RENNtech SL 76 Mercedes-Benz 600SL Extracts Max Power From the Classic Drop Top

The Mercedes-Benz 600SL is a true classic, but RENNtech gives it modern performance with a thorough engine upgrade.

In the world of Mercedes-Benz, there have been plenty of gorgeous, powerful, and luxurious models that rank among the very best automobiles ever built – from any brand, too. Ask any fan what their favorite of that bunch might be, and you’ll find that more than a few point to the Mercedes-Benz 600SL, a classic drop top that redefined luxurious performance throughout the 1990s (and into the early 2000s), because who doesn’t want V12 power in their cushy convertible? Throw in some extra power from the likes of RENNtech, and you’ve got perhaps the perfect vessel for cruising the countryside.

That much is clear from this particular 1993 Mercedes-Benz 600SL, which has been treated to a full blown RENNtech-built 7.6-liter V12 (M120) powerplant. As most are well aware, from 1991-1995, the SL-Class was equipped from the factory with a 6.0-liter V12 taken from the S-Class, which sent 389 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque to the wheels for what was exceptional performance in that era – 0-60 took a mere 5.5 seconds, while the quarter-mile flashed by in 14.1 clicks.

Today, however, those numbers can be matched by things like crossovers, SUVs, and pickups, in certain forms, which is, well, kind of embarrassing, honestly. However, that’s precisely where RENNtech’s bevy of upgrades for the Mercedes-Benz 600SL come into play – it punches the original 6.0-liter V12 out to either 7.4 or 7.6 liters (as is the case here), then adds a host of upgrades including new pistons, titanium connecting rods, bigger camshafts, lifters, a forged crankshaft, CNC-ported heads, a ported intake, and high flow air inlets.

The results are, well, pretty impressive – the RENNtech fortified Mercedes-Benz 600SL churns out a cool 615 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque for early cars like this with LH engine management, while later models with the ME engine management can produce as much as 645 horsepower.

Even better, RENNtech builds each of these powerplants by hand at its factory in Stuart, Florida, then road tests them to ensure that they’re built for the long run – a process that we see taking place in this very video. Overall, it’s a fantastic way to modernize one of the true classics in Mercedes-Benz’s portfolio, without disturbing what makes it so special in the first place.

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Brett Foote

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he’s been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.