The hypercar arms race shows no sign of slowing. Whether it’s new speed records or lap times, the world’s fastest cars continue to push the boundaries. But recently, a new battlefield has emerged – one that centres not on technology, but on the most critical component of all: the driver.

As seen with the Pagani Huayra Epitome, the Koenigsegg Chimera and the GMA T.50, the manual gearbox is enjoying a revival. Hennessey is the latest to join the fray with the Venom F5-M Roadster, which combines a six-speed gated manual transmission with a staggering 1,817 bhp. Powered by the same 6.6-litre, twin-turbocharged Fury V8 as the regular Venom F5, the F5-M balances raw power with the tactile engagement that only a manual gearbox can deliver.

Managing such a colossal output alongside the intricacies of a manual transmission has been no easy task for Brian Jones, Hennessey’s engineering lead. New gear ratios and recalibrated engine mapping introduce a progressive power delivery, helping the car remain driveable even with the immense torque on offer. This setup is designed to give drivers more control as they navigate the car’s incredible performance capabilities.

John Hennessey, the company’s founder and CEO, summed up the ethos behind the Venom F5-M Roadster “The Venom F5-M Roadster is old school, badass and offers ultimate driving engagement. We wanted to build a manual hypercar that delivers a truly visceral driving experience.”

Only 12 Venom F5-M Roadsters will be built, each priced from $2.65 million. Despite the steep cost, all units have already been sold. Hennessey’s customisation programme allows each car to be tailored to its owner’s specifications, with unique paint colours and carbon fibre finishes. Once a colour is chosen, it’s removed from the configurator to maintain exclusivity for each owner.

A notable design feature of the F5-M Roadster is the 55-inch dorsal fin that runs from the roof-mounted air scoop to the rear deck. More than just an aesthetic flourish, this element contributes to the car’s aerodynamic stability at high speeds.

Inside, the focus remains firmly on the driver. The billet aluminium and carbon fibre gear shifter, sitting in a precisely milled six-speed gate, is the centrepiece of the cabin. Positioned for ease of use, it embodies the car’s mechanical purity, giving the driver a tangible connection to the power beneath the bonnet.

A redesigned central console also features, including billet aluminium accents, horizontal air vents and fighter jet-inspired toggle switches. It’s functional yet purposeful, emphasising performance over excess.

The World's Fastest Manual Hypercar?

The Venom F5-M Roadster follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Venom GT Spyder, which still holds the title of the world’s fastest convertible, having achieved a top speed of 265.6 mph in 2016. With a focus on lightweight construction, aerodynamic refinement and a powerful V8 engine, the F5-M Roadster has the credentials to challenge for new records.

But this car is not only about outright speed. With a chassis designed for precision handling, the F5-M Roadster is just as capable on winding roads as it is on the track. Its tuned suspension and aerodynamic features make it an all-round performer, not just a straight-line missile.

Hennessey has already delivered 24 semi-automatic Venom F5 models worldwide, with the Venom F5-M Roadster completing a limited run of 30 open-top models. The manual version is the rarest, with just 12 units built, each featuring bespoke liveries exclusive to this variant.

Although the race to break the 300 mph barrier continues unabated, there’s something reassuring about the rise of manual hypercars. In a world dominated by automatic transmissions and electronic driver aids, manufacturers like Hennessey are ensuring the human element remains central to the driving experience.

While cars like the Venom F5-M Roadster will only ever be driven by a select few, their existence is important for the wider car community. These hypercars push boundaries, not just of speed, but of what driving can mean in a world increasingly focused on technology. They remind us that, even as the automotive world evolves, there’s still a place for the thrill of true driver engagement.

Hennessey Venom F-5M Roadster Key Specifications:

Power: 1,817 bhp from a 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged Fury V8

Transmission: Six-speed gated manual

Top Speed: Estimated at over 265 mph

Production: Limited to 12 units, all sold

Price: Starting from $2.65 million