When Hennessey set out to build one of the world’s most powerful row-it-yourself hypercars, it could have easily relied on technological trends to steal the spotlight. Instead, the Texas-based manufacturer doubled down on the things true enthusiasts have appreciated for decades: big V8 power, a six-speed manual transmission, and trusted aftermarket suppliers. The result is the new Venom F5-M Roadster, which made its global debut this month at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The heart of the F5-M is a 6.6 liter twin-turbo Fury V8 that pumps out an epic 2,031 horsepower. While heavily re-engineered for hypercar duty, the Fury is built around an architecture derived from GM’s legendary LS platform. That shouldn’t really come as a shock to LS enthusiasts, since, in addition to being the most swapped engine in the world, our favorite mill has been used to create everything from 4-cylinders to V16s. In Hennessey’s latest application, that proven foundation makes the F5-M the most powerful six-speed gated open-top manual hypercar in the world.
That’s right. Unlike nearly every modern hypercar, all the F5-M’s power is controlled through a gated six-speed manual transmission, which puts the driver squarely in charge of every shift. It’s a bold move in an era dominated by dual-clutch gearboxes, but one that reinforces Hennessey’s goal of creating a more engaging driving experience.
Throwing that much horsepower to the pavement requires every component to perform at the highest level, including the wheels. For that task, Hennessey selected a custom set of Forgeline one-piece forged monoblock HP2 wheels that measure 19×10 inches up front and 20×12 inches out back. Machined from a single forging of aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, the lightweight American-made wheels combine exceptional stiffness with the strength needed to withstand the incredible loads generated by the twin-turbo Fury V8. Because Forgeline builds every set to order, the wheels are engineered specifically for the Venom’s suspension geometry, offsets, and massive carbon-ceramic brakes. Finished in Brushed with Gloss Satin Brass, they don’t just complement the F5-M’s aggressive styling; they’re an integral part of feeling every bit of its 2,031 horsepower.
The F5-M also introduces several exclusive design features, including a 55-inch dorsal fin that stretches from the roof scoop toward the rear deck to improve high-speed stability. Additionally, the debut vehicle showcased at Goodwood was further personalized through Hennessey’s Maverick customization program, highlighting the level of exclusivity buyers can expect.
Production will be limited to just 12 examples, each carrying a starting price of $2.65 million. During the Festival of Speed, Le Mans driver Alex Brundle demonstrated exactly what makes the F5-M special by charging up the famous Goodwood hill climb, giving spectators a rare opportunity to experience the sound of a twin-turbo LS-based V8 paired with a manual gearbox at full song.
While its astronomical horsepower figure grabs the headlines, the Venom F5-M’s greatest achievement may be proving there’s still room for old-school driver engagement at the very top of the performance-car world. By combining an LS-derived V8 with a gated six-speed and support from the world’s best aftermarket companies, Hennessey has created a hypercar that celebrates mechanical connection just as much as outright speed.
You might also like
LS2-Swapped Pontiac Solstice Packs Corvette Power In A Tiny Roadster
This LS2-swapped Pontiac Solstice pairs a 400hp V8 and T56 six-speed with a lightweight Kappa chassis for an unforgettable driving experience.
