Manhart Performance is mostly associated with tuning
BMW, Audi and Mercedes cars. Every once in a while, though, they do launch a
different project, such as a Porsche 911 Turbo or a Lamborghini
Urus.
In stock form, the Italian super SUV’s 4.0-liter
twin-turbo V8 is good for 650 PS and 850 Nm of
torque, which Lamborghini claims makes it the most powerful SUV on Earth. Of
course that title belongs to Jeep’s 707 HP Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, but this
is targeted to a totally different customer group, so we’ll let it pass.
The tuning house has raised the Urus’ output
to a staggering 812 PS and 980 Nm of torque,
slashing a few tenths off the 3.6 seconds required for the 0-100 km/h sprint. Mind you, that’s more power than the brand’s top dog, the Aventador
SVJ, whose 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 produces 770 PS and 720 Nm of torque.
So, how did they do it? By remapping the ECU and
fitting improved turbochargers and a sports exhaust system. In order to better
cope with the extra muscle, they strengthened the 8-speed automatic
transmission as well.
As usual with Manhart’s creations, this Urus sports
a few visual updates on the outside. The carbon fiber front apron, hood, side
skirts, wheel arch extensions, tailgate spoiler and rear diffuser, as well as
the black stripes, should be enough to tell the average Joe that this isn’t a
stock Urus. The final upgrade comes in the form of the 21-inch rims, with a
Y-spoke pattern, shod in Pirelli P-Zero tires.