Custom Porsche 911 Pushes 3.8-liter Boxer to 850 Horses: Track Time Tuesday

By S.J. Bryan - September 15, 2020

Built by Manhart, the TR-850 Porsche 911 Turbo S is a track-bred savage on six-cylinders.

Custom builds need to walk a fine line. A truly great custom should enhance the vehicle without erasing the inherent DNA of the make. When it comes to a marque like Porsche, we want a tuner who knows how to work in harmony with the flat-six. So, we were very impressed by the TR-850 by Manhart Performance. It hits the perfect balance of performance and style. And man, it’s got serious power.

There’s a lot that makes Manhart’s Porsche 911 Turbo S noteworthy. The team built the TR-850 with passion and regard for the Porsche 911. It is the driving force behind every detail, from the tuning to the appearance.

For us, the attention put into boosting the engine really makes the TR-850 stand out. Starting with a series-production 911.2 Turbo S with the Sport Chrono Package, it housed a twin-turbo 3.8-liter six-cylinder boxer engine mated to a 7-speed double-clutch transmission. Techs upgraded the biturbo, added two VTG turbochargers, a custom intercooler, and aluminum intake system with a BMC sports air filter.

The result is a staggering 850 horsepower, with 803 lb-ft of torque. A major upgrade from the stock 580 hp.

Additional mods have been made to the suspension and exhaust, while the brakes and interior remain stock. It rides on Levella LVL1.1 Monoblock Forged Wheels with Manhart custom rims.

There are a number of details that make this Porsche the stuff of dreams, especially performance. This car needs to open up on the track. For over 20 years, the company has built some truly intimidating track savages and quarter mile monsters. From a standing start, the Porsche TR-850 sprints 0 to 62 in only 2.4 seconds.

And the exterior just feels fast. We love how the yellow accentuates the classic Porsche lines, and the matte black stripes and decals are an especially welcome sight. It feels modern with a nice retro edge, which is always a great idea.

Prior to building the TR-850, Manhart gained a reputation as a superior tuner for BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. They completed their first Porsche–the TR-700–a few years ago, pumping up the 911.2 Turbo to 700 horses. Check out the video by Schmee150 to get a taste of Manhart’s incredibly powerful Porsche.