Manhart DP 450, the German tuner turns the Land Rover Defender into a solid 4x4

The return of the Land Rover Defender has brought us a vehicle that has little to do with the one we knew, at least in terms of its styling, which now looks much more modern and less rugged, making it more of an SUV than a 4×4 built to move with ease off the tarmac, although its essence is still there to remind us that the Defender name has not been betrayed.

But even though its styling no longer matches what we were used to, the Defender has also proven to be a vehicle that lends itself to modification, as Bowler already demonstrated a couple of months ago to mark the 60th anniversary of James Bond. Now, once again, the Land Rover Defender becomes the star of a build, not only aesthetic but also with components that will make it more capable off the tarmac thanks to Manhart.

Manhart DP 450 is the name of the German tuner’s new creation, this time using the Defender as its guinea pig. It is a preview before showing it in all its glory, and it tells us about the first details it will carry. Unlike what Manhart usually offers, this Defender has not been aimed at bringing out its sportier side, but rather at making it bring out its most off-road character, all accompanied by a distinctive look.

Manhart has chosen to show us the DP 450 with a body painted in black, with contrast provided by gold vinyls on the bonnet, front bumper, lower part of the sides and the upper side rails. All of this is accompanied by dedicated 4×4 equipment such as the roof LED light bar, front protective bumpers that also serve to mount the winch, a snorkel for water crossings and a roof rack accessible by a ladder. No details on the interior have been revealed so far, so it is not known whether changes have been made.

Mechanically, Manhart has fitted new wheels, whose size is not specified, in black finish with a gold outer lip and shod with off-road tyres, which seem to sit further from the bodywork thanks to new suspension. The DP 450 name does not come from a number in its nomenclature, but rather refers to the power that Manhart promises thanks to the modifications made, more than enough to head off the tarmac without going to the extreme of the V8 version of the Defender§h25§.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadLand Rover Defender23 versions · from 78,700 €