Mercedes GLK350 Hybrid Pikes Peak Rally Car by RENNtech [video]
Eco-extereme
RENNtech has unveiled the new GLK350 Hybrid Pikes Peak Rally Car, which is an updated version of their winning concept from the Mercedes-Benz tuner challenge at the 2008 SEMA Motor Show.
Like the original, the crossover features an aerodynamic body kit, a custom KW coil-over suspension, a high-performance braking system, and 20-inch alloy wheels with Nitto tires. The only real change is a new a 3M 1080 Scotchprint vinyl wrap in brushed steel and black carbon fiber.
Under the hood, power is provided by a 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine which has been outfitted with a new intake manifold, upgraded camshafts, revised cylinder heads, a composite air intake and a RENNtech ECU. Thanks to these modifications, output climbs from 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) to approximately 350 hp (261 kW / 355 PS). Furthermore, there's an electric motor that helps to contribute an additional 54 Nm (40 lb-ft) of torque.
The one-off rally car will tour a number of auto shows in the United States, before being retired to the Mercedes-Benz Classic Vehicle Museum in Irvine, California.
RENNtech GLK350 Hybrid Pikes Peak Rally Car
In 2008, RENNtech unveiled the GLK350 Hybrid Pikes Peak Rally Car, a concept vehicle which won the 2008 SEMA Show Mercedes-Benz tuner build off competition. This vehicle was designed not only to turn heads as a show car, but to serve as a proof-of-concept and testament to our dedication to our core concept; performance without compromise. Fast forward nearly 3 years, countless automotive trade shows, numerous track events and extensive real world miles; the GLK Pikes Peak project has been completely revamped and restyled for a final tour in 2011 with Mercedes-Benz USA. Upon completion of the US tour schedule, the GLK will retire to a place of honor in the MercedesBenz Classic Vehicle Museum located in Irvine, CA as part of their permanent collection. This will be the second vehicle prepared by RENNtech that has found its way into the hallowed halls of the Mercedes-Benz Museum Collection, the first of which was the E60 RS project car built for comedian Jerry Seinfeld.
When approached with the opportunity, RENNtech completely revamped the vehicles exterior and collaborated once again with 3M Commercial Graphics Division to complement the GLK's aggressive exterior styling. This original body kit was entirely designed and engineered by RENNtech in-house, using the latest in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software and rapid prototype capabilities. The concept behind the restyling was to not only completely change the vehicles appearance, but utilize vinyl materials in finishes rarely seen in the automotive world. 3M chose the RENNtech GLK as the showpiece to revel their latest product line of 1080 Scotchprint ® textured automotive vinyl wrap. This preprinted, 3.5 mil dual cast film was applied to nearly every exterior surface of the vehicle in a stunning combination of brushed steel (1080-BR201) and black carbon fiber (1080 CF-12) with subtle red pin stripping to further accent the vehicles bold lines.
The GLK350 Pikes Peak Project will be unveiled to the public during Mercedes-Benz first leg of their tour schedule at the Pittsburgh International Automotive Show February 10-13th, 2011. Additional stops on the tour schedule include Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, Minneapolis and Denver. After
its time on the road, the vehicle can be seen at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Vehicle Museum in Irvine, California.
RENNtech would like to thank the unwavering support of the following companies, with whom realizing both phases of such a large project would not have been possible.
? Mercedes-Benz
? 3M
? KW Suspensions
? Geoff's Curtain Walls
? Nitto Tires
? Optima Batteries
? JRD
? Schroth Racing
? Technicar
? Seibon











