Manhart

Manhart Performance is a high-performance car modification brand originating from Germany. It was founded in 1986 (with some sources citing 1980) by founder Günther Manhart in Wuppertal. The headquarters is now located at MOTORWORLD Automotive World in Cologne, Rhineland. It is one of the most influential independent modification factories in the BMW M series modification field.

The brand is known for extreme engine power extraction while balancing daily practicality and texture. Starting with a focus on the single BMW brand, it gradually expanded its modification scope to more than a dozen European luxury and supercar brands, such as Mercedes-AMG, Audi RS, Porsche, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Ferrari. Additionally, Manhart has conducted forward-looking exploration in electric vehicle modification and overseas market customization. Manhart does not simply modify a car; it redefines original factory performance to the extreme.

History

Manhart originated in Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Founder Günther Manhart had a background in tuning hobbies. Initially, it provided lightweight upgrade parts for BMW models, including titanium alloy high-performance exhaust systems, lightweight forged wheels, and carbon fiber aerodynamic kits. Later, the business was gradually expanded to in-depth reinforcement of the power system.

In the late 1980s, Manhart established its namesake brand, with BMW M Power series modification as its core competitiveness. Among a crowd of famous BMW modification factories, Manhart took a more aggressive technical route — rather than simply upgrading intake/exhaust and ECU, it was better to directly replace with a more powerful engine. Manhart's engineering team once transplanted the 5.0-liter V10 engine of BMW E60 M5 into E30, E46, or E90 M3s — still regarded as the technical peak of the modification world.

From the 1990s to the 2000s, Manhart expanded from BMW to German-Italian series such as Mercedes-AMG, Audi, Porsche, Alfa Romeo. In the late 2010s, the modification map further covered top supercar brands such as Lamborghini and McLaren.

2025 to 2026 was a period of deep transformation for the brand. In September 2025, the Manhart Dubai headquarters was officially renamed Manhart Middle East, marking a strategic upgrade of the Middle East market. In January 2026, Manhart moved its headquarters from Wuppertal to Cologne MOTORWORLD Automotive World, opening a brand new luxury showroom of over 50,000 square meters to celebrate the brand's 40th anniversary. In March of the same year, the MH5 900E based on the BMW M5 Touring was launched. With an output of 910 horsepower, it became the most noteworthy modification work of 2026.

Product Portfolio

Manhart launched complete vehicle modification schemes with a naming system of “MH + Model Number + Power Output,” providing full-chain upgrades from appearance kits to powertrains. The following are some key models:

MH4 900: Based on the G82 M4, the S58 3.0-liter straight-six twin-turbo engine is upgraded with larger twin turbos, a strengthened intercooler, and forged pistons and connecting rods. It outputs 922 horsepower and 121.4 kgm of torque, approaching Bugatti Veyron levels. The Stage 2 transmission strengthening can withstand 1300 Nm of torque, and the exhaust system offers optional 200-cell high-flow catalysts or competition-style no-catalyst configurations.

MH5 900 / MH5 900E: Based on the BMW M5 (F90) and M5 Touring (G99). The MH5 900 is equipped with upgraded turbos, strengthened pistons and connecting rods, and an ECU rewrite, outputting 915 horsepower and 1240 Nm of torque, with a global limit of 5 units. The MH5 900E raises the M5 Touring’s 717 horsepower to 910 horsepower, with the V8 engine’s single output reaching 769 horsepower.

MH2 700 II: Based on the M2 (G87), this 728-horsepower four-cylinder beast is configured with Stage 2 and Stage 3 ECU rewrites, sporty downpipes, and KW suspension cooperation. It is paired with front 20-inch and rear 21-inch forged wheels, along with 285/30 R20 and 305/25 R21 race tires.

MH7 700: Based on the BMW M760Li (G11/G12) 6.6-liter V12 twin-turbo engine, it increases the original factory output of 448 kW to 523 kW through the MHtronik Powerbox and turbo upgrades, with torque increased to 1050 Nm. It features 21-inch Concave One forged wheels paired with improved air suspension links for a lower stance.

TR 900 II: Based on the 992-generation Porsche 911 Turbo S, the 3.8-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine is increased from 650 horsepower to 922 horsepower and 1090 Nm of torque, representing an upgrade magnitude of over 40%.

Audi RS Q8 900: An Audi flagship SUV modification scheme that pushes the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine output to over 900 horsepower. It is equipped with a carbon fiber aerodynamic kit and signature black gold paint.

Nissan Patrol PT 650: A Japanese-style modification masterpiece developed by Manhart’s Middle East team, based on a customized upgrade scheme for the Patrol Nismo.

Tesla Model 3: Manhart rarely involves itself in pure electric modification, focusing instead on carbon fiber aerodynamic kits and body decals to enhance visual impact.

Market Performance

Manhart exists in the global modification market with extremely high professional reputation, but has never undergone external financing, belonging to a family enterprise that is independently operated with fully self-raised funds. Complete vehicle modification schemes are sold limitedly at extremely high unit prices: MH5 900 quoted at 220,000 Euros, MH4 900 although full price not disclosed, industry generally calculates at over 200,000 Euros. Limited edition model quotas are extremely scarce - MH5 900 only 5 units globally, MH4 900 launched to market with extremely limited quantities. In the German local market, diesel cars still account for over 18% of new car delivery volume, which explains the reason for Manhart continuously launching diesel performance cars such as MH3 400D.

Technology and Innovation 

Manhart has established full-stack technical capabilities covering powertrain deep reinforcement, chassis suspension precision tuning, and exterior aerodynamics.

Engine and Power System are the brand’s deepest core technology barriers. Taking the MH4 900 as an example, Manhart almost completely reconstructed the S58 3.0-liter straight-six twin-turbo engine—replacing it with larger turbochargers, a strengthened intercooler, forged pistons and connecting rods, and a carbon fiber intake system. Paired with fully autonomous ECU program re-calibration, it finally outputs 922 horsepower. The Stage 2 transmission upgrade raised the torque endurance upper limit to 1300 Nm, providing sufficient protection for the transmission against output surges.

MHtronik Powerbox is Manhart’s exclusive plug-in computer module, working in synergy with turbo hardware modifications to serve as the power management control hub. Combined with a stainless steel valve exhaust system and H&R high-flow catalytic converters (200-cell or competition type), it can achieve maximum power release and optimal exhaust sound within the framework of road regulations in each market.

In terms of Chassis and Suspension, Manhart maintains long-term cooperation with top chassis manufacturers such as H&R and KW Suspensions. The KW V4 coilover suspension system supports independent adjustment of rebound damping and high-speed/low-speed compression damping, ensuring precise handling under high horsepower output.

Regarding Appearance and Interior, Manhart’s signature design language features a black body paired with gold decals. The modification range covers carbon fiber front lips, side skirts, spoilers, and engine hoods, as well as Alcantara and top-grade leather interior re-wrapping, carbon fiber trim plates, and branded logo floor mats.

Global Presence

Manhart’s core engineering and manufacturing operations are concentrated in Germany. The new Cologne headquarters, which opened in January 2026 at MOTORWORLD, covers approximately 50,000 square meters and features showrooms, an engineering center, and a consultant team. It is open from 10:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, with weekend visits available by appointment.

Manhart Dubai previously served as the regional headquarters for Middle East business. In September 2025, the institution was officially renamed Manhart Middle East, simultaneously launching the PT 650 customized car based on the Nissan Patrol Nismo. This move demonstrated the brand’s determination to deeply cultivate the local Middle East market. As the Middle East is a core growth area for high-net-worth customized modifications, Manhart is also launching exclusive modification schemes for popular regional SUVs such as the Toyota Land Cruiser.

China and the Asia-Pacific region are not currently primary markets, and the brand has not yet established official sales channels there. Russia and Eastern European markets are covered through trade networks. Manhart exports some complete vehicles and kits to markets such as the US and South Africa, with the North American market relying on local dealer networks.

Future Outlook

From the headquarters relocation in 2026 to the dense launch of new modified models, Manhart is in a stage where brand expansion and technological transformation proceed in parallel:

40th Anniversary Brand Upgrade: 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the Manhart brand’s establishment, with the new Cologne headquarters showroom holding celebration activities throughout the year. The new brand entity, “MANHART automotive,” was officially launched in January 2026.

Ultimate Work of Classic Large Displacement Engine: Against the backdrop of global car companies discontinuing V12 engines one after another, Manhart sent off a farewell gift to the V12 era with the MH7 700. The 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo and 3.0-liter straight-six twin-turbo engines remain the core main force, while the MH4 900 and MH5 900E demonstrate that strengthened internal combustion engine power still has huge space for exploration.

Electric Modification Exploration: By launching a Tesla Model 3 appearance modification scheme, Manhart addresses the core contradiction of electric vehicle modification—namely, that unauthorized modifications to core electric power systems can affect safety and warranty. Instead, Manhart takes carbon fiber aerodynamic kits and decal upgrades as the breakthrough point, accumulating experience in the new field of electrification.

Deepening Global Layout: Using Manhart Middle East as a foothold, the brand continuously launches customized models conforming to local preferences, relying on the Cologne headquarters’ high-end platform to undertake global high-net-worth custom orders. With the global trend of top modification brands moving towards electrification continuing, whether Manhart can open up its own electric high-performance modification path while maintaining the peak of internal combustion engine performance will be the key proposition for its success or failure in the next decade.