Hennessy is known for its powerful cars where the more is never enough while now it has also added an analogue touch with its manual gearbox equipped Venom F5-M Roadster. It is now the most powerful car in the world with a manual gearbox as it has an eyebrow-raising 1,817 bhp harnessed via a gated 6-speed manual. For this, the Venom F5-M has been re-engineered with aero changes and an overhaul for the exterior plus interior. The V8 engine with 1,817 bhp was remapped to pair it with new gearing ratios and the driving experience also changed as a result. Also, drivers won’t be able to uncork the full power on offer until 4th gear in order to keep a handle on the proceedings.
Design-wise, the Roadster looks extreme with its carbon fiber elements plus the biggest design change is the addition of a huge 55-inch (1,400 mm) dorsal fin that stretches from the roof-mounted air scoop right to the trailing edge of the rear deck.
Further, there would be one-off colors on offer with more personalization. From the front, there is a mean look with exposed carbon fiber with a colored central line and duel, contrasting accent stripes that flow up to the windscreen. The stripes, which continue over the roof, along the dorsal fin, right to the rear edge of the deck lid, also connect the car’s exterior to its cockpit, with the ‘spine line’ mirrored beneath the roof onto the central console.
The talking point is of course the aluminium and carbon fiber gear shifter which has been positioned closer to the driver but the gated manual gearbox, milled from billet aluminum reminds me of the supercars of yesteryear. Hennessey has also redesigned the cockpit with new vents and a purpose-made slot for the key – made from the same billet aluminum as the gearshift gate. The jet-fighter-inspired toggle switches also add a sense of drama.
Just 12 of these low-flying missiles would be built and despite the astronomical $2.65 million price tag, all have been spoken for.
John Hennessey, company founder and CEO: “We are so excited to offer the Venom F5-M Roadster – the world’s most powerful manual. We always wanted to build a manual Venom F5 – and it’s something our clients have been asking for. It’s old school, it’s badass, and it offers ultimate driving engagement.
“Driving the Venom F5 is already a full body experience that thrills, inspires, and never gets old… but, we never say that’s enough, we never stand still. That’s why we’ve dived deeper into the sensation of driving, finding every touchpoint to deliver connection, feedback, sound, and engagement. We believe that the Venom F5-M Roadster will be the most intense, immersive, and extreme driving experience on the planet and a dozen lucky customers get to join us for the ride!”
