The Land Rover Defender nameplate has been known for quite a while for its off-road capability. Its status as a robust and no-frills SUV may have toned down in the new version but one fact remains – it's still a very capable off-road toy.
The Defender doesn't actually compete in the current market of powerful SUVs. But if you're looking for more, Manhart has the Defender DP 500. The German tuner has given the British SUV a stealthy makeover that's limited and quite unique compared to the rest of the Defenders out there.
Gallery: Manhart Land Rover Defender
First is the bodywork. The Defender DP 500 gets gloss black fender flares and radiator grille, with the signature Manhart stripes subtly executed. The highlight here is the wheel options. Non-offroading customers can choose the set of light grey Manhart Forged Line rims that measures 12x24 inches, wrapped in 295/30ZR24 tyres.
Meanwhile, those who will use the Defender DP 500 for serious off-roading can opt for the black Concave One wheel in 10.5x22 inches, which can be covered with 295/40ZR22 tyres.
Interior upgrade includes a bevy of leather and Alcantara configured to the customer's liking. The one you see in the photos is a high-contrast, two-tone colour concept in black and silver grey.
More work from Manhart:
Of course, the highlight of the DP 500 is the power update. With remapping and exhaust system upgrade involved, the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo petrol engine receives a bump from 400 bhp and 406 lb-ft to a whopping 512 bhp and 524 lb-ft of mountain-moving torque.
In comparison, the Defender V8 with its supercharged 5.0-litre makes 518 bhp and 461 lb-ft of pull. Not bad for a V6, we reckon.
Manhart will only be making 10 Defender DP 500 – all of them Defender 110 models in the P400 AWD variant. Price, as always, isn't disclosed at the time of this writing.
Source: Manhart