A few years ago, we were promised the manual gearbox was soon to be dead. But in 2026, that’s all changing. Between simulated gearbox patents and Ferrari’s faux-manual 12Cilindri Manuale, there are a number of automakers trying to save the manual in a simulated fashion. But then there’s Hennessey, giving the Venom F5-M a real gated manual mechanically connected to a 2,031-horsepower V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. It’s the kind of bonkers project that will secure Hennessey’s place in the history books, and following a reveal two years ago, the first of 12 production models has just been revealed.
And if you’re anywhere near Goodwood House this weekend, you could see and hear it in person.
Hennessey Venom F5-M Chassis 1 To Make Public Debut At Goodwood Festival Of Speed
The first of 12 Venom F5-Ms is being delivered to a British owner, with its public debut occurring on July 9 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And it won’t just be a static reveal, either. Alex Brundle, racing driver and son of former F1 driver Martin Brundle, will be piloting the Venom F5-M up the iconic Goodwood Hill.
Based on the fundamental underpinnings of the Venom F5 Evolution, the Venom F5-M generates 2,031 hp from the 6.6-liter twin-turbo ‘Fury’ V8 built in-house. But unlike other Venom F5s, this one has a six-speed gated manual from CIMA. This necessitated a wholesale overhaul of the carbon fiber monocoque to accommodate not only the transmission itself, but the third pedal assembly.
Additionally, Hennessey reworked the interior, not only to emphasize the visual spectacle of the gated shifter, but to place the billet aluminum shifter closer to the steering wheel — with 2,031 hp, you wouldn’t want to have anything less than both hands on the wheel, or as close to it as possible.
“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!”
– John Hennessey, Hennessey founder and CEO
Model-Specific Design Elements Dialed Up To 11 By ‘Maverick’
While the Venom F5-M inherits aerodynamic upgrades from the F5 Evolution, it also sports unique styling traits not seen on any other F5. The dorsal fin is the most dramatic, 55 inches in length from the integrated air intake scoop (another Venom F5-M-specific element) to the rear deck. And on the first customer car, it’s been personalized even more.
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The fin features hand-painted flags on either side — the American flag to celebrate Hennessey’s heritage and the British flag on the other for the buyer’s nationality. These are featured in gold, matching other gold anodized accents elsewhere on the hypercar’s body, which contrast against purple-tined exposed carbon fiber.
Maverick In The Finest Details
The true magic lies in the details applied through the brand’s Maverick customization program. These include the 24-karat gold H nose badge and the bespoke ‘Sheikh’ lettering (representing the owner’s family name) on the rear of the car and stitched into the knee pads inside the cabin.
The Venom F5-M is available in both Coupe and Roadster forms, but the first one is a Roadster. Prices start at $2.65 million before taxes and customization.
To date, Hennessey has delivered more than 40 Venom F5s, with the Venom F5-M at Goodwood representing only the latest in its expansion as a world-class hypercar manufacturer.
