Hennessey Performance says manual gearboxes will remain a core part of its future hypercars, with the successor to the Venom F5 already confirmed to feature a traditional stick shift.

Speaking during a recent media interview, Hennessey Vice President Nathan Malinick said customer demand for analogue driving experiences remains strong, particularly among buyers of the company’s ultra-exclusive hypercars.

“I think, if you look across the board, what our customers want is the drama,” Malinick said. “They want the story. They want the experience. They want something that they can connect with – a material, authentic connection with the car, not synthetic.”

The comments come as Hennessey continues deliveries of the Venom F5-M, which the company says is the world’s most powerful production car equipped with a manual transmission. Powered by a 2,031 hp twin-turbocharged V8 driving the rear wheels through a six-speed gated manual gearbox, the F5-M represents a rare commitment to traditional driver engagement in the hypercar segment.

Malinick suggested the manual-equipped model is proving even more popular than previous limited-run variants, including the track-focused Revolution Roadster.

“I will say, though, the manuals are on pace to outdo [the Revolution] because it’s just so crazy,” he said. “It’s what people want. Everyone wants a manual. Like our next year and a half of building cars, they’re all manuals.”

Looking beyond the current F5, Malinick confirmed its successor is already under development and will also feature a manual transmission, although he declined to reveal further details.

The executive also defended the usability of the 2,031 hp Venom F5-M, noting that the car’s power delivery is carefully managed so drivers do not access maximum output until higher gears, making it more approachable despite its extreme performance.

“It really is straightforward to drive,” Malinick said. “Now, you definitely have to respect this car… But it’s very rewarding when you get it right, especially in the six-speed manual.”

Company founder John Hennessey has previously revealed that the Venom F5’s successor, currently codenamed Project Overlord, is planned as a lightweight, open-top hypercar focused on driver engagement.

The model is expected to combine a high-revving engine with a manual gearbox, continuing the analogue philosophy established by the Venom GT and now carried forward by the Venom F5-M.

Hennessey is also continuing its pursuit of the 300 mph production car speed record. While the Venom F5 has yet to make an official record attempt, Malinick said the company remains committed to achieving the milestone despite the technical challenges involved.

“It’s something that we’re actively working towards,” he said. “It’s something that is way harder than people imagine. We are actively working towards it, and we’ll get back to you when we have something to tell you.”