Brutal BMW M2 Is a Go-Big-or-Go-Home Type of Car, Manhart Is To Blame for the 715 HP

6 months, 3 weeks ago - 11 April 2024, autoevolution

BMW faced the backlash that poured in after it unveiled the BMW M2. The design just did not work for the fans of the brand. However, Manhart is now trying to fix the issue. They could have chosen any color for the model, but no, that's not Manhart. They went for the one color that would make this car steal the spotlight!

Manhart did it again, just a few weeks after their first interpretation of the second-ten BMW M2 (G87). "This is just the beginning," they threatened us all back then. And here is how they proceed. Their latest creation is called the Manhart MH2 GTR II. The complicated-to-remember designation does not tell half of the story, though.

The Manhart MH2 GTR II is a limited edition M2 and, what is right in front of our eyes is a car with a unique spec. It features what Manhart calls "an extroverted styling," sporting an equally extravagant performance. We are dealing with a car that sports 715 metric horsepower (705 horsepower) and 850 Newton meters (627 pound-feet) of torque.

That means that it has 255 metric horsepower and 300 Newton meters more than the M2 that rolls off the production line at BMW's San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico. Manhart is "blaming" the ECU remapping and the carbon intake for the 3.0-liter S58 twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. Those make it flash from 100 kph (62 mph) to 200 kph (124 mph) in 5.76 seconds.

Manhart also came up with Sport-Downpipes with HJS catalysts and a Manhart stainless steel valve exhaust system, which includes four matte black 100-millimeter tailpipes.

For those who want to drive the BMW M2 sporting the Manhart badge outside Germany, where a TUV approval is not required, the tuning house also offers race downpipes without catalysts, Manhart OPF (Otto Particulate Filter) delete replacement pipes with HJS catalysts and a Manhart OPF/GPF (Gasoline particulate filter) deleter.

The German tuner fitted the MH2 GTR II body kit to make the looks of the M2 match the extra oomph. They could have slept any color to the BMW, and still, it would steal the spotlight anywhere it went. But no, Manhart is not about keeping a low profile. Manhart is about not leaving a single stone unturned on a car. This is why this BMW ended up painted in bright magenta.

It is the magenta finely wrapping an extra muscular body, which received a new kidney grille, front bumper inserts, and front spoiler, plus the hood attachment. A Manhart spoiler lip showed up at the rear, in the company of a large, fixed rear wing from the M Performance parts program.

The M2 now rides on champagne-colored Raffa RFS-02 Forged Series wheels, measuring 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear and being fitted with 285/30 and 305/25 tires. Magenta brake calipers match the body color.

Manhart brought the car closer to the ground using the Variant 4 coilover suspension by KW Suspensions.

The tuner got the BMW track-ready by removing the rear seats and installing a champagne-colored roll bar on board instead. Manhart Schroth harnesses with belt tensioners also keep the occupants safe.

There is no word on the pricing just yet, but it is probably difficult to calculate since the tuning house offers so many options. So, has Manhart fixed the design of the super-controversial M2 or have they made it worse? Drop us a line in the comments section below.