If there is a premium vehicle out there, Manhart can modify it and that is exactly what they have done with the latest Land Rover Defender. The Manhart DP 500 with its 3,0-litre inline six gets a sportier stance and 382 kW to boot.
Normally kitting out the most decadent, top of the range models, Manhart have now tweaked a Land Rover Defender but instead of this being the supercharged V8, the German tuner has put their expertise to use on the P400 AWD instead.
Most impressively, their bevy of performance upgrades now takes the standard 298 kW and 550 N.m and bumps it all the way up to 382 kW and 710 N.m. For those well versed in statistics of the British SUV, the supercharged V8 with its 5,0-litre mill puts out a respectable 386 kW and 625 N.m. Can someone please give Manhart a supercharged V8, we would like to see something. All of this sorcery is compliments of engine mapping and an upgraded exhaust system.
All of that power will have to be put to use on tarmac since this is one Land Rover Defender that will not adventure off of the beaten path. Manhart have equipped this murdered-out DP 500 with elastic bands for tyres. The model will include a Manhart Forged Line rims on all four corners measuring in at 12×24 wrapped in 295/30ZR24 tyres. Customers opting for more off-road ability can spec their DP 500 with the black Concave One wheel which wears 295/40ZR22 rubber though. Either way, we can’t imagine any will be as utilitarian as this Congolese Defender.
The bodywork has been updated too, with gloss black fender flares and a radiator grille beneath Manhart lettering to match. The black paintwork also has subtle stripes along the SUV with Manhart logos in the usual places.
The inside includes leather and Alcantara chosen by customer preference, of which there will only be 10 since Manhart has stated the DP 500 will be limited to that amount.