THE Manhattan MH1 400 seems to be the answer for those who didn't let themselves be carried away by the charms of the new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, the one that has a 2.0 Turbo with 421 hp. Contrary to what one would expect, Manhart didn't start from the new “all-in-one” BMW 1 Series (F40), but from the previous generation F20/F21.
This means that, as a hot mega hatch, it couldn't be more different from Affalterbach's proposal. Instead of a four-cylinder squashed into insanity, we have a much bigger and more vocal six-cylinder in-line. Instead of four drive wheels, we can only have two… on the axle that matters, namely the rear.
The MH1 400 starts off as a BMW M140i, in itself, a machine that has little to do with it.
The B58, the six-cylinder in-line that not only equips the M140i but also many other BMWs and even the… Toyota Supra, receives a new control unit from Manhart, the MHtronik Powerbox; and a revised exhaust system with a new downpipe with integrated catalytic converter and two 90 mm outlets, capable of reducing not only the back pressure in the exhaust system, but also the temperature of the exhaust gases.
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All of this results in an expressive leap in the numbers debited by the engine: from 340 hp and 500 Nm as standard to 435 hp and 644 Nm on the Manhart MH1 400. No numbers were given for its performance, but the 95 hp and 144 Nm more, certainly should contribute to a more pronounced thrust.
The sound is also more expressive thanks to a sport silencer made of stainless steel.
Power without control is just wasted, so Manhart has completed the package with a chassis now featuring a new KW Variant 2 coilover kit that also brings it closer to the ground. Braking has not been forgotten, with the front axle receiving a system with six-piston jaws. Behind it remains the source system of the M140i.
To distinguish the MH1 400 from the M140i are new 19-inch concave wheels — in matte silk black or polished diamond —, front splitter and carbon fiber rear diffuser (which optimize aerodynamics, guarantees Manhart).
Inside, we see carbon fiber in the steering wheel, gearshift knob and handbrake. But the highlight goes to the small screen with extra information that takes the place of the left central ventilation outlet, where we can see data such as turbo pressure, G forces and how much power and torque are being used.