
The Hennessey Venom F5-M, unveiled at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, pushes the Texas tuner’s hypercar into more extreme territory. The new variant replaces the standard model’s automated transmission with a six-speed gated manual and increases output to 2,031 horsepower.
A manual transmission for a 2,000-horsepower hypercar
The “M” in the name refers to the manual gearbox that now replaces the original F5’s automated setup. Hennessey first teased the F5-M in 2024, but the production version now combines that transmission with a twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V8. The engine produces 2,031 horsepower, ranking it behind only the Rimac Nevera R and Koenigsegg Gemera in production-car power.
Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels. The carbon-fiber monocoque chassis has been updated to fit the new drivetrain, while the bodywork includes an integrated roof scoop and a 55-inch dorsal fin. The fin improves downforce at speeds exceeding 200 mph. Adaptive suspension, a first for the Venom lineup, is also included.
The F5-M will only be available as a roadster. The first example, displayed at Goodwood, was commissioned by a UK customer through Hennessey’s bespoke Maverick division. It features exposed purple carbon fiber, 24-karat gold accents, and hand-painted flags on either side of the dorsal fin. The owner’s family name, “Sheikh,” appears in gold lettering.
Twelve examples, one hill climb
Hennessey will build only 12 units of the Venom F5-M, each priced at $2.65 million. The standard F5 coupe starts at $2.1 million, making the manual variant significantly more expensive. The car will make its public debut at Goodwood, where it will tackle the festival’s hill climb twice daily over the four-day event. Racing driver Alex Brundle will handle the driving.
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The adaptive suspension and manual transmission indicate Hennessey aims for a more engaging experience, even if the car’s main purpose remains setting speed records and attracting attention. The power figures and price place the F5-M among ultra-exclusive hypercars where practicality is secondary.
For the few buyers who can afford it, the model offers a rare combination: a 2,000-horsepower roadster with a manual transmission. Such features are disappearing as hybrid powertrains and automated gearboxes become standard.
Hennessey has not announced a delivery timeline, but the first customer car is already on display. The remaining units will likely follow in the coming months, assuming collectors with deep pockets have not already claimed all slots.
The F5-M’s debut at Goodwood marks its first public run.
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