Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster: The most potent gated manual shift car on earth

On May 29, 1997, Michael Jordan had a Ferrari 550 Maranello delivered to him. It was a match made in heaven: a renowned supercar for the greatest basketball player of all time. At the time, Jordan was on a quest to win his fifth NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls. Less than a month later, he accomplished the feat. Hours after claiming his fifth NBA title on June 13, 1997, Jordan was seen in the bowels of United Center, sitting in his Ferrari, with a cigar in hand. Photographers followed him as he smiled for the cameras while he sat behind the wheel: Rosso Barchetta over tan leather, chrome Speedline wheels, and an Illinois plate that read “MJ 5.”

The Ferrari 550 Maranello was a landmark for the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, marking its return to the front-engined V12 — a two-seat berlinetta with a gated manual, the configuration that made the marque’s name, revived after more than two decades away. The Ferrari was a constant presence as he geared up for his sixth NBA title and his second three-peat. He drove the car to home games, practices, and public appearances.

In the late 70s and early 80s, legendary racer Freddie Spencer rocketed around circuits, capturing AMA Superbike titles and exhibiting the smooth, precise style he became known for. But just as important were the bikes he did it on — production-based Honda CB750s and 900s, looking as much like street bikes as racing machines. No windscreen, upright bars, and a bulging, muscular fuel tank. It was truly production-based racing.

That era of Honda CB motorcycles had the rare combination of street presence and race-worthy performance — icons of an era gone by. But Honda didn’t forget. The new CB1000F hearkens back to AMA Superbike’s golden age, while looking ahead with modern tech and street-worthy style. Here’s what makes this bike a compelling design. 

If you are a gearhead, or just a car guy in general, then you know that last week (like every year around this time) the car world descended on California for Monterey Car Week. It is an opportunity to check out some of the best of the best that is hitting the market this year. And, also, a really great opportunity to just stare at beautiful vehicles, both old and new. Of course, one of the most storied and luxurious car manufacturers in the country is always ready to make a splash, and luckily for their fans, Cadillac showed up with something special to show off. They created the optimum day-to-day ride, the best date night or evening ride, and then the completely impractical but equally badass machine.

Here are the three big moments for Cady lovers that landed at Monterey Car Week.