Ever since 1984, the Defender has been built with only one purpose in mind: off-roading. Things might be a little bit different with the new generation, however, which has more of a city-driving disposition. Also, when Land Rover launched the new Defender, it was not offered with the world's most powerful engines. Things changed when the company announced the Defender V-8, but both the 90 and the 110 models need a lot of improvement. Manhart's DP 500 package for the Defender 110 does just that: it brings the six-cylinder engine to the right level. This should keep you busy, at least until the Defender SVR arrives with the 600-horsepower V-8 engine.
Manhart's DP500 - The Special Ingredient
From the factory, the Defender 110 P400 version is powered by a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Manhart remapped the engine control software and took the total output up to a whopping 512 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The tuner also installed a new stainless steel exhaust system with the end pipes either sheathed in carbon or ceramic coated. It will not only give the Defender a sportier look but will improve the sound of the engine.
What is very impressive is that Manhart's Defender 110 delivers just as much as the Defender V-8. As a reminder, the latter comes with a 5.0-liter, supercharged V-8 engine that delivers 518 horses and 461 pound-feet of torque. In fact, Manhart managed to squeeze a lot more torque from the six-cylinder engine.
Other Enhancements
While the exterior updates are very limited, they do offer the Defender a more individual look. Manhart only opted to paint various exterior parts, like the fender flares or the radiator grille in the same gloss black finish as the rest of the body. The tuner does, however, offer some very eye-catching wheel/tire combinations.
As standard, Manhart equips the Defender with a new set of 12x24-inch Forged Line wheels finished in light gray. They are wrapped in 295/30ZR24 tires, but their main purpose is to make the SUV look pretty, without offering the best off-road capability. If you plan to take the Defender off-roading, Manhart has another option for you: a set of 22-inch Concave One wheels finished black and wrapped in 295/40ZR22 tires. In order to further enhance the sporty, dynamic feeling of the Defender, Manhart will also lower its height by about 30 millimeters. There are two ways to do this: adjust the standard air suspension or by means of new coupling rods.
As for the interior, the tuner opted for a combination of leather and Alcantara in a contrasting black and silver gray. Manhart said nothing about how much the Defender DP 500 costs, but announced there will be only 10 units built.