Manhart Racing MH5 S-Biturbo Fortifies the F10 BMW M5
The BMW M5 has been the global super sedan gold standard pretty much since the introduction of the E28-based original. And while the fifth and newest evolution – based on the F10 5 Series – lacks some of its predecessors’ primal edginess (the switch from deep breathing normally aspirated engines to a turbocharged V8 being the most notable revision), it’s still stupendously fast. Fast enough to clobber the average supercar of 20 years ago, in fact.
And if you want to be able to keep up with some modern supercars, there’s an ever-growing cadre of tuning firms ready and waiting to enhance the new M5 to the point where it can do so. And the newest member of said cadre is Manhart Racing, by way of a little something it calls the MH5 S-Biturbo.
The MH5 S-Biturbo’s exterior modifications aren’t extensive compared to other companies’ packages, but they are definitely effective. Manhart adds its own front air dam extension, vented power dome hood, rear diffuser and decklid spoiler – all of them unpainted carbon fiber – to the body in the name of increasing downforce, improving cooling, and generally making the whole car look meaner. An MHR Clubsport coilover kit (which drops the front of the car by 1.8” and the rear by 1.2”) and a 21” MHR Classic wheel at each corner add to the meanness factor, without taking the aesthetics over the top.
As if that wasn’t enticing enough, Manhart Racing also enlarges the stock M5’s performance envelope, too. The 4.4L twin-turbo V8 is treated to a host of upgraded parts that elevate its output from 560hp and 502 lb.-ft of torque to 624hp and 575 lb.-ft. That’s a big jump, but Manhart aims to offer two even bigger jumps soon; one to 661hp, and one for 720hp. We’re pretty sure the technical term for that is “Mmm-mmmm good!”
But even if you just go with the “underachiever” 624hp package, Manhart says you’ll be able to blast to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and max out at over 186 mph. The company isn’t saying how much you’ll have to shell out for all these parts, but we think it and the cost of a new M5 will still be a little cheaper than comparably performing cars like an SLS AMG or DBS. All while still having room for five and a normal-sized trunk. Unless you’re the kind of person who would pour broken glass and rabid hedgehogs down the front of your pants before you’d drive a BMW, how, pray tell, can you not get on board with that?
Source: Manhart Racing