Manhart DP500 is a limited-edition 500hp Defender

Defender purists were caught in a bind when Land Rover introduced the second-generation Defender in 2020. While it built on its predecessor’s off-road prowess, Land Rover also equipped it with premium interiors that annoyed purists. The latter argued the new car had strayed away from the predecessor’s original, affordable packaging. And now, a German tuning company with its performance-centric iteration of the Defender might fuel the enrage of the purists.

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The company in question is Manhart, famed for offering power-packed tuned derivatives of already powerful performance cars. The second-generation Land Rover Defender is Manhart’s latest muse, and the tuner likes to call it’s offering the DP500.

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Limited to just ten units, the Manhart DP500 gets based on the Defender 110 in P400AWD guise. While the standard car produces 400hp, Manhart tinkered around with the engine software, so the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol engine now produces 512 horses. Torque figures also see a bump from the standard 550Nm to now 710Nm. A new Manhart stainless steel exhaust system can also be credited for these upgraded figures.

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Cosmetically, Manhart wraps the car in an all-black livery. The added fender flares and tweaked radiator grille receive a similar treatment. Manhart has even equipped the off-roader with massive 24-inch light gray forged line rims to provide a striking contrast. Though, 24-inch wheels might not be the best equipment to take the off-roading icon….erm off-roading. Hence, a set of 22-inch wheels is currently mounted as a spare wheel at the rear. As far as options go, customers will also have a choice to lower the Defender by 30mm. 

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If the premium interior annoyed the Defender purists, the Manhart version would get their blood boiling. The cabin of the DP500 will be individually refined with some leather and Alcantara. A two-tone black and silver gray colour scheme keeps the cabin in line with the exterior.