In my opinion, a modern car should have at least 150bhp and double the torque. Whatever the size or class of the vehicle. That’s more than enough power for me and for most people. However, power is an ever-present venus flytrap for the weak-minded. Power, in the context of personal advancement, is an illusion. People who seek power are seeking to accumulate the privilege power affords. Money, access, private diners club, a hidden world affordable and afforded to out-of-touch elites.

The BMW M8 Competition tuned Manhart MH800 Performance Package is, in many ways, an automotive illusion. After all, if you own such a vehicle, you don’t have the power to clear a traffic jam. You don’t have the power to prevent geopolitical warfare, stop global warming or save the polar bears. You just have 812bhp and 1,070Nm of torque (789 pound-feet).

Nevertheless, Manhart’s true power lies in its tuning expertise. They have taken a stock BMW M8 Competition’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 and boosted performance from 617 bhp to and 750Nm of torque to near nuclear levels. For many owners of the BMW M8 Competition, 617bhp of stock OEM power can do more than enough damage to any road network.

Manhart upgraded the BMW M8 Competition by fitting a bespoke stainless steel exhaust, a race-spec intercooler and new turbochargers.

The 8-speed automatic transmission had to be upgraded to cope with that extra power. With the integration of the Manhart MH800 Performance Package, the BMW M8 Competition accelerates from 0-62 mph in 2.6 seconds.

The Manhart M8 Competition MH800 Performance Package rides on 21-inch alloy wheels. The suspension features race-spec height-adjustable springs and dampers.

It’s got a new body kit to boot. The interior is mostly unchanged but does feature Manhart decals and minimal color-coded accents and carbon fibre inserts.

Manhart is yet to reveal the price and availability of the MH800 Performance package. Expect it to be as expensive as it looks and sounds.