OPTIMA Powers the Renntech GLK350 Project Car

OPTIMA frequently gets involved in SEMA project cars, but few are unique as this GLK350 Pikes Peak project car, built by Mercedes-Benz tuner, RENNtech. Optima Jim recently had the opportunity to meet RENNtech President, Hartmut, Feyhl at the Sandhills Open Road Challenge and Hartmut filled him in on the project, which has been revamped since it's original debut at the 2008 SEMA show. (OPTIMA offers a direct-fit battery upgrade for the GLK350)

Jim asked for more information on the OPTIMA-powered SUV and the crew at RENNtech were happy to oblige.  You can take a virtual tour around the vehicle on RENNtech's YouTube channel and read RENNtech's description below:

In 2008, RENNtech unveiled the GLK350 Hybrid Pikes Peak Rally Car, a concept vehicle which won the 2008 SEMA Show Mercedes-Benz turner build off competition. This vehicle was designed not only to turn heads as a show car, but serve as a proof-of-concept and testament to their dedication to their core concept; performance without compromise.

Fast forward nearly three 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 Mercedes-Benz Classic Vehicle Museum, located in Irvine, California., 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 vehicle's 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 vehicle's 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 was 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.