Hennessey’s Venom F5-M Roadster is the most powerful manual production car *ever*

Ever feel like a snappy five-speed box and VTEC afterburners just aren’t quite... enough? Well, Hennessey’s just slotted a six-speed open-gated manual to its Venom F5 Roadster - now dubbed the ‘M’ - in turn creating the world’s most powerful manual car. Just 12 will be built, and all have already been sold at an eye-watering sum of over £2 million a pop.

In terms of hardware, the 1,817bhp and 1,193lb ft from the twin-turbo ‘Fury’ V8 remain unchanged, as do their route towards the rear wheels. What’s different is the gearing ratios, which means the driver won’t have access to the full-fat power reserve until fourth gear to make for a more gradual build-up, as opposed to a loaded power punch.

Speaking to TopGear.com, John Hennessey said: “It’s a true manual. So when your left foot pushes the clutch in, there’s a cable connected to the transmission, and it’s not being interfaced through a computer that’s trying to interpret what it thinks you’re trying to do. It’s very much as old school and analogue as it gets.

“We always felt like having a manual truly connects the driver to the car. To have access to a physical lever on top of the throttle and the brakes and so on just adds to the enjoyment. It’s something we’ve always wanted to do, and customers have been requesting it from the start.”

There’s no word on how the new transmission affects 0-62mph times or the top speed, but Hennessey has confirmed an attempt to snatch its own Venom GT Spyder’s record of 265.6mph could happen this winter. 

“Initial tests have shown that if a client wants to go out and do 250mph with the roof off, the dorsal fin does add extra stability to the cars,” continued Hennessey. “The F5-M is not about lap times and numbers; it’s about driver experience. It’ll be the most engaging and immersive machine we’ve built yet.”

Speaking of that 55in dorsal fin, it’s one of several exterior modifications which includes the equally new roof scoop. There are new (carbon?) canards slotted into the front splitter which, along with the other body kit sections, appear slightly thinner than those seen on the standard F5 Roadster.

Looks like the alloys have been scrubbed up with a bit of satin overcoat too, while a fancy new livery has been thrown on which comprises a pair of central lines with contrasting accents running the length of the car.

The interior has also been given a light mock-up, with the most obvious change being the billet aluminium and carbon gear stick. See those air vents? They’re also revised and made from the good stuff, with ‘jet fighter-inspired’ switchgear for the windows. 

It all sounds very cool. Surely it's now time to let them both of them off the leash?