Three things about this particular C63 AMG. First, it's a rolling testbed for RENNtech, an established tuner of all things Mercedes, and has the prototype machined airbox to prove it. The second thing to know is power output's been pegged at over 580 HP, more than 100 HP over the stock AMG. There's a thick layer of expelled rubber on the rear fender to prove it. The third thing? It's still a Mercedes, and it has the luxury to prove it.

Driving in Miami isn't about going fast, especially given the well-known congestion, rather, it's about looking stylish. Gleaming Bentley, Aston and Ferrari chrome is blindingly everywhere. They're almost as plentiful as police officers with their laser guns and unmarked Nissan Altima Coupes. So how do you avoid running into a squad car and landing in prison?

This C63 was sporting a rear-view mirror embedded with the readout from the radar/laser detector (a Valentine One system), which gave direction and type of surveillance while looking like a stock compass readout. It's the original OEM mirror and all of the built-in features, such as day/night auto and garage openers, are fully functional. How did they do this?

I spoke with Raymond Allen of Technicar, the company that designed the system. "It's stealth-mounted in the car so no one knows it is in the rearview mirror. Many cars have it so the compass will readout into the rearview mirror, so it looks like an OEM device but it gives you a stealth readout that no one knows its there."

It works flawlessly. Speeding up an on-ramp, I hear the familiar chrip of the detector and quickly glance up at the mirror to see there's a car shooting us with laser from the rear at close range. We're going faster than the posted 45 MPH speed limit but no one gives chase. This is probably because the officer is getting an error message on the laser unit.

The other trick piece on this car is the laser jammer. More authorities are switching over to laser because it's more precise and, of course, no one wants to put a radiation stick in their crotch all day, so having a laser jammer is a big lifesaver if you have a lead foot.

When the cop shoots you with their gun it's typically sending out a few short beams of light and waiting to get them back in order to process the information and determine a speed. As soon as the sensors in the C63 sense the signal it automatically sends back the wrong data. For instance, if the laser gun sends five short beams of light at a car coming towards the officer, the car may send back three beams made to look is if the car is moving in the other direciton, thus causing an error.

After battling the traffic, and the cops, I drive the car out to a more secluded part of Miami. As opposed to the danger represented by driving quickly on crowded streets, the greatest threat we face is O.J. Simpson, who owns a house not too far from where we go to stretch the car's legs out.

Even without long stretches of open road it's clear this stealthy silver Benz can sprint. With the resonator delete, maybe stealthy isn't exactly the right word. There's a serious growl. And maybe the RENNtech logo splayed across the windshield and slicks on the back are a bit of a giveaway to the observant. But one moment you're at a stop sign and the next you're going 80 MPH. The company hasn't done official 0-60 testing yet, but with 465 Lb-Ft of torque, we imagine that figure is largely dependent on what kind of tires the car is wearing. Fitted with these slicks, getting the power down isn't too difficult.

The rest is easy, too. It was surprising how effortless it was to throw the car around as we rocketed through the neighborhood and across on-ramps. The stiffer suspension, strut tower brace and lower stance contribute to a solid feel without sacrificing much in the way of comfort over the road... assuming you're willing to go over bumps at an angle. Traction control works, thankfully, keeping the C63 off of the grass when the wheels spin faster than the gears in the driver's brain, as I learned first hand. Given the performance on tap, it's surprising that this tuner version can retain most of the stock C-Class's civility.

As this car is a mule, I'm not ready to pass judgment on the fit-and-finish. It looks good at a distance and, up close, any shortcomings are sort of endearing and show signs of serious use. RENNtech achieves a lot of gains through clever tuning of the car's ECU, which doesn't mean much until you see the rubber caked on the inside of the wheel well or hear it take off. Computer programmers FTW!

Back in traffic, the car melts back into the Mercedes mold, the incessant beeping of the mirror being the only obvious giveaway. There's no need to sacrifice anything if you want to play Hyde by day and Jekyll by night. That's not completely true. You'll need to fork over an as-of-yet determined chunk of change.

To further differentiate it from the lowly C63 AMG it's based on, a body kit is in the works. Nice as it might look with wider fenders, we think we prefer it the way it is, more sleeper than silly. As a work-in-progress this vehicle is still within the realm of gearheads, not the polished world of dentists who wanted to buy a toy with their dirty plaque money.

Rather than kit up another AMG G55 or convert another hybrid GLK into a rally racer, RennTECH is considering doing a turbodiesel verison of the celeb-fave G-Wagen. Currently, they don't offer a diesel version here in the States but the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 from Mercedes is plentiful and puts out 376 lb.-ft. of torque. They could also opt for the non-BlueTEC euro version. Either way, expect a big increase in power.

These drawings by PlatuneDesign/RennTECH show the latest version of the Gelandewagen bulked up with huge wheels, a body kit wider than Jerome Bettis and more shiny metal than found in Paul Wall's mouth. Should it go into production, we expect it to star in Soulja Boy's next video or, quite possibly, in Bambi's nightmares.

[Source: RennTECH]

Last year RENNtech was content to squeeze 740 HP out of the 722 and this year, with the help of a new cooling system and other upgrades, they're claiming a monster 777 HP.

The car is being created in honor of the company's 20th anniversary of tweaking the snot out of Benz products. In addition to the power upgrades, the 777 will get a visual and aerodynamic package capable of keeping the extra HP pointed in the right direction to a top speed near 210 MPH. Details below.

RENNTECH 777 20th Anniversary, or: Horsepower Wars really Really REALLY Not Over

Earlier this week, AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg announced that “the horsepower war is over." If this sounds familiar, it's because AMG issued a similar press release LAST JANUARY.

"Last year, it was a coincidence that we were releasing a new, 695 hp performance package for the 65 series AMG cars at around the same time. We sent out a press release that said 'HP War Not Over'," recalls Hartmut Feyhl, president of RENNTECH and four-star General of the horsepower wars. "This year it is the same timing again, and we have something much more extreme to announce for our 20th Anniversary."

Feyhl founded RENNTECH in 1989, and the company has since established itself as one of the world's premier tuning firms and the foremost authority on Mercedes-Benz performance tuning. 2009 marks the company's 20th year in business, and the company intends to celebrate by releasing a small number of extreme, limited edition performance vehicles, beginning with the 777 hp, RENNTECH 777 shown here.

"This 777 concept is really an all-new car that makes use of the advanced carbon fiber chassis of the SLR McLaren. It can be described as a street-legal track car, or something closer to what the enthusiasts were hoping for from the SLR, originally - which is more a successor to the McLaren F1."

RENNTECH heavily revised the SLR McLaren bodywork and aero package using some of the same technology the company used to develop the the GLK Hybrid Rally Racer for Mercedes-Benz, including advanced CFD software to develop the aerodynamics for improved downforce. Even with the big wing, splitters, and skirts, a top speed in excess of 210 mph is well within reach for the 777.

The 777 is much more than lightweight bodywork, however. The 5.5 L supercharged "Kompressor" v8 engine is heavily revised, with internal and external performance upgrades and a significantly upgraded cooling system.

Getting that power to the ground is the job of a fully redesigned suspension and driveline, with a heavily reinforced transmission sending power to RENNTECH's revolutionary new limited-slip differential. Built for RENNTECH by Japanese supplier OS Giken, the recently-released differential allows for 100% locking between the drive wheels for unsurpassed mid-corner traction. Aggressive Nitto NT-05 ultra-high performance tires wrapped around extremely lightweight, 1 pc. center-locking wheels round out the street -legal handling package.

"The 777 will be a very special car," explains Hartmut. "The first example is being built now, and will be ready this Spring. We intend to build a few different extreme vehicles like this for our 20th anniversary, with each one being strictly limited to 20 units. They are all very exciting projects, and we will be announcing them throughout the year, as they approach completion."

The winner is the Pikes Peak Rally-inspired RENNtech GLK350 SPEC.R Hybrid. This is yet another salvo in the Tuner Wars, pitting BRABUS against RENNtech and giving another notch in the Florida-based, Pizza-break wielding tuner's belt. We think voters locked onto the GLK's wing, which actually came off of a helicopter. Now that's a junkyard find. Press release below.

RENNtech Wins Mercedes SEMA Tuner Build-Off
After an intense, 45-day build and grueling 30 days of campaigning for votes from friends, family, and total strangers, Mercedes-Benz announced that RENNTECH has won the MBUSA GLK tuner build-off!

The competition wasn't easy, with BLVD Customs' strong GLK "Urban Whip" roadster and Brabus' slick "Widestar" each swapping positions with RENNTECH for the lead throughout. At the end of the day, however, Mercedes acknowledged that RENNTECH's sweeping program of upgrades - which included extensive engine mods, software development, aerodynamic bodywork, suspension and brake upgrades, as well as converting the GLK to hybrid drive - pushed RENNTECH's GLK 350 Spec.R Pike's Peak rally racer "over the edge".

RENNTECH would like to thank all our friends and sponsors (listed, below), this build would not have been possible without you.

[Source: RENNtech]

The biggest feature of the BRABUS Tesla is a "space sound generator" capable of creating the sound of a V8, or if you so desire, "beam" and "warp" sounds. They are not alone. An anonymous insider close to RENNtech had this to say:

We were very surprised to see that there was another tuner working on a warp option - and they have set the bar very high for other tuners looking to compete with a warp product.  The message is clear:  anyone who wants to tune cars in the 21st century will need more LEDs.

As of press time we've had no confirmation of the contents of such a system, but the leaked photo above seems to point to a type of warp drive seen on early Federation ships. RENNtech would would neither confirm nor deny the use of dilithium crystals.

About The Build With RENNTech's Jo A. Borras

The Rally racer is obviously a bit lighter than the standard GLK, and makes use of high-performance components, including long-tube headers, composite airbox/intake, and RENNtech's own ECU software. We've added larger RENNtech brakes and a redesigned performance suspension system to help the GLK attack corners. Additionally, the hybrid drive should give an additional torque boost at the kind of low-speeds a rally car might find on a tight, demanding course.

With the hybrid Rally car, we were trying to sharpen the car's reflexes and really give it a more aggressive, sporting look. Obviously this is not a car that is going to take on the unlimited class of 1000 hp cars, but it will be enough to be powerful and exciting - along the lines of a Subaru or Mitsubishi Evo - and it will accomplish that while being somewhat greener than the original version, which is the opposite of what people might expect.

The public will very likely see THIS car, as we're trying to organize a few exhibition drives within the Formula D series. Without actually doing the tests, anything we would tell you would be dreaming. We're confident of a sub 6-second 0-60, putting the car into similar territory with the other rally replicas out there.

Wheels are RENNtech's own lightweight 20" 3 pc. wheels in a matte finish - brakes are RENNtech's own recipe 16.2" front 2 pc. rotors with 8 piston calipers. Nitto is providing the tires. The rollcage will stiffen up the chassis to some degree, but the big change is the suspension itself, which has been replaced with a custom unit that allows adjustments in ride height, damping, camber, rake, etc.

Most of the modifications [to the exterior] were made to fit the larger wheels and widen the track. The front splitter and rear diffuser, as well as lower side skirts, a very functional aerodynamically, and help direct airflow underneath the GLK with the goal of reducing overall drag and improving aerodynamic downforce. With the interior, we have eliminated most of the sound insulation and replaced the heavy Mercedes-Benz seats with much lighter carbon/kevlar buckets, which helped save some weight. We also did a full rollcage.

Specs

RENNTECH GLK350 SPEC.R HYBRID

YEAR // MAKE // MODEL
- 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK 350

EXTERIOR MODS
- RENNTECH BODY KIT INCLUDES
- FENDER FLARES
- SIDE SKIRTS
- FRONT SPLITTER w/ SIDEPLATES
- REAR DIFFUSER
- MULTI-ELEMENT REAR WING
- FUNCTIONAL SIDE INTAKES (BRAKES // BATTERY COOLING)
- 3M WRAP IN MATTE RED/BLACK

POWERTRAIN MODS
- RENNTECH ECU SOFTWARE UPGRADE
- RENNTECH LONG-TUBE EXHAUST HEADERS w/ 4" RESONATORS
- MERCEDES-BENZ SLK350 SPORT ENGINE UPGRADES
- INTAKE MANIFOLD
- CYLINDER HEADS
- CAMS
- 72V ELECTRIC-ASSIST MILD HYBRID DRIVE
- APPROX. 40 LB-FT @ 0 RPM (TO 45 MPH)
- x6 OPTIMA DEEP CYCLE 12v BATTERIES (Ni-Hi IN DEVELOPMENT)
- PLUG-IN CHARGING (REGENERATIVE CHARGING IN DEVELOPMENT)

CHASSIS // SUSPENSION MODS
- RENNTECH-SPEC. ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM - BY KW
- RENNTECH 16.2" FRONT BRAKE ROTORS w/ 8 PISTON CALIPERS
- RENNTECH 14" REAR BRAKE ROTORS w/ 4 PISTON CALIPERS
- RENNTECH CARBON FIBER ADJUSTABLE STRUT TOWER BRACE
- RENNTECH STRUCTURAL CAGE w/ INTEGRATED REAR STRUT BRACE

INTERIOR MODS
- CARBON FIBER DOOR PANELS (CLUB-SPORT STYLE)
- CARBON FIBER DASH // CENTER CONSOLE
- FUNCTIONAL SWITCH CLUSTER
- INTEGRATED NET-GAIN TIMS HYBRID PROGRAMMING CENTER
- AMG STEERING WHEEL RIM w/ ALUMINUM SHIFT PADDLES
- INTEGRATED AiM MYCHRON4 DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM
- CUSTOM "AIRBAG" CENTER SECTION
- x4 SEIBON CARBON/KEVLAR SEATS FRONT AND REAR
- SCHROTH RACING CAM-LOCK HARNESSES

WHEELS // TIRES
FRONT
- WHEELS 20" RENNTECH 3 PC 5 SPOKE PERFORMANCE WHEELS
- TIRES NITTO NT05 275/40 20
REAR
- WHEELS 20" RENNTECH 3 PC 5 SPOKE PERFORMANCE WHEELS
- TIRES NITTO NT05 315/35 20

[Source: RENNTech]

RENNtech Tunes The AMG C63

40 years ago, the hottest, fastest sedan you could buy was Mercedes-Benz' 300SEL 6.3. By placing its largest engine in a mid-sized car, Mercedes' engineers created a luxurious sedan capable of out-performing some of the quickest sportscars of its day. The 6.3 remains a landmark sports sedan that continues to influence Mercedes' design direction. Nowhere is the influence of the 6.3 more evident than in AMG's current line of sports sedans. AMG's newest cars carry the first purpose-built, "all-AMG" engine design in the company's history, and the "63" designation they wear (S63, E63, etc.) is a direct reference to the 6.3.

Last year, Mercedes revisited the "bigger engine, smaller car" formula and introduced the C63 AMG. Powered by the same 6.2 liter V8 as its bigger, more expensive S and E class siblings, the C63 promised heart-stopping performance at a bargain price ... but, somewhere between concept and production, something happened: the C63 put out a "mere" 451 hp.

While the C63 is certainly no slouch, it didn't make the same 507 or 518 horsepower that its E and S class siblings made. Some of the power difference can legitimately be blamed on more restrictive intake and exhaust paths - after all, the big V8 is a tight fit in the smaller C class, but this fails to explain how the same engine, when found under the hood of a CLK63 AMG Cabrio, makes 475 hp.

Where did that 24 hp go?

"Mercedes restricted the car," explains Hartmut Feyhl. "So, our first step in extracting more power from the C63 is to de-restrict the car." Of course, in this modern age of software encryption and electronic obstacles, that kind of "de-restricting" is easier said than done - which is why Feyhl is exactly the man you want to talk to when it's time to take your C63 to the next level.

Hartmut Feyhl was technical director at AMG North America before forming his own company, RENNtech, in 1989. Since then, Feyhl built a reputation as one of the world's premier tuners and America's foremost authority on Mercedes-Benz high performance.

It should come as no surprise, then, that RENNtech's first offering for the C63 was an effective ECU software upgrade (ECU1) to unleash the same "factory" 475 hp and 465 lb-ft (up from 451 and 443) as the CLK.

It should also come as no surprise, then, that RENNtech didn't leave it at that! "In a sense, the C63 is a return to the roots for Mercedes, and for AMG, and also for RENNtech," says Feyhl. "It is a very special car, as the C class has grown to about the same size as the 6.3 and the W124 Hammer, but with much more power. We want to see how far we can go with this car."

With that in mind, RENNtech has introduced a comprehensive line of performance products to turn the AMG C63s of the world into more focused trackday performers, starting with the car you see here.

To get the most from the C63, RENNtech began with the ECU2 high-performance software. Much more than a (relatively) simple de-restriction, this flavor of RENNtech's software optimizes every aspect of engine performance, building massive amounts of torque across the low-to-mid rpm range and boosting the C63's top speed to 187 mph. When combined with RENNtech's stainless-steel long-tube headers and new, track-oriented sound/performance pipes, the RENNtech software produces 548 peak horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.

RENNtech sharpens the C63's handling reflexes with a fully adjustable sport suspension and adjustable front and rear camber bushings that allow customers to "dial-in" ride height and shock damping while the camber bushings help maintain proper camber and alignment for maximum grip (RENNtech considers these camber bushings a must-have item for serious performance drivers).

To rein in the C63's newfound horsepower, RENNtech offers maximum stopping power in the form 15.2" 2 PC rotors clamped by RENNtech calipers. Along with stainless steel braided lines front and rear, these brakes improve overall feel and driver confidence at speed. Additional cooling from RENNtech's carbon-fiber brake ducts further reduce fade - another must-have upgrade for competitive driving styles.

In the past, few would have considered a car like the C63 a truly capable trackday ride, but with the success of track events like the AMG Challenge and SLR.Club Trophy, it is clear that there are a growing AMG drivers who want to experience their car on the track. "We are all racers," says Feyhl, "and when we find ourselves on a track, we want to be competitive."

With almost 100 hp over the stock C63, RENNtech-tuned C63s will probably be competitive enough for most people - but keep in mind that this is RENNtech (birthplace of the "real" 722 SLR, where a 900 lb-ft twin-turbo V12 sedan is a daily occurrence) and that 2009 marks RENNtech's 20th anniversary ... does Herr Feyhl have some kind of "birthday party" in mind for RENNtech that involves the C63 and ties all this rich history and tradition together?

Probably!

[Source: RENNtech]

RENNTECH REMOTE-CONTROLLED DLM

RENNTECH has updated its multi-processor digital lowering module to make installation and adjustment quicker and easier, with a unique, full-featured remote control.

"This lowering module was all-new in February already," says Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH's president and ex technical director at AMG North America. "As always, the module is 100% digital and fully adjustable, with the same microprocessors to communicate with the car's electronics. With the remote control, we have added functions like speed control settings, and the display has made fine adjustments easier."

RENNTCH's digital lowering module continues to offer individual adjustment for each of the car's four wheels, along with updated processors and the ability to set different heights for different speeds, a check for the latest hardware and firmware versions, and more - with an easy-to-use graphic user interface that works like your favorite MP3 player.

The new, remote-ready digital lowering module is available for all Mercedes-Benz and AMG models with ABC or Airmatic air suspension. Contact RENNTECH for more.

[Source: RENNTECH]

RENNTECH 740 hp SLR Performance PKG2

When Mercedes-Benz introduced its SLR McLaren 722, there was a bit of confusion about the special-edition's name. Many believed the car would offer a fire-breathing, 722 hp supercharged V8, but it doesn't (it makes 650 hp). Some believed that "722" meant there would be 722 of the cars made ... but that was wrong, too. In the end, the 722 badge actually referred to 7:22AM - the starting time of Sterling Moss' epic 1955 Mille Miglia run in a then-new Mercedes SLR.

SO, 722 = 7:22AM, not 722 hp.

While the automotive enthusiasts of the world uttered a collective (and skeptical) "um ... OK", Hartmut Feyhl took one look and announced: "this car should have 722 hp". When most enthusiasts say things like that, they can be easily ignored - but when Feyhl says something like this - it happens.

Hartmut is the owner and chief engineer of RENNTECH, the South Florida-based tuning firm best known for producing incredibly powerful Mercedes-Benz automobiles that often redefine what highly-tuned exotic cars should and should not be capable of.

Last year, RENNTECH introduced their own "722" option: RENNTECH SLR Performance PKG1. RENNTECH's PKG1 upgrades included upgraded intercoolers, a larger crankshaft pulley, and custom ECU software that delivered the full 722 hp SLR customers expected (along with more than 700 lb-ft of torque!). RENNTECH announced the package in an April '07 press release titled "Here in Florida, 722 Means What You Think it Means", and SLR customers responded by sending their cars to Feyhl's Florida garage from across the Western hemisphere ...

... of course, after driving their new 722 hp rocketship for a few months, some of Feyhl's customers started asking for more, which brings us to RENNTECH's latest batch of SLR tuning options: SLR Performance PKG2 and new RENNTECH Signature 10-spoke, 3 pc. performance wheels.

Available for both the "standard" SLR and 722 models, PKG2 builds on RENNTECH's previous upgrades by adding a less restrictive, motorsports-style exhaust system and re-mapped ECU software to boost the already powerful SLR engine to over 740 hp at 6400 rpm.

To give the SLR more visual impact, RENNTECH now offers its Signature 10 spoke wheels in SLR offsets and 3 finishes (chrome, satin-ceramic, and sniper gray). Pricing for RENNTECH's SLR performance upgrades are set at 12990US for PKG1 and 26990US for PKG2. RENNTECH 20" wheels are 1950US (ea.). Big Brake upgrades also available - contact RENNTECH for more.

[Source: RENNtech]

Lake Park, FL - 29APR2008 - RENNTECH 16.2" Brake PKG for Mercedes-Benz Sixteen-point-two inches. At 16.2", RENNTECH's new front rotors are more than two inches larger than a Domino's Brooklyn-style pizza, and more than three inches larger than the stock rotors on Mercedes' 382 hp SL550 roadster.

Founded in 1989 by ex-AMG technical director Hartmut Feyhl, South-Florida tuning firm RENNTECH built its reputation on a solid foundation of expert engine-building and superb braking systems that turned 100-0 mph panic stops into predictable, fade-free non-events.

"As soon as we start building significant horsepower into these cars, we have to upgrade the brakes," says Feyhl. "My customers are concerned with usable performance, especially real-world performance - and proper brakes have always been a part of that equation." RENNTECH's latest brake package is no exception - originally developed as a real-world upgrade for the exotic SLR McLaren, the big 16.2" rotors are now available on RENNTECH's full line of tuned S, CL, CLS, and E class Mercedes /AMG cars.

RENNTECH's 16.2" brake upgrade features lightweight 2-part drilled and slotted front rotors, 8-piston RENNTECH calipers, stainless steel braided lines, and high-performance pads and fluid. For extreme performance applications, RENNTECH offers 14.2" rear 2-part rotors with 4-piston calipers.

Prices start at 7,995 USD - contact RENNTECH for more information.

RENNtech PKG365

Lake Park, FL - 28JAN2008 - RENNtech PKG365

The last few years have seen a flood of 500 horsepower sedans almost
pouring out of Germany from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Earlier
this month, however, representatives from Mercedes and AMG announced
that the "horsepower wars" were over, saying that outright power would
no longer be the "main focus" for future sports sedans.

Apparently, no-one sent that "war over" memo to RENNTECH.

This morning, RENNTECH announced a new "stage 3" tune for the 2008 65
series AMG models, which makes use of what RENNTECH calls
"next-generation ECU software" to get 695 hp and 890 lb-ft of torque
from the AMG's twin-turbo V12.

"Power will always be important to many customers, especially torque."
explains Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH's president and ex technical director
of AMG North America. "Our cars have always been able to make
considerable torque, and have been praised in magazines for their
drivability. Still, we are constantly trying to improve our product."

Commitment to constant improvement is one reason RENNTECH has become
known as one of the world's premier tuning firms, and America's
foremost authority on Mercedes-Benz. RENNTECH believes their new
software will further cement that knowledge in the public mind. "We
now have two in-house engineers that are doing software full-time, and
others that work with the software on a part-time or contract basis.
We are always looking for improvements. The latest software takes
advantage of the increased power of the new engine computers, and
offers a number of small improvements that add up to a big 'overall'
improvement," Feyhl explains. "It really is that 'next-generation'
sort of product that is much more advanced than what we were capable
of offering before. Compared to earlier versions, our new software
gives customers more power and better drivability in a way that is
more reliable, smoother power curve, and even improves emissions and
gas mileage."

In addition to the software upgrades, RENNTECH adds a larger
intercooler pump and secondary heat exchanger, as well as a pair of
carbon fiber airboxes to improve the flow of cool air into the big
AMG's V12. The intercooler system upgrades reduce air intake
temperatures by more than 20 degrees, delivering more consistent power
compared to stock and allowing RENNTECH to more safely increase boost
throughout the rpm range.

RENNTECH's stainless steel sport mufflers (also part of the new
package) produce a deep, distinctive growl that is suitably aggressive
for a high-end luxury car. Feyhl suggests that his mufflers "let the
car sound the way it is supposed to sound."

With almost 900 lb-ft of torque available from the engine, RENNTECH's
upgrades deliver a real, noticeable improvement in terms power and
acceleration compared to the already impressive performance of the
stock 65 series AMG cars. MSRP for RENNTECH's new performance "PKG3"
for 65 series AMG is $18,990 (plus installation). PKG365 is available
for S65, CL65, and SL65 AMG. Contact RENNTECH for more.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722

Lake Park, FL - 18DEC2007 - Officially official: Mercedes-Benz' SLR McLaren 722 GT, available exclusively at RENNtech.

While Mercedes' ultra-exclusive SLR McLaren 722 GT track car has been making rounds in the motoring press for several weeks now, a few key questions remained unanswered - including "How much?" and "Where can I get one?"

We can answer the "How much?" question rather easily (795,000 €, or about 1.2 million USD), it's the "Where can I get one?" question that's more interesting.

As of Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT will be made available to the North American market exclusively through RENNtech, the Florida-based MB tuning house owned and operated by super-tuner Hartmut Feyhl, who also lists "technical director, AMG North America" on his resume. "It's been a very exciting project to be involved in," explains Feyhl.

Similar in concept to Ferrari's Enzo FXX program, the 722 GT is built specifically for track use by renowned British motorsports specialists at the RML Group to be the fastest possible on a track. The SLR 722 GT offers impressive power and cornering and delivers exactly the kind of motorsports experience one would expect from a competition car - and, with only 21 examples of the hyper-exclusive track cars being offered for sale, driving one is sure be a special occasion.

RENNtech will be organizing several on-track events (to be announced) throughout the US, beginning in 2008.

The SLR 722 GT trackcars will be set-up and maintained by RENNtech, which will have specially trained technicians and engineers on hand at each of the planned on-track events, which will follow a format similar to the SLR.Club SAFETY & SPEED ACADEMY track weekends in Europe. Participating customers will receive a mix of on and off-track instruction by trained instructors and professional drivers (including Jochen Mass, David Coulthard, and others), as well as some track time in RENNtech's Aixro SLR.Karts - to get a good feel for each track before going out in their SLRs.

Feyhl explained that the concept is to deliver to SLR McLaren customers a true and authentic motorsports experience in a competitive and reasonably safe environment.

If it is RENNtech and Mercedes' goal to deliver "an authentic experience", the SLR McLaren 722 GT is a great place to start - compared to the road-going SLR, the 722 GT gets the full FIA GT treatment from RML: more than 400 redesigned components, FIA spec. safety equipment, fully adjustable suspension, full-on competition brake hardware, a no-nonsense interior, and a track-only exhaust system that bumps the 722 GT's output to well over 670 hp. The real game-changers, however, are the 722 GT's towering rear wing and drastically reduced weight. At 1390 kg, the 722 GT weighs some six-hundred pounds less (!) than the stock 722, and the rear wing (in conjunction with the car's front splitter) provide more than enough aerodynamic downforce to tackle the fastest turns with confidence.

The 722 GT also benefits from years of wind-tunnel and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) experience at RML and McLaren, making the wings and body mods much more than an aesthetic package. Everything on the car, every vent and louvre, is fully functional - a terrific enhancement to on-track performance.

With more power, less weight, and dramatically improved handling, the limited-edition Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT, one thing is certain: if you love cars, love racing, and have the money (but not the time) to campaign a full-on race series, the 722 GT is your ticket.

[EGMCarTech]

For years, Florida's RENNtech has long been the first stop for well-heeled Mercedes mavens and prospective road-rallyists who wanted an output boost for their SLs. But the company offers hi-po gear across the Merc range, from the lowly (not to us) Sprinter to the highbrow SLR. The SLR too? Right. Upgrades to the pride of Mercedes-McLaren 722 take the form of upgraded intercoolers and their respective pumps, allowing for more boost and putting the 722 (named after Stirling Moss's and Denis Jenkinson's starting time in the 1955 Mille Miglia of 7:22 am) closer to 722 horsepower. As for price, consult your tax accountant. – Mike Spinelli

RENNtech's 722HP Mercedes-McLaren SLR 722 [Motor Authority]

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More on the SLR-Powered Mercedes SLK: Out of the Mouths of Mechanics [internal]