Las Vegas - Mercedes-Benz has
created an unconventional presentation idea under the heading
“Tuner Challenge”. Ahead of the equally unconventional SEMA Show
in the gaming hotspot of Las Vegas, the Stuttgart company
announced a competition for tuning firms. The object of desire –
the compact GLK-Class. The distinctively styled automotive
character with an edge seems predestined to arouse a wide range
of tuning fantasies.

Tuning operations were tasked with
highlighting the possibilities presented by the GLK’s
wide-ranging talents through their ideas and designs. The four
most convincing concepts were selected and the winners given the
opportunity to implement their proposals. This process saw the
creation of GLK models that are as leading-edge as they are
unorthodox, and that now take centre stage in Mercedes’
participation at this year’s SEMA Show.

“Our GLK is a character bursting
with expressiveness, and a new model for us within a young
market segment in the U.S.,” comments Mercedes-Benz Head of
Design Gorden Wagener. “We selected SEMA in Las Vegas as the
backdrop for its first appearance in North America because we
want to take advantage of the show’s glamour and to underscore
the highly individual character of the GLK. An SUV with an edge
that is so refreshingly alternative, demands a somewhat
alternative setting.”

“Widestar”, “The GLK Urban Whip”,
“The GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer” and “The GLK Rock Crawler” will
attract attention even at SEMA, which is not exactly short on
highlights and is becoming increasingly important as a
trendsetting springboard for the European tuning scene. This
presentation also represents the GLK premiere on the North
American market, where sales are scheduled to begin in January
2009.

Good market prospects are being forecast
for the compact GLK in the U.S. The visual appeal and functionality of
its exterior design make the GLK a distinctive and versatile vehicle, as
do its exceptional handling and excellent safety characteristics
combined with superb comfort both on and off-road.

GLK-Class freely interpreted four times

Four fundamentally different rebuilds make
one thing abundantly clear – the GLK-Class is one of the most
multi-faceted SUV models ever, and one that retains its distinctive
character, even in the face of somewhat unconventional modifications.
With each respective tuner fantasy and the help of some exotic
ingredients, the SUV has been turned into an exclusive specialist for
the road, beach, city or rally stage. “We wanted to see what kinds of
interpretations were inspired by our GLK and how they would further
sharpen this very strong character. The tuners opted for completely
differing approaches, demonstrating the potential of our GLK concept,”
continues Gorden Wagener.

With its GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer,
RENNtech from Lake Park, Florida has created a motorsport vehicle
inspired by the unlimited class of the legendary Pikes Peak Hill Climb
in Colorado. The drivetrain of the RENNtech GLK is complemented by a
hybrid module that guarantees excellent acceleration figures.

BRABUS, based in Bottrop, Germany,
represents the German element of this tuning fraternity and presents the
Widestar, a production-ready, high-performance on-road vehicle that also
pays tribute to the distinctive refinement of vehicles bearing the
three-pointed star.

GLK Urban Whip is the name given by
Boulevard Customs from St. Petersburg, Florida to its creation, which
makes its entrance with a significantly widened bodyshell, massive 26
inch wheels and a mighty on-board entertainment system that, according
to the figures, is likely to have an impact at full blast of
seismological proportions.

The team at the Legendary Motorcar Company
from Ontario, Canada, which is more commonly associated with the
restoration of American muscle cars, created The GLK Rock Crawler. The
exotic design for snow and sand includes a winch system that can provide
wakeboarders and snowboarders alike with the necessary impetus.

The base vehicle for Boulevard Customs,
Legendary Motorcar and RENNtech is the series production GLK350 with a
3.5 litre V6 engine generating 200 kW/272 hp, while BRABUS opted for the
diesel-driven GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC. The base versions of all models are
equipped with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Show vehicles with public voting

Mercedes-Benz is combining a voting
program for the North American public with its appearances at SEMA and
the subsequent Los Angeles Motor Show, where the customized GLKs will
also be presented. At either show, or in the internet at www.mbusa.com,
visitors can cast their vote for their favourite model. The winner of
the “Tuner Challenge” will be announced on 2nd December.