Tag: News

MANHART MH4 GTR REVEALED WITH 700HP

Based on the already exclusive BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition released in 2016, the 700hp MANHART MH4 GTR takes exclusivity to another level.

In contrast to what is usually the case with MANHART’s creations, the new model designation of the car in this case does not yet give any indication of its new performance value. Of course, the MH4 GTR still provides far more power than the 500 hp and 600 Nm of the base M4 DTM vehicle, which has been made possible thanks to water injection. The biturbo-fired S55 in-line six-cylinder engine has been given an ECU remapping in conjunction with a MANHART intercooler by CSF, as well as a MANHART carbon intake by ARMA, MANHART aluminium charge pipes and a MANHART stainless steel exhaust system with valve function.

The latter connects to the engine via MANHART “race” downpipes, which do not have TÜV approval due to the lack of catalytic converters and are only intended for export from Germany. All in all, this results in an output of 708 PS and 980 Nm, or 698hp and 723lb ft! In order to be able to continue to cope with its task without any problems despite the increase in power, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has also received a MANHART upgrade. The chassis and the formidable carbon-ceramic brake system remained untouched in the vehicle shown here – but MANHART also offers individual optimisations on request.

MANHART has also made changes to the car’s exterior, adding a carbon front spoiler with additional lip, a new rear wing and a carbon diffuser. An additional spoiler lip on the boot lid and exterior mirror caps – each from the M Performance Parts range and made of carbon – have also been added. Furthermore, the M4 was given an even more striking body styling, while retaining the original colour combination. The wheel arches now feature forged, in-house MANHART Concave One rims in 9×20 inch and 10.5×20 inch, covered with 255/35 and 295/30 tyres.

In the interior, there was also an unmistakable racing ambience even in its original state. MANHART have further enhanced this atmosphere with a steering wheel, upholstered in Alcantara from the M Performance Parts portfolio, Recaro bucket seats with partial leather upholstery and various carbon trim elements.7

While the MANHART MH4 GTR is a one-off, MANHART will sell you the individual parts. Just head over to its product pages for more information.

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October 15, 2020
VW GOLF GTI CLUBSPORT MK8 REVEALED

Hot on the heels of its tamer brother, VW has revealed the VW Golf GTI Clubsport Mk8. Nope, it’s not limited, and nope it’s not as hardcore as you think. Here’s what you need to know.

It’s only been a week since the first reviews started rolling out on the new VW Golf GTI Mk8 before VW announced the surprise arrival of this, the VW Golf GTI Clubsport Mk8. Interestingly, VW has pitched this car between the Clubsport and Clubsport S models of the Mk7 VW Golf GTI, both of which were on sale four years ago.

In reality, the new VW Golf GTI Clubsport Mk8 is a replacement for the old model’s runout iteration, the Golf GTI TCR. Power is up over the regular Mk8 Golf GTI some 54bhp to 296bhp (242bhp in standard GTI) and torque is up a hefty 22lb ft to 295 (273 in the standard car). This means that the 0-62mph sprint is now under six seconds with a limited top speed of 155mph. Your only choice of gearbox is a seven-speed DSG job, whereas the standard GTI gets a six-speed manual.

It’s not just a power hike in the Clubsport either, you also get fettled suspension. This car sits 15mm lower than the regular car and gets a touch of positive camber on the front end to allow for a sharper turn-in. You also get bigger brakes to help you stop the increased power. There isn’t any weight saving here, though, just a good old fashioned power hike.

All of those changes amassed equate to a car that is 13 seconds quicker around the Nurburgring according to VW. That’s also in part thanks to a new special Nurburgring drive mode. What that does is keep the dampers soft, while ramping up the engine, gearbox, steering and other changes to the max. With the ‘Ring being a somewhat bumpy surface, we’re looking forward to seeing how that mode reacts to a typical British B-road.

To help differentiate the VW Golf GTI Clubsport Mk8 from the regular car, there’s a redesigned front bumper, spoiler, diffuser, side skirts and twin oval exhaust pipes.

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October 14, 2020
FORD PUMA ST REVEALED

With the hype still surrounding small crossovers and SUVs, Ford has turned its Puma into a near 200bhp hot crossover. Say hello to the Ford Puma ST.

We know what you’re thinking, isn’t this just a Fiesta ST with a top hat and on stilts? Well, yes and no. It carries over the 1.5-litre, three-cylinder 197bhp engine found in the Mk8 Fiesta ST, but Ford says that it is 40% stiffer than that of the Fiesta and this is to compensate for its higher centre of gravity and to make sure it handles and performs like an ST should. This is aided by retuned damping and anti-roll bar settings. Good news then.

What else do you get? Bigger brakes, sharper, quicker steering, 19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres and an option for the Performance Pack, which comes in at £950. This puts a Quaife Limited Slip Differential in between the front wheels. Probably not a necessity here, though.

Performance from the 1.5-litre is strong, much like the Fiesta ST. You’ll do 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds and go onto 137mph. Not bad for a Fiesta on stilts, ay? You’ll also get 41mpg, so this seems to be the big brother to the Fiesta ST, aimed at those who have grown up and got a family, but still has a bit of a wild side.

Inside you’ll get the famous Ford Recaro seats, which are delightful. It’s also nice to see there is no automatic option in the Ford Puma ST, just a good old-fashioned manual setup with three pedals. You also get a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a sport button for flicking through the modes, which includes a track mode that turns off the stability control and adds in the pops and bangs heard on the Mk8 Fiesta ST.

Ford’s Performance manager for Europe said: “Real driving enthusiasts aren’t going to settle for less excitement just because life demands a more ‘sensible’ car, so our number one priority was that the Puma ST had to be as exhilarating and capable as every ST model, without sacrificing any of Puma’s practicality. We believe that we have the best-handling small SUV in its segment. It really does feel connected and has the true ST feel. It is a joy to drive.”

For those in the market for a crossover with some performance, we’re willing to bet the Ford Puma ST will deliver on that front, and given it doesn’t have any direct rivals, it should sell well, too. We know Ford makes some cracking chassis and we’re sure that it’s team of engineers have transformed what is a fairly ugly crossover (we’re not going to sit here and pretend it’s pretty) into a car that is at least great to drive. We just hope this £28,495 crossover doesn’t spell the future of hot hatches.

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September 24, 2020