Hennessey Performance has once again shattered expectations with its latest creation—the Venom F5 LF. It’s not just another hypercar cranking out jaw-dropping horsepower; this one is about analog feel, handcrafted detail, and extreme personalization. Commissioned by American collector Louis Florey, the LF represents the most driver-focused, bespoke Venom F5 ever built.
With 2,031 horsepower, a six-speed gated manual, and a handbrake inspired by a bolt-action rifle, this machine sets a new benchmark—not just for Hennessey, but for the hypercar world at large.
Let’s break down everything that makes the Venom F5 LF unique, from its performance specs and engineering to its one-of-a-kind design details and what it means for the future of American hypercars.
Key Highlights of the Venom F5 LF
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.6L twin-turbocharged V8 (“Fury”), 2,031 hp |
| Transmission | Six-speed gated manual, solid aluminum shifter |
| Handbrake | Machined with bolt-action rifle feel |
| Chassis | Next-gen XCell_2 carbon monocoque (lighter, stiffer) |
| Exterior | Exposed Cocoa-tinted carbon fiber with River Sand Metallic accents |
| Aero Package | Front splitter, new dive planes, re-sculpted fender louvres, taller wing |
| Interior | Horology-grade switchgear, luminous-infill buttons, bespoke ergonomics |
| Division | Built under Hennessey’s new “Maverick” customization program |
| Debut | Monterey Car Week – The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering |
| Price | The most expensive Hennessey ever produced |
2,031 Horsepower Still Rules the Show
At its core, the Venom F5 LF carries the same twin-turbo 6.6-liter V8 nicknamed “Fury.” This engine already made headlines when the original F5 debuted with over 2,000 horsepower, and in the LF, nothing has been dialed back.
- 0–60 mph times aren’t yet disclosed, but given the standard F5’s capability to sprint under 3 seconds, expect the LF to be in the same ballpark.
- The top speed potential—claimed at over 300 mph—remains intact, though few will ever test it.
- The real twist lies not in raw numbers, but in the way power is delivered—through a manual gearbox, something virtually extinct in hypercars of this class.
The First Manual Venom F5: Why It Matters
Most hypercars have abandoned manual transmissions in favor of lightning-fast dual-clutch automatics. But Florey’s vision for the LF was different—he wanted engagement over milliseconds.
- The six-speed gated shifter, milled from solid aluminum, offers a tactile experience no paddle-shift can match.
- The H-pattern layout brings an old-school mechanical connection back to a car that otherwise lives on the bleeding edge.
- For purists, this makes the LF one of the last truly analog hypercars—with horsepower figures that are anything but old-school.
In short, this isn’t just a Venom F5 with a stick shift. It’s a philosophical statement: speed is thrilling, but control is intoxicating.
A Handbrake Inspired by a Hunting Rifle
The bolt-action handbrake is one of the quirkiest and most distinctly American details on the LF. Hennessey’s engineers milled it to replicate the feel of chambering a rifle round.
Why? Because personalization at this level means turning even mundane details—like a parking brake—into art.
- It’s an homage to craftsmanship and mechanical precision.
- It underscores Hennessey’s willingness to reimagine the small things, not just headline-grabbing horsepower.
- It also fits with the Maverick division’s ethos: functional luxury that feels deeply personal.
Inside the Cabin: Horology Meets Horsepower
Step into the LF and you won’t find just carbon and Alcantara. Instead, Hennessey obsessed over switchgear and tactile feel.
- Every toggle, switch, and rotary controller was redesigned with horology-grade detail, the same level of precision you’d expect in a Swiss watch.
- Luminous infill gives the controls a glowing presence at night.
- Seating ergonomics and pedal box positioning were refined for a more natural, driver-centric posture.
This blend of watchmaking precision and motorsport ergonomics makes the LF feel less like a stripped-down race car and more like a rolling piece of art.
XCell_2 Monocoque: Stronger, Lighter, Smarter
The LF debuts Hennessey’s new XCell_2 carbon monocoque, which brings several upgrades over the original chassis:
- Stiffness: Enhanced torsional rigidity improves handling and safety.
- Weight: Lighter carbon weave construction shaves precious pounds.
- Driver fit: Redesigned for better seating position and improved pedal ergonomics.
This chassis will also underpin the upcoming Venom F5 Evolution, signaling that the LF isn’t just a one-off—but also a test bed for Hennessey’s next-gen platform.
Exterior: Champagne Carbon and Evolutionary Aero
Visually, the LF looks familiar yet distinct. It’s based on the Venom F5 Stealth Series, but Florey pushed for a finish that stands out:
- Full exposed carbon fiber body tinted Cocoa.
- Painted accents in River Sand Metallic, creating a champagne-like shimmer.
- Custom colorway designed to shift subtly under light, blending richness with aggression.
Beyond aesthetics, the LF previews aero elements of the Venom F5 Evolution, including:
- New front splitter for improved downforce.
- Reshaped dive planes to stabilize high-speed airflow.
- Re-sculpted fender louvres to vent turbulence more efficiently.
- Revised rear deck with an integrated lip spoiler.
- A taller rear wing for greater high-speed stability.
This is not just a showpiece—the aero refinements point toward real track capability.
The Maverick Division: Hennessey’s Answer to Personalization
The Venom F5 LF is the first creation from Hennessey’s new Maverick division. Think of it as the brand’s coachbuilding arm, designed to rival programs like:
- Rolls-Royce Bespoke
- Pagani’s Fuoriserie
- Ferrari’s Tailor Made
But unlike the Europeans, Maverick is rooted in American boldness. Each commission is about more than colors and materials—it’s about re-engineering components to reflect the customer’s vision.
Hennessey describes it as the “ultimate expression of the American Dream”, and the LF embodies that ethos perfectly.
Why This Hypercar Matters
The Venom F5 LF isn’t just another entry in the horsepower wars. It represents a turning point in hypercar culture:
- Manuals in the hypercar space are extinct—this car proves they still have a place.
- It shows that personalization can extend beyond aesthetics, reaching deep into mechanical design.
- It establishes Hennessey as a serious player not just in speed records, but also in luxury craftsmanship.
Hennessey Venom F5 LF vs. Rivals
| Model | Power | Transmission | Personalization Level | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hennessey Venom F5 LF | 2,031 hp | Six-speed gated manual | Extreme (Maverick division) | Most expensive Hennessey |
| Pagani Huayra Codalunga | 840 hp | Automated single-clutch | Ultra-custom coachbuilt | Multi-million |
| Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut | 1,600 hp (E85) | 9-speed multi-clutch auto | Moderate custom options | Multi-million |
| Bugatti Chiron Super Sport | 1,577 hp | 7-speed dual-clutch | Limited bespoke | $3M+ |
| Rolls-Royce Droptail | 600 hp | 8-speed auto | Bespoke coachbuild | ~$30M |
Compared to its rivals, the LF stands out for one key reason: it combines world-record-level performance with old-school analog engagement, something no other hypercar maker is doing at this scale.
The Hennessey Venom F5 LF is more than just the most expensive car Hennessey has ever built. It’s a statement piece:
- That American hypercars can rival European coachbuilt exotics.
- That personalization means more than a color palette—it can redefine mechanics.
- That even in an era of electrification and automation, there’s still room for the visceral joy of a gated shifter and a rifle-bolt handbrake.
For Louis Florey, it’s the ultimate dream car. For Hennessey, it’s the beginning of a new chapter. And for the hypercar world, it’s a reminder: sometimes, analog feels more futuristic than digital ever could.
