Mercedes unveiled four GLK SUVs at its reception last night. This one, tuned by RENNtech, is inspired by open-class Pikes Peak racecars. Here RENNtech President Hartmut Feyl discusses the SUV's various "enhancements."
Perhaps the most significant change to the Rally Racer is the addition of an electric motor between its engine and seven-speed transmission -- effectively making it a hybrid. The electric motor is only good for about 25 horsepower and 40 pound-feet of torque by itself, but is in addition to a claimed 350 hp from the GLK's 3.5-liter V6. RENNtech used the heads, cams and exhaust manifolds from the European SLK to bump power in the gasoline engine. The whole mess is controlled by a custom calibrated RENNtech ECU.
Sixteen-inch front brake rotors and proprietary RENNtech calipers bring the GLK to a stop. The future addition of nickel metal hydride batteries will allow regenerative braking.
Feyl says the additional bodywork is designed to create downforce. And who could doubt it? Did you see the wing? The whole car is wrapped in a unique 3M contact material that sticks to the ABS plastic panels.
Josh Jacquot, Senior Road Test Editor
rick8365 says:
08:47 AM, 11/ 4/08
dumb/goofy/fugly
estreka says:
10:34 AM, 11/ 4/08
Nothing says rally racer like a bikini.
dougtheeng says:
11:07 AM, 11/ 4/08
i think it looks great. oh wait are we talking about the car? that too.
ateixeira says:
11:07 AM, 11/ 5/08
Hideous.