An M3 with X6 M muscle.
The BMW M3 is already one of the most capable performance models currently on the market. But, Manhart Racing had other, more sinister ideas in mind. The new MH3 V8 RS Clubsport, based on the E92 BMW M3, has the extreme power of the X6 M with the agility of a carbon fiber-clad M3 racecar.
Instead of the 4.0-liter V-8 that powers the stock M3, Manhart Racing decided to do a Frankensteinish upgrade and replace the stock motor with the 4.4-liter V-8 engine from the BMW X6 M. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter wasn’t left with its usual 555 horsepower either. Manhart Racing installed new turbochargers, cooling systems, reinforced pistons and rods, and titanium exhaust system with racing catalytic converters to push output all the way to a massive 750 horsepower and 671 lb-ft. of torque.
In order to handle the incredible amounts of power that the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 produces, the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport was fitted with a six-speed automatic from the X6 M and E60 M5 locking rear differential. With a weight of only 3,498 lbs., the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport can accelerate to 62 mph in only 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of over 217 mph (350 km/h).
The low weight of the Manhart Racing MH3 V8 RS Clubsport comes from the use of weight-optimized carbon fiber bodywork. The cowl, CLS-designed trunk lid, fender flares, and hood were all made from the composite material. To improve overall aerodynamics, new side sills, front and rear spoilers, and a rear diffuser were installed. For a finishing touch, Manhart Racing replaced the stock mirrors with carbon fiber units.
With such remarkable performance, Manhart Racing had to upgrade the chassis of the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport in order to handle the added power. The stock suspension was replaced with an MHR Clubsport threaded chassis for more precise handling. Manhart Racing also installed new ultra-light Concave One, one-piece forged wheels. The concave wheels were installed in a 9 x 20 and 12 x 20 front and rear combination with 255/30 ZR 20 and 325/25 ZR 20 Continental Sport Contact 5 performance tires. Manhart Racing also upgraded the brakes with a new MOVIT system that includes six-piston front calipers with 396 x 34 mm discs and four-piston calipers with 380 x 32 discs at the rear axle.
To go along with the motorsports-themed exterior, Manhart Racing has fitted the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport with a minimalistic interior. The full-carbon fiber shell seats shed weight and hold onto passengers during hard cornering. The entire cockpit is protected with a full Wiechers roll cage in orange. Alcantara adorns the door panels, seat inserts, steering wheel, and trunk lining, while carbon fiber is fitted replaces the stock trim pieces. Facing the driver is a BMW performance steering wheel for greater control and a console-mounted Manhart Racing display, showing information such as boost, G-forces, and measured acceleration.
The entire Manhart Racing MH3 V8 RS Clubsport is currently available as a complete car from the German company. Pricing and production numbers have not been released.
Manhart Racing MH3 V8 RS Clubsport Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.4 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 750
Maximum Torque: 671 lb-ft. (910 Nm)
-X6 M engine
-New cooling systems
-Larger turbochargers
-Reinforced pistons and rods
-Titanium exhaust system with racing catalytic converters
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed automatic from BMW X6 M
Drive: Rear-wheel
Differential: E60 BMW M5 locking rear differential
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.2 seconds
Top Speed: 217 mph (350 km/h)
Wheels, Tires, Brakes, and Suspension:
Wheels: Manhart Racing Concave One “Black Edition” forged monoblock
Front Wheels: 9 x 20
Rear Wheels: 12 x 20
Tires: Continental Sport Contact 5
Front Tires: 255/30 ZR20
Rear Tires: 325/25 ZR20
Front Brakes: MOVIT six-piston calipers and 396 x 34 mm discs
Rear Brakes: MOVIT four-piston calipers and 380 x 32 mm discs
Suspension: MHR Clubsport threaded chassis
Exterior:
-Carbon fiber cowl
-Carbon fiber hood
-CSL design carbon fiber trunk
-Front and rear carbon fiber spoilers
-Carbon fiber fender extensions
-Carbon fiber rear diffuser
-Carbon fiber side sills
Interior:
-BMW performance steering wheel
-Manhart Racing carbon fiber shell seats
-Alcantara steering wheel, seat inserts, door panels, and trunk
-Carbon fiber trim
-Wiechers roll cage
-Manhart Racing console display system
Manhart Racing MH3 V8 RS Clubsport Gallery
[Source: Manhart Racing]
What is your favorite part about the Manhart Racing MH3 V8 RS Clubsport? Leave a comment and let us know!
