Manhart Racing captured our attention back in 2010, when they released a supercharger kit for the BMW M3 E92. You may wonder, as we did, why they’ve taken so long to release the E93 convertible version, but it’s because they’ve actually thrown out the M3′s original V8 engine (S65) in favour of BMW’s latest TwinPower V8 (S63).
Instead of going the supercharger route with the M3 Convertible, Manhart have swapped the M3′s naturally aspirated V8 in favour of the twin-turbocharged V8 engine from the X6 M. In standard guise, the V8 produces 408 kW and 680 Nm of torque, so dropping it straight in to the M3 already offers a power increase of 99 kW and 280 Nm. By reworking the software for the ECU, however, Manhart have extracted a further 80 kW and 295 Nm, for a total of 488 kW and 975 Nm.
In addition to the X6 M’s engine, Manhart have also borrowed the 6-speed automatic transmission and the big SUV’s brakes. The MH3 V8 R Biturbo features 396 mm brake discs in front and 374 mm discs at the rear, both gripped by 4-piston calipers. Providing necessary extra grip are 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/30 profile rubber in front and 305/25 at the back. The car has also been given lower and stiffer suspension from KW and tuned in-house by Manhart Racing. A final touch is an Akrapovic Evolution Titanium exhaust system with a sports catalytic converter and four 90 mm tailpipes.
All that work under the bonnet means the MH3 V8 R Biturbo has a top speed of over 320 km/h with the electronic speed limiter removed and we’re sure the 0 – 100 km/h sprint must be sub-4 seconds.
Styling and weight-saving measures include carbon fibre front flaps from BMW Performance, a carbon fibre vented bonnet, carbon fibre mirror caps and diffuser. Manhart Racing decals run the length of the vehicle.
