SEMA: RENNtech Mercedes-Benz GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer
By Andrew C., 30 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
RENNtech Mercedes-Benz GLK
By outfitting it with an electric motor parallel to its 3.5 liter V6 petrol engine, RENNtech has been able to harness the impressive torque that distinguish electric motor drives, adding 54 Nm to improve the GLK performance off-the-line and out of corners. Using a hybrid drive in a hill climb scenario has the added benefit of maintaining thrust at higher altitudes, when internal combustion engines, which are ambient air dependent - start to breathe with difficulty. The professional Mercedes tuning company has also produced wonderful results on the base 3.5 liter V6 unit, using parts from the newest Mercedes-Benz high-performance 3.5 liter V6 Sport engine. These consist of a special intake manifold, cams and cylinder heads, to which RENNtech has put in its own long-tube headers, composite air intake and RENNtech ECU software. Engine power generation reaches an approximate 350 hp, increased further by the electric motor from the hybrid drive.
The additional 72 volt drive is powered by 12 volt plug-in batteries. RENNtech is presently working on a nickel-hydride solution with regenerative charging for additional travel distance. Hartmut Feyhl, founder and President of RENNtech explains: The GLK Rally Racer Hybrid is a fully-functioning test bed. We will use this vehicle as a proof-of-concept, which we will develop and enhance throughout next year. With the Rally Racer, we have really increased the car performance. Together with the more aggressive, sporting look, we have created a powerful and exciting package, Feyhl said. It is also notable that, in spite of the performance improvements, RENNtech has succeeded in improving the fuel effeciency of the Rally Racer in contrast to its original version, proving that high performance and efficiency can coexist, Feyhl added. Remembering that the Rally Racer is designed for speed on rough terrain, RENNtech decided to forego creature comforts, cutting the weight of the standard GLK by getting rid of most of the sound insulation and replacing the heavier Mercedes-Benz seats with lightweight carbon-fiber buckets. Engineers also fitted a full roll cage and moved several components towards the back of the car to produce a near perfect 50-50 ratio of front/rear weight distribution for improved handling on tight, demanding rally stages. Another noteworthy handling improvement comes from the custom coil-over suspension.
Made to RENNtech specifications by suspension supplier KW, the package permits adjustments in height, rake, damping rate, camber and toe-in. Extra stopping power is generated for the Rally Racer by an in-house RENNtech brake combo featuring enormous 412mm, 2-piece rotors with 8-piston calipers at the front, and 356mm discs powerfully gripped by 4-pot calipers at the rear. Lightweight 20 inch 3-piece, 5-spoke RENNtech wheels in a Sniper Gray anthracite finish, clothed in NT05 275/40 20 Nitto tires at the front and NT05 315/35 20 at the rear, fill the prominent wheel flares that emphasizes this GLK performance potential. Although widespread exterior mods were made to hold the larger wheels and brakes and to widen the track, the focus of bodyshell improvements was improved aerodynamic efficiency. RENNtech utilized the newest in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to develop the package. The front splitter, rear diffuser and lower side skirts assist direct airflow beneath the GLK Rally Racer to cut drag and generate more downforce, while enhancing high speed stability at the rear. The rear wing elements also provide an important aerodynamic purpose and add accent to the aggressive edginess of the original GLK design. From a visual point of view, RENNtech engineers successfully blended their aerodynamic improvements with the flared wheel arches to produce a powerful side line that underscores the dynamic thrust of the Rally Racer.
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