2013 MERCEDES E63 RENNTECH
The car before you was a stock E63 when Aucklander Matt bought it and drove straight to a custom tuner.
To help deploy the power from heavily reworked turbo boost, Matt opted for an aftermarket Weistec limited slip differential and also fitted Weistec air filters and spark plugs to an engine that had barely covered 10,000km. A Renntech exhaust replaced the factory system and front and rear Renntech spoilers were fitted. Lightweight 20-inch HRE alloys complete the look and are a carry-over fitment from a previous car. Renntech badging accompanies the AMG badges but probably leave observers with more questions than answers.
You hear this car long before you see it and tend to study it before admiring it. Matt says power output has risen from about 550 to 700bhp on the dyno, while the cultivation of 1130Nm of torque has pushed the transmission to the limits of what it can handle. He was advised to be relatively sympathetic on the track but admits leaving that advice in the pitlane.
“It’s been fine. They’re very strong cars and I’ve never had a transmission let go yet. For track days I put the factory 19-inch wheels back on, which seems to improve handling. It’s penalised by weight in corners and terrific down the straights although it tends to lose its brakes after about six laps because it doesn’t have carbon-ceramics.’’
NOMINATE your own car for inclusion: guests@kiwigarage.co.nz
MORE CAR PEOPLE
KARMANN GHIA
This wind-cheating coupe is 60 years young, thanks to four decades in the hands of Michael, its diligent architect owner.
FORD MUSTANG FASTBACK
After eight years in his hands, Ray from Lower Hutt remains smitten with his Screaming Yellow steed.
DATSUN 120Y COUPE
After a happy honeymoon, Datsun owner Brett is still taken with his 120Y. But he wants a second carb under the hood.
PORSCHE 911T
Dave’s narrow-bodied 911T gives him an authentic 911 experience and the power to embarrass modern sportscars.
