Track-ready superstar.
All of the new M models that BMW is cranking out these days have their own special way of going fast whether it’s through power, reduced weight, or a mixture of both. The BMW M235i serves as a vehicle that in the automaker’s mind, replaces the E46-genreation BMW M3 with its direct, driver-focused performance. If the factory dynamics still don’t seem to tickle your fancy, the Manhart MH2 Clubsport will surely put a smile on the track enthusiast’s face.
The new Manhart Racing MH2 Clubsport is a BMW M235i that’s designed specifically for conquering the track. Although it is street-legal, the few comforts that were provided in stock form were ditched in the name of performance and weight.
The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine was given a healthy boost of power from the German tuner. The factory intercooler system was replaced with a larger, more efficient unit while the ECU was given a piggyback standalone module to optimize performance. Backpressure is also a thing of the past with the Manhart MH2 Clubsport as a new downpipe and 200-cell catalytic converters allow for better exhaust gas flow and a 90mm Manhart cat-back system lets out a spectacular note. That all equates to a 430 horsepower, 437 lb-ft. of torque output and allows the MH2 Clubsport to exceed the 186 mph limit.
Putting all of that power down is no easy task. Manhart Racing equipped the MH2 Clubsport with a new reinforced sports clutch for the six-speed manual gearboxes and a 100-percent locking differential can also be added on as an option.
Part of what makes a car successful on the racetrack is its chassis. All the power in the world won’t win you a race if you can’t handle. So, Manhart gave the MH2 Clubsport a three-way adjustable KW Clubsport coilover suspension with corresponding support bearings and a custom-tailored alignment to get the job done. The front brakes were also swapped out for a set of Manhart six-piston calipers, Pagid pads, and 350 x 34 mm discs along with stainless steel flex lines. The rears were also treated with a set of Pagid pads and stainless steel brake lines.
The wheel fitment of the Manhart MH2 Clubsport fits the performance bill. A set of in-house Concave One wheels were installed in an 8.5 x 19 front and 9.5 x 19 rear setup for a bit of a wider footprint. The grey-finished wheels also come equipped with some grippy 225/35ZR19 and 255/30ZR19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber.
The exterior of the Manhart MH2 Clubsport has the same color as a hornet and the nasty sting of one as well. New carbon BMW Performance front spoiler, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler aerodynamic upgrades have been installed alongside carbon fiber mirror covers for that additional boost of downforce and stability. The entire body, save for the bare carbon fiber parts, is then covered in a dull-yellow wrap.
Inside, the Manhart Racing team gave the MH2 Clubsport a straightforward, lightweight approach to performance. The factory front and rear seats were stripped out and replaced by a pair of Recaro pole position shells up front with four-point harnesses. The space where the rear sets once held occupants is not utilized by a clubsport bracket with double-crossmember, H-route and guesset plates. Rug covers every bit of visual metal to finish it off. Up front, a BMW M Performance aluminum pedal lining, new handbrake handle, and gear lever knob give the driver a better feel for the MH2 Clubsport. An additional dashboard-mounted display that shows everything from boost pressure to lap times to help drivers improve their overall performance on the track.
The new Manhart Racing MH2 Clubsport is available as a conversion program for the new BMW M235i. Pricing for the full conversion has not been released.
Manhart MH2 Clubsport BMW M355i Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-six
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 430
Maximum Torque: 437 lb-ft. / 592 Nm
-ECU software module
-Larger intercooler system
-Manhart Racing downpipes and 200-cell catalytic converters
-Stainless steel catback exhaust with 90 mm pipes
-Reinforced sports clutch
-Optional 100-percent locking differential
-Top Speed limiter removal
Wheels, Tires, Brakes, and Suspension:
Wheels: Manhart Racing Concave One
Front Wheels: 8.5 x 19
Rear Wheels: 9.5 x 19
Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Front Tires: 225/35ZR19
Rear Tires: 255/30ZR19
Front Brakes: Manhart Racing six-piston front calipers with 350 x 34 mm discs, Pagid pads, and stainless steel lines.
Rear Brakes: Pagid pads and stainless steel lines
Suspension: Adjustable KW Clubsport coilovers with support bearings and custom alignment
Exterior:
-BMW M Performance carbon front spoiler
-BMW M Performance carbon fiber rear spoiler
-BMW M Performance carbon rear diffuser
-Carbon fiber side mirror covers
-Dull yellow exterior wrap
Interior:
-Recaro Pole Position seats with four-point harnesses
-Rear bench delete
-Rear carpeting
-Rear Clubsport bracket with double-cross, H-route, and gusset plates
-New handbrake handle
-New gear lever knob
-BMW M Performance aluminum foot pedal lining
-Dashboard-mounted display
Manhart MH2 Clubsport BMW M355i Gallery
Source: Manhart Racing
Is the Manhart MH2 Clubsport M235i the ultimate BMW track weapon?
