected in the design and performance of the F5-M,"

"This car is made for bold, adventurous drivers who want their hypercars to deliver wild power, striking design, and an unparalleled driving experience."

Production is strictly limited. Only 12 Venom F5-M Roadsters will be produced globally, with each unit tailored to the specific owner. The price is set at $2.65m (R43m) before taxes. All 12 units have already been built and sold.