Ever since the Toyota GR Supra first appeared five years ago, there’s been one fact that’s been used to consistently criticise it: “Oh, it’s just a BMW.” That’s despite the facts that a) it was never going to get a 2JZ because that engine’s been out of production for nearly 20 years, b) there would have been no economic case for the Z4 and Supra to exist at all without them being twins, and c) since when has a rear-wheel drive sports car with a BMW straight-six been a bad thing?
Anyway, the latest product from German BMW tuning specialist Manhart isn’t exactly going to help the Supra’s standing among the more vocal just-a-BMW crowd. It’s thrown its considerable knowledge of the 3.0-litre turbocharged B58 six-cylinder at the Supra, creating the GR 550: something with power knocking on the door of supercar territory.
Manhart GR 550 Supra – front detail
An uprated turbo, new radiator and carbon fibre intake all contribute to upped power, and it’s topped off by a remapped ECU. All in, it takes power from 335 to 542bhp and torque from 369 to 568lb ft. If all of that sounds a bit much, you can opt for Manhart’s MHtronik, which takes power to a slightly more sensible 414bhp.
This significant power uptick can be combined with a stainless steel sports exhaust to liberate a bit more raucousness from the engine.
Manhart GR 550 Supra – rear
There’s a new bodykit, too. You can’t really miss it. It brings a carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser and side skirts, and a chunky new rear wing that wouldn’t look out of place as a factory option. This car also gets some new rear light covers, bonnet vents and mirror caps – all in carbon fibre – and is topped off by a set of Manhart’s 20-inch Concave One alloys and a not-at-all-subtle decal pack.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a BMW tuner turn its attention to the Supra – AC Schnitzer is also in on the fun. In fact, this isn’t even the first Manhart Supra we’ve seen, but it is the most powerful yet. What do you reckon – go for this, or wait for the (still unconfirmed) GRMN Supra?
