Alright RENNtech, you got us good. When we first saw C74 Konzept in our inbox, our jaws dropped assuming that RENNtech went above and beyond, taking a Mercedes C63 AMG and overhauling the power plant to a 7.4L monster. But then we took a stab in the heart when we read the actual release to reveal that the “74″ refers to the 74-inch width of the rear wheel track. Not as exciting as 7.4L in a C63 AMG, but the project is still wicked, looks great and performs even better.

On the exterior, the body benefits from a full carbon fiber widebody kit along with a carbon fiber rear decklid spoiler, front splitter and rear diffuser. To give the C63 the look it needs now that it’s been widened, a set of RENNtech wheels are staggered with 19×9.5-inch size in the front and 20×10.5-inch size in the rear. And even more impressive is the fact that they outfit the wheels with 275/30/19 and 305/25/20 tires.

As for performance, RENNtech specializes in Mercedes-Benz and AMG tuning, so it’s no surprise that the 6.2L now pumps out 605-hp and 555 ft-lbs of torque. Performance upgrades include larger throttle bodies, upgraded camshafts, RENNtech’s ECU upgrade, stainless steel headers and ported and polished cylinder heads.

The brakes are also upgraded with RENNtech’s performance brake package and handling is enhanced with fully adjustable sports suspension and carbon fiber front and rear stabilizer bars.

Delicious… but hey RENNtech, why not build out a nice 7.4L AMG V8? Or another V12?

We’ll be sure to bring you more shots of the RENNtech C74 Konzept from the 2010 SEMA Show and until then, check out our preview of all the show cars here and see more pics after the jump:

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Toyota is recalling 10,750 Corolla and Matrix models due to fault accessory belts, which drive the air conditioner, alternator and water pump.

The defect is only present in models with the 1.8L four-cylinder which were assembled in North America between February and March of 2010. The belt is at risk of deteriorating, which could lead to the engine overheating. Toyota will service the vehicles at no charge, and the repair should only take half an hour. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail this month.

[Source: Reuters]

The Chinese market has a series of peculiar tastes, the most well-known being their love of stretched mid-size sedans. While China gets cars like the BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and other full-size luxury cars, stretched versions of everything from the BMW 5-Series to the Skoda Superb come in long-wheelbase versions, ostensibly for budding executives who can afford a driver, but not the biggest luxury car.

Volkswagen has previously offered an LWB Passat and is planning to sell a stretched variant of their newest sedan, which will also be built in China. The stretched car will be 4.7 inches longer than the standard Passat, giving it a larger rear seat area, with legroom highlighted as the key dimension. We’re not getting either variant of this car, so stay tuned to Autoguide for the closest possible look at this Sino-Germanic oddity.

[Source: China Car Times]

Industry trade publication Advertising Age has named Ford it’s 2010 Marketer Of The Year, a prestigious honor that was previously won by companies like Apple, Nintendo and JetBlue.

Ford was recognized for its innovative marketing campaigns, such as the Fiesta Movement program, which leveraged social networks and word-of-mouth advertising, as well as its new commercials with pitchman Mike Rowe, a Discovery channel television host. While the article credits many members of the Ford team, Jim Farley, Ford’s VP for Global Marketing Sales and Service, was singled out for the spotlight.

Ford joins Hyundai, Volkswagen and Toyota as recent auto industry winners of the Marketer of the Year award.

[Source: Advertising Age]

While his wife may be out promoting Land Rover, David Beckham is doing a little unsolicited promotion for Chevrolet, thanks to his recently completed custom Camaro. While we can’t unequivocally confirm that this Camaro belongs to the soccer star, allow us to put two and two together, matching two threads from Camaro5 and Luxury4Play.

The latter documents the build of the sinister muscle car with matte-gray paint, H&R Springs, Corsa exhaust, some huge Agetro wheels, a wild aero kit and a very long list of detail work.

As we’re sure Beckham has a long list of other rides to cruise around in, we wonder if the folks at Platinum will be showing off this creation at the upcoming SEMA Show.

GALLERY: David Beckham’s Camaro SS-R

[Source: Camaro5 and Luxury4Play]

The Toyota Yaris is an excellent point A to point B vehicle, with excellent fuel economy and an attractive price. Plus, it’s a Toyota, so it’s reliable. That being said, the reasons to consider buying a Yaris have never included its looks.

Toyota appears to be ready to change that, with new photos from a leaked brochure revealing the design of the all-new Japanese Vitz – which is badged as the Yaris here. A few days ago we brought you initial pics of the car, but now we have it from more angles and with more details. We’ve even surprised to see a center-exit dual exhaust. But wait, that’s a kitted-up version with the regular Vitz looking pretty mundane – like a smaller Matrix.

In terms of functionality, however, the Yaris will gain size. (The bodywork may change when it arrives in North America, but the overall shape isn’t about to). In total, the 2012 Yaris grows by 100mm end to end, with half of that between the wheelbase for improved interior room. The car will also be 20mm shorter overall, likely helping lower the center of gravity and improve handling.

Toyota is expected to deliver a concept version of the upcoming 2012 Yaris in the coming months.

GALLERY: 2012 Toyota Yaris

[Source: Carscoop]

We’ve already seen video of Ferrari‘s new 458 Challenge race car testing on the track, but it’s not something that gets old quickly. That being said, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share some more great video of the track-only version of the latest and greatest Prancing Horse.

According to Ferrari, the new 458 Challenge weighs significantly less than the production model, although specific numbers have not been given. In addition, this race car gets aluminum bushings, stiffer springs that lower the car by 30mm, 19-inch racing wheels and wider Pirelli racing slicks. Ferrari claims it’s capable of 1.6 Gs of lateral acceleration. Also included are a new generation of Brembo carbon ceramic brakes (called CCM2), that first debuted on the 599XX.

And for the first time on a Ferrari Challenge car, the Prancing Horse has decided to equip its gentleman racers with traction control. The F1-Trac system constantly monitors grip to deliver the most power possible, with a dry track and wet track setting. And because these are real Ferrari race cars, drivers can also opt for CT-OFF on the steering wheel-mounted manettino to completely shut off the traction control system.

Compared to the F430 Challenge car, Ferrari claims the 458 Challenge is two seconds a lap faster on its Fiorano test circuit, setting a new record time of 1:16.5.

The 458 Challenge will run alongside its 430 Challenge predecessor in the 2011 Series, while the latter is phased out. Ferrari also plans to expand its Ferrari Challenge series next year, adding a new series in the Asia-Pacific region.

GALLERY: Ferrari 458 Challenge

[Source: GTSpirit]

Check out the video after the jump:

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BMW and French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroen have officially announced plans to partner on development of hybrid components for front-drive vehicles. Currently the two automakers already share engines, between the Peugeot, Citroen and MINI brands. It’s expected that the new hybrid drivetrains will be shared with models from those ranges (including the next-generation MINI Cooper) as well as with BMW’s upcoming lineup of front-drive 1 Series models.

“This cooperation will deliver a major contribution towards a competitive cost structure in the field of electrification. It also represents another important step on the road to sustainable mobility,” said Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

Official release after the jump:

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With the grandeur of the Detroit Auto Show having been somewhat diminished over the past two years, luxury European automakers will look to bring back much of the show’s wow-factor by unveiling important and beautiful new models. Included in that list are the production version of the BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept as well as the next-generation Audi A6.

The 6 Series Coupe will be nearly identical to the concept car shown at the Paris Auto Show with a 650 model making 400-hp from a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 (both rear drive and AWD will be available), while a 640i model will get a turbocharged six-cylinder with around 300-hp. The 6 Series Convertible is likely to debut first, however, at the LA Auto Show.

As for the new Audi, it will likely feature many of the styling cues found on the current A8, while also taking some design highlights from the more dramatic A7. No official engine info is yet known, but the 2012 A6 could come with a 272-hp version of the company’s 2.0T engine, with a supercharged V6 also offered and possibly even a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (which will later be shared with Bentley). Both an 8-speed automatic and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission are options, while Audi will offer its Audi Drive Select system that lets drivers choose between steering, throttle and suspension settings.

GALLERY: BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept

[Source: AMUS]

There’s a lot of hope that the Fiat 500 will be a success here and its almost certain to be a hit in Canada, where small cars make up a much larger segment of the market. This past weekend Chrysler Canada auctioned off the very first of a series of 500 Prima Edizione limited editions 500s, fetching an impressive $85,000. As the first of that set, this car bears the badge “Numero Uno.”

The auction took place as a part of the annual Venetian Ball in Toronto, with all proceeds from the sale being donated to Villa Charities, which works with elderly Italian-Canadians.

“The enthusiastic bidding for this iconic vehicle, and the fact that it sold for $85,000, underscore the excitement and interest the Fiat 500 has generated since Fiat’s return to Canada was first announced,” said Ed Broadbear, Vice President of Marketing – Chrysler Canada.

The Fiat 500 is set to make its U.S. production debut at the LA Auto Show in November, with sales starting shortly thereafter. Next year a convertible version will be offered, with higher-performance Abarth models to follow.

GALLERY: Fiat 500 Prima Edizione Numero Uno

Get more Fiat 500 news and info at Fiat500Owners.com