There is no doubt that the orange Manhart MH3 V8 RS Clubsport, based on the E92 M3, was (and still is) one of the most spectacular and most popular customised BMW vehicles of recent years. The creators of the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport – the performance specialists at Manhart Racing in Wuppertal, Germany – are now transplanting its internal organs into their new customised M3 convertible so to speak. The transplant involves ‘taming’ the new M3 slightly, as over against the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport, but it still creates the quickest and most powerful convertible of its class. The newly-developed and constructed MH3 V8 R Biturbo convertible again underscores the fact that the specialists at Manhart have lost nothing of their legendary technical expertise, even under new management.
As in the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport, lurking under the bonnet of the E93 series-based MH3 V8 R Biturbo is the 4.4 litre V8 twin-turbo engine from the X6 M, fitted with a large carbon-fibre cover. Thanks to special Manhart Racing (MHR) developed software, the 4.4 litre V8 twin-turbo has had its performance increased to a brutish 655 BHP, and at the same time its maximum torque has increased to a phenomenal 975 Nm. As the MHR-developed improved software system for the vehicle also removes the electronic Vmax (maximum speed) shackles, the MH3 V8 R Biturbo convertible can race at more than 320 km/h when required.
To get rid of the engine exhaust fumes, Manhart Racing has installed its own in-house designed stainless steel downpipes, as well as an Akrapovic Evolution Titanium exhaust system with a 200 cpsi sports catalytic converter system and four 90 mm tail pipes.
To provide suitable deceleration to counter the vehicle’s powerful forward thrust, the MH3 V8 R Biturbo has been equipped with a robust MHR braking system with four-piston calliper brake pads and 396 mm brake discs (taken from the X6 M, with the discs being retrospectively drilled) on the front axle and 374 mm brake discs on the rear axle. The vehicle also features the six-speed sports automatic transmission from the X6 M, and is fitted with a differential lock for optimal traction.
From the outside, the MH3 V8 R Biturbo looks discrete and suitably understated. MHR carbon-fibre elements give the vehicle the look of a sports car, as does the engine bonnet with its GTR air intakes, the mirror caps and the diffusor. In addition, BMW performance carbon flaps have been installed and MHR decorative strips have been applied.
Manhart Racing has equipped the MH3 V8 R Biturbo with extra-light MHR Concave One Ultra-light forged wheels of impressive size: the 9×20 inch and 12×20 inch wheels fit perfectly with the high-performance tyres of size 255/30ZR20 up front and 305/25ZR20 at the back, which are designed to handle high speeds. The vehicle is also equipped with an MHR suspension system (by KW V3) with in-house adjustment.
The tachometer on the vehicle reaches 400 km/h – and that should be enough even for a bullet like the Manhart MH3 V8 R Biturbo. Manhart has also installed its own in-house display system, which provides the driver with all kinds of information on operating parameters and driving performance data.
And finally, the Manhart MH3 V8 R Biturbo will be on display at the Essen Motor Show, from the 1st to the 9th of December, 2012, at Manhart Racing’s stand – hall 10, stand 104.
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