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.”