Hennessey has introduced the Venom F5-M, a new combustion hypercar that joins the select group of vehicles with over 2,000 horsepower and a genuine manual transmission.
Hennessey has introduced the Venom F5-M, a new combustion hypercar that joins the select group of vehicles with over 2,000 horsepower and a genuine manual transmission.
This Texan model was developed in contrast to the growing trend of electric and hybrid cars, focusing on maintaining the traditional mechanical experience. The Venom F5-M delivers an impressive 2,031 hp, generated solely by its internal combustion engine. Production of this hypercar will be limited to only 12 units.
The vehicle uses the engine known as 'Fury,' a 6.6-liter V8 equipped with two turbochargers. This engine is capable of producing 196 kgfm of torque when fueled with E85 ethanol. All this power is directed exclusively to the rear wheels through an unprecedented six-speed manual transmission, which features exposed shifters, a rare configuration in the current hypercar segment.
The launch of the Hennessey Venom F5-M sparks a debate regarding the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale. While the Italian manufacturer proposes an electronic system that simulates manual shifts, including artificial gearshift and clutch pedal, Hennessey chose to implement a genuine manual gearbox in a hypercar exceeding 2,000 hp. For enthusiasts, Hennessey's approach suggests that the real mechanical connection is irreplaceable.
With the arrival of the F5-M, Hennessey integrates into a very exclusive group of production automobiles that use only internal combustion engines and exceed 2,000 hp. This list is restricted, as most vehicles with such specifications rely on hybrid or purely electric systems. Among the combustion models that have surpassed the 2,000 hp mark are the Hennessey Venom F5 Evolution and the Venom F5-M, both with 2,031 hp. Also part of this category is the Devel Sixteen, which promises up to 5,000 hp with a quad-turbo V16 engine, despite not yet having large-scale regular production, and the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, prepared by the Factory Plus division, which can exceed 2,000 hp in certain configurations with special fuels.
In addition to the mechanical package, the Venom F5-M has received several aerodynamic modifications. The hypercar is equipped with a large carbon fiber dorsal wing, new aerodynamic surfaces, and adjustments to the adaptive suspension. The manufacturer stated that these changes were essential to ensure stability at speeds above 320 km/h and maintain drivability even with the inclusion of the manual gearbox.
Handcrafted in Sealy, Texas, the Venom F5-M has an starting price from US$ 2.65 million, and all 12 units have already been reserved. In an automotive scenario rapidly advancing towards electrification and automated transmissions, this American hypercar presents itself as a mechanical manifesto, combining over 2,000 hp, three pedals, and no electronic assistance for performance.