Autoblog

Birthday Beating: RENNtech goes medieval on the G-Wagen

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Tuners, SUV, Mercedes-Benz

Click above to view the RENNtech G-Wagen concept in our hi-res gallery

Thirty years is a long time. Long enough for a lot of people to come up with some wildly different ideas. Mercedes couldn't make up its mind on how to celebrate the big three-o of its workhorse sport-ute, so they came out with two special editions, one aimed at luxury buyers and another for hard-core rock-crawling, desert-traversing off-road enthusiasts. RENNtech has another idea altogether.

The truck you see here is just a conceptual sketch at the moment, but even bound to paper it looks mean enough to send HUMMERs and Rambo Lambos running for cover with their tailpipes between their legs. The same Florida-based Mercedes tuner that brought us the Pikes Peak GLK hybrid concept is responsible for the design, but beyond the so-ugly-it's-almost-beautiful bodywork, the RENNtech concept calls not for the G55 AMG version it's toyed with previously, but for a turbodiesel with some 400 lb-ft of torque... in standard production form. By the time RENNtech is done working it over, we'd expect some gravity-altering twist, but for now it'll just have to remain a menacing figment of our nightmares.

Gallery: RENNtech G-Wagen CDI concept

[Source: RENNtech via Jalopnik]

Birthday Beating: RENNtech goes medieval on the G-Wagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One More for Good Luck: RENNtech SLR 777 McLaren

Noah Joseph — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Specialty

Click above to view the RENNtech SLR 722 in high resolution

We're not about to enter the whole euthanasia debate here, but we are of the opinion that supercars at least deserve to die with dignity. The Mercedes SLR McLaren is being kept alive unnaturally. While most supercars are built for a limited time in limited quantities and discontinued while demand is still high, the joint effort between Mercedes-Benz and its Formula One partners at McLaren first debuted as a concept in 1999, and between the original coupe, the Roadster, the 722, 722 GT, and the new Stirling Moss edition speedster - to say nothing of tuner versions like the Hamann Volcano - has had more derivatives than an advanced calculus class. (Or so we might assume, we never got past CAL1.) And yet it is still here...for a little while longer, at least. Well before the SLR thunders off toward the horizon, RENNtech plans on giving it one last swan song.

Gallery: RENNtech SLR 777

Continue reading One More for Good Luck: RENNtech SLR 777 McLaren

One More for Good Luck: RENNtech SLR 777 McLaren originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA

Alex Nunez — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Tuners, SUV, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the GLK SEMA show cars

Perhaps you've heard: Mercedes-Benz has this new SUV called the GLK, and it's not just the Sex and the City audience that's being targeted. The compact ute's getting-to-know-you tour will make a stop at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where four concept versions will be on display. We already told you about RENNtech's hybrid Rally Racer show truck, and now we have some info on the other three versions that'll join it in Vegas.

Naturally, BRABUS will represent, skinning the GLK300 Bluetec in Widestar duds, new wheels, and the de rigeur custom interior. No power upgrade yet, it seems, but knowing BRABUS, they'll have a version putting out approximately a trillion horsepower by the time the GLK is in customers' hands.

Boulevard Customs is prepping the GLK "Urban Whip", a garish creation sporting 26" wheels and a front end that likely depleted the world's supply of mesh grillework. Lord knows what all the other SEMA builders are gonna do now that they're faced with this crisis.

Finally, Legendary Motor Cars will show the Four Corners Rock Crawler, which rolls on big knobby rubber, has an integrated grille guard, and sports a set of roof lights. But all that's dress-up, because off-roading's not the angle. This GLK has some winch rig that lets it pull skaters into position to then grind on the truck's integrated side rails. (G-Wagen ambulance chase vehicle not included.)

Hey, no one ever said SEMA's about being particularly normal. We'll have plenty more live shots from the show in November.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz GLK SEMA '08 show cars

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA

Mercedes-Benz GLK ready to storm SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: RENNtech's Pikes Peak-inspired hybrid GLK

Noah Joseph — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Mercedes-Benz

Click above to view more of the RENNtech GLK

Of all the trucks that have proliferated into the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the GLK isn't exactly the most aggressive. But according to the latest reports, Mercedes is lining up an array of aftermarket tuners at the SEMA show to infuse what appears to be more than a little testosterone into the compact sport-ute.

First up to bat is RENNtech, the Florida-based company responsible, among other things, for the bringing the McLaren SLR 722 to America and actually getting it to produce 722 horsepower. RENNtech has taken inspiration from the Pikes Peak challenge - one of the most iconic and power-craven hill-climb events in the world - to create this hardcore GLK. Little is known in the way of details, but the vehicle is said to feature RENNtech's first performance hybrid drivetrain.

Brabus, Blvd Customs and Legendary Motorcars are also said to be preparing modified GLKs for SEMA, although Mercedes has not yet confirmed its participation in the show. While we wait for that, check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: RENNtech Mercedes-Benz GLK

[Source: Modified Luxury & Exotics]

SEMA Preview: RENNtech's Pikes Peak-inspired hybrid GLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RENNTECH takes its own Bentley pictures, doesn't do too bad

John Neff — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:26:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, Bentley

Click above for high-res gallery of RENNTECH's handiwork

You may remember my little hissy fit last week over RENNTECH using our photos of a Bentley Continental Flying Spur taken when the Flying B was in the Autoblog Garage two years ago. We and the graphic designer over at RENNTECH have since patched things up, aided in no small part by his flattery of my photos and me being a sucker for compliments. Taking our advice, the RENNTECH folk quit shopping in the Google Images section of the store, parked a tastefully tuned Flying Spur next to their building and proceeded to shoot away, the results of which ain't too shabby. Their Bentley is lowered with a dark window tint and some deep dish rims as opposed to the stock one we photographed, and theirs is no doubt sporting the tuner's new ECU module for Bentley automobiles that boosts the twin-turbo W12 to 625 horsepower. You can check out RENNTECH's new pics in the gallery below, as well as all of the Bentleys that have been in the Autoblog Garage after the jump. We think it's about time for another one.

Gallery: RENNTECH Bentley Continental Flying Spur

[Source: RENNTECH]

Continue reading RENNTECH takes its own Bentley pictures, doesn't do too bad

RENNTECH takes its own Bentley pictures, doesn't do too bad originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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April Foolery: RENNTECH introduces twin-engined smart 7.22

Alex Nunez — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Etc., Smart

Click image to enlarge

The speed fiends at RENNTECH have pooled their knowledge and resources to present the pinnacle of their combined tuning know-how. Forget the McLaren SLR 722. Make way instead for the twin-engined, twin-transmissioned RENNTECH smart 7.22. Powered by a pair of fully independent 1000cc smart 3-cylinders producing an astonishing 91 horsepower each at 11,800 rpm, the AWD micro-supercar does 0-60 in 5.1 seconds and tops out at 138 mph. Fitted with RENNTECH's miraculous "go-eco" exhaust, the 7.22 emits only potpourri-scented oxygen. This is almost too good to be true...

Follow the jump for RENNTECH's full press release.

[Source: RENNTECH]

Continue reading April Foolery: RENNTECH introduces twin-engined smart 7.22

April Foolery: RENNTECH introduces twin-engined smart 7.22 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP Wars not over: RENNTech announces 695 HP package for Mercedes AMG models

John Neff — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

click above for more pics of the RENNTech AMG CL65

While Mercedes-Benz and AMG may be claiming that future high-performance models bearing the three-pointed star will not place such a heavy emphasis on high horsepower, that doesn't mean aftermarket tuner RENNTech is giving up the fight. The German tuner announced today a new Stage 3 package for any Mercedes AMG model powered by the company's twin-turbo 6.0L V12, a.k.a. the AMG 65-series of models. These include the S65, CL65 (shown) and the SL65 AMG.

Normally producing an already unreasonable 604 horsepower, the 65-Series TT V12 is improved with "next-generation ECU software" to get 695 HP and 890 lb-ft of torque. In addition to an extra 91 horsepower, RENNTech also claims its software tuning improves gas mileage and emissions. Of course, any bump in power requires a likewise improvement to heat management and airflow, so RENNTech also adds a bigger intercooler pump and secondary heat exchanger, as well as a pair of carbon fiber air filter boxes and new stainless steel sport mufflers. Be warned: the cost for all this will add another $18,990 plus labor to the cost of your AMG 65-Series.

[Source: RENNTech via Jalopnik]

Gallery: RENNTech Stage 3 AMG 65-Series

HP Wars not over: RENNTech announces 695 HP package for Mercedes AMG models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the images to view our high-resolution gallery

Some will say for better, others will say for worse, but one way or another, the Mercedes SLR McLaren is the supercar that refuses to go quietly into the night. It was previewed by the Vision SLR concept way back in 1999, and since entering limited production in 2003, the Anglo-Saxon supercar has performed disappointingly both on the road and in the market. But rather than allowing it to slip away, Mercedes has repeatedly given it new transfusions with the Roadster, 722 and most recently the 722 GT derivatives. The SLR, in all its incarnations, is about due for retirement, so where has it gone? To Florida, of course!

RENNtech, the Sunshine State-based Mercedes tuner par excellence, has been given the exclusive contract to import and distribute the long-named and long-nosed Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT in North America. RENNtech, which, as we reported earlier, tuned the SLR road car to actually produce 722 hp, will offer an allotment of 21 examples of the factory SLR 722 GT track-day special, each available at about $1.2 million.

To sweeten the deal, RENNtech is setting up a full track-day program for the SLR 722 GT owners, including set-up and maintenance by specialized technicians, opportunity to learn the track behind the wheel of its special SLR karts (pictured, right) and instruction from professional drivers (David Coulthard, although no longer affiliated with McLaren, is claimed to be on board).

To celebrate the arrival of the sharpest (and potentially last) version of the SLR to American shores, we've got a whole mess of new photos for you... just click on the gallery below. (Full press release after the jump.)

[Source: RENNtech]

Gallery: SLR 722 GT in America

Continue reading Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT

Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Politico? Mafioso? RENNtech has an armored Merc S-class for you

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 May 2007 13:09:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Mercedes-Benz

Defensively, the S600 Guard has got you covered: B6/B7 armor that stops standard military-grade small-arms fire, grenade, shrapnel, and explosive device protection, run-flat tires, self-sealing fuel-tank, and integrated fire-extinguishing system. Offensively, however, as any tuner would tell you, things could always be better. Even if you're sitting in a tank, why just sit there and take the hits? RENNtech has decided to apply its expertise to the issue, upgrading the S600 guard with the kind of offensive ability that will get you out of trouble, not just protect you from it.

Partnering with INKAS, a firm that builds safes and armoured vehicles, the house of RENN has put in an upgraded ECU, a carbon fiber airbox, and bolstered the intercooler pump. Final result: the regular S600 Guard's 517 hp gets cranked up to 640 hp, and it gets 775 lb-ft. And for pulling off evasive maneuvers, the standard brakes have been swapped out for 15.2-inch rotors up front and 14-inchers in the back. If you need more armoured get-up-and-go than that, you might want to consider an M1 Abrams instead.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Politico? Mafioso? RENNtech has an armored Merc S-class for you originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2007 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renntech does up the Merc McLaren SLR 722

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

We know that Mercedes used the SLR 722 badge on the SLR McLaren 722 Edition to honor the 1955 Mille Miglia-winning Mercedes-Benz 300SLR of Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson, but still. That car, wearing a big "722" on the doors, which indicated their 7:22am start time, managed to beat the favored Porsches and Ferraris back in the day. But people see a 722 on the label and somehow 650 hp doesn't seem good enough. Enter, supertuner Renntech.

Renntech takes the supercharged 5.5-liter V8 that resides in every SLR and adds some of its magic. This time it's a simple application of one of the company's upgraded intercoolers and a new intercooler pump. These revised units have twice the capacity of the stock coolers and reduce temperatures by a full 50 degrees. The result is horsepower that now hits the magic 722 mark. No price is listed for the conversion, but it sounds like it could be a real winner with the few customers lucky enough to have a 722 parked in their garage. We could do without the aftermarket wheels though.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Renntech does up the Merc McLaren SLR 722 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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