RENNtech SLR McLaren 2007
01/01/2007
Two heads are better than one, they say, but perhaps three heads are even better than two. Now that RENNtech has added its contribution to the co-developed DaimlerChrysler/McLaren Mercedes-Benz SLR, three may very well become the car’s lucky number. RENNtech has been involved with electronic management system tuning for years, and its engine control unit (ECU) upgrades are said to add an additional 75 hp to the SLR’s supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine when teamed with a larger drive pulley on the twin-screw Lysholm supercharger and a finessed intake system. With an engine that now kicks out 692 hp, RENNtech makes sure that its car has the braking performance to cope. Their 16-inch brake conversion kit includes steel rotors, hats, calipers, caliper mounting brackets, and braided stainless steel brake lines to help bring the 3800-pound Mercedes to a quick stop every time without the terrible squeal problem afflicting the original ceramic discs. Only the in-house conversion gets an owner the full 75 horses; buying the components and installing them yourself nets you about 40 additional ponies.PRICE: $500,000 (est.)
ENGINE: 5.4-liter supercharged V-8
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic
POWER: 692 hp at 6,500 rpm
TORQUE: 575 ft lbs at 3,250 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3,898 pounds
0-60 MPH: 3.5 seconds
TOP SPEED: 208 mph
PROS: Your car will go and stop faster than Jay Leno’s
CONS: Waiting a few weeks to drive a car that you already own