Hennessey, renowned for its high performance tuning, has outdone itself with the Venom F5-M. This manual hypercar takes the already impressive Venom F5 and adds a six-speed gated manual gearbox, creating a driving experience that is both exhilarating and challenging. To celebrate this feat, Nathan Malinick, the Director of Design at Hennessey Performance Engineering.
Malinick shared the challenges and innovations behind creating this unique vehicle. He explained that the process of converting the Venom F5 from an automatic to a manual gearbox was far from straightforward.
The existing carbon tub had to be modified significantly to accommodate the new transmission, including adjustments to the front and rear bulkheads and the firewall. This was necessary to house the physical linkages, pedals, and other components required for a manual transmission.
The transition to a manual setup also necessitated changes to the interior of the Venom F5-M. The height and position of the center console, HVAC vents, and footwell had to be carefully adjusted to accommodate the new transmission tunnel. Hennessey went the extra mile by using high-quality materials like milled aluminum for the interior components, instead of the more common plastic found in many production cars.
This attention to detail is indicative of Hennessey’s commitment to providing its customers with the best possible experience. Beyond the technical challenges, the Venom F5-M offers a driving experience that is truly unique. The manual gearbox adds a level of engagement and control that is simply not possible with an automatic transmission. The driver is able to select their own gears, tailor the driving experience to their preferences, and fully immerse themselves in the driving experience.
The Venom F5-M is a testament to Hennessey’s engineering prowess and commitment to creating exceptional vehicles. It is a car that is both powerful and refined, offering a driving experience that is sure to satisfy even the most demanding enthusiast. The Hennessey Venom F5-M, a hypercar that could have been mistaken for a military aircraft, boasts a cockpit reminiscent of an AC-130 gunship.
The twin HVAC vents, inspired by the dual exhaust nozzles of an F/A-18 Super Hornet, are a testament to the deliberate design language adopted by Hennessey. This aeronautical aesthetic extends to the exterior, featuring a sculpted roof scoop with an integrated rear vertical stabilizer, dive planes, and a custom livery. The Venom F5-M’s body shell, constructed from multiple layers of carbon weave, is not only visually striking but also enhances aerodynamics, enabling it to reach speeds of over 300 mph.
With its prominent vertical stabilizer and American flag, the Venom F5-M exudes a patriotic flair, offering customers the option to customize the decal. As a statement to other hypercar manufacturers, the Venom F5-M showcases Hennessey’s commitment to providing a genuine sports car experience, offering a manual gearbox in contrast to the automated manual transmissions favored by many automakers.
Limited to 12 units, the Venom F5-M is a testament to Hennessey’s dedication to customer satisfaction, demonstrating their willingness to listen to and fulfill specific requests. Beyond its performance and aesthetic appeal, the Venom F5-M represents a departure from the trend towards automated driving systems.
In a world where many automakers are focusing on autonomous technologies, Hennessey has chosen to prioritize the driver experience. By offering a manual gearbox, the Venom F5-M caters to those who crave the tactile and engaging nature of traditional driving.
The decision to equip the Venom F5-M with a manual gearbox is a bold one, but it has undoubtedly resonated with Hennessey’s target audience. The car’s limited production run and rapid sell out demonstrate the strong demand for such a vehicle. The Venom F5-M serves as a reminder that even in an era dominated by technology, there is still a market for cars that prioritize the driving experience.
