The two tennis players and a raft of others are in Miami for the Sony Ericsson Open which starts on Wednesday, and this little stunt is obviously meant to draw attention to the tournament. The players were happy to ham it up for the camera, no-doubt happy to get a paycheck out of the show. Also, that dude in the blinged-out Magnum is totally looking up Venus' skirt. [TimesOnline]

Photo credit: Getty Images

The winner is the Pikes Peak Rally-inspired RENNtech GLK350 SPEC.R Hybrid. This is yet another salvo in the Tuner Wars, pitting BRABUS against RENNtech and giving another notch in the Florida-based, Pizza-break wielding tuner's belt. We think voters locked onto the GLK's wing, which actually came off of a helicopter. Now that's a junkyard find. Press release below.

RENNtech Wins Mercedes SEMA Tuner Build-Off
After an intense, 45-day build and grueling 30 days of campaigning for votes from friends, family, and total strangers, Mercedes-Benz announced that RENNTECH has won the MBUSA GLK tuner build-off!

The competition wasn't easy, with BLVD Customs' strong GLK "Urban Whip" roadster and Brabus' slick "Widestar" each swapping positions with RENNTECH for the lead throughout. At the end of the day, however, Mercedes acknowledged that RENNTECH's sweeping program of upgrades - which included extensive engine mods, software development, aerodynamic bodywork, suspension and brake upgrades, as well as converting the GLK to hybrid drive - pushed RENNTECH's GLK 350 Spec.R Pike's Peak rally racer "over the edge".

RENNTECH would like to thank all our friends and sponsors (listed, below), this build would not have been possible without you.

[Source: RENNtech]

About The Build With RENNTech's Jo A. Borras

The Rally racer is obviously a bit lighter than the standard GLK, and makes use of high-performance components, including long-tube headers, composite airbox/intake, and RENNtech's own ECU software. We've added larger RENNtech brakes and a redesigned performance suspension system to help the GLK attack corners. Additionally, the hybrid drive should give an additional torque boost at the kind of low-speeds a rally car might find on a tight, demanding course.

With the hybrid Rally car, we were trying to sharpen the car's reflexes and really give it a more aggressive, sporting look. Obviously this is not a car that is going to take on the unlimited class of 1000 hp cars, but it will be enough to be powerful and exciting - along the lines of a Subaru or Mitsubishi Evo - and it will accomplish that while being somewhat greener than the original version, which is the opposite of what people might expect.

The public will very likely see THIS car, as we're trying to organize a few exhibition drives within the Formula D series. Without actually doing the tests, anything we would tell you would be dreaming. We're confident of a sub 6-second 0-60, putting the car into similar territory with the other rally replicas out there.

Wheels are RENNtech's own lightweight 20" 3 pc. wheels in a matte finish - brakes are RENNtech's own recipe 16.2" front 2 pc. rotors with 8 piston calipers. Nitto is providing the tires. The rollcage will stiffen up the chassis to some degree, but the big change is the suspension itself, which has been replaced with a custom unit that allows adjustments in ride height, damping, camber, rake, etc.

Most of the modifications [to the exterior] were made to fit the larger wheels and widen the track. The front splitter and rear diffuser, as well as lower side skirts, a very functional aerodynamically, and help direct airflow underneath the GLK with the goal of reducing overall drag and improving aerodynamic downforce. With the interior, we have eliminated most of the sound insulation and replaced the heavy Mercedes-Benz seats with much lighter carbon/kevlar buckets, which helped save some weight. We also did a full rollcage.

Specs

RENNTECH GLK350 SPEC.R HYBRID

YEAR // MAKE // MODEL
- 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK 350

EXTERIOR MODS
- RENNTECH BODY KIT INCLUDES
- FENDER FLARES
- SIDE SKIRTS
- FRONT SPLITTER w/ SIDEPLATES
- REAR DIFFUSER
- MULTI-ELEMENT REAR WING
- FUNCTIONAL SIDE INTAKES (BRAKES // BATTERY COOLING)
- 3M WRAP IN MATTE RED/BLACK

POWERTRAIN MODS
- RENNTECH ECU SOFTWARE UPGRADE
- RENNTECH LONG-TUBE EXHAUST HEADERS w/ 4" RESONATORS
- MERCEDES-BENZ SLK350 SPORT ENGINE UPGRADES
- INTAKE MANIFOLD
- CYLINDER HEADS
- CAMS
- 72V ELECTRIC-ASSIST MILD HYBRID DRIVE
- APPROX. 40 LB-FT @ 0 RPM (TO 45 MPH)
- x6 OPTIMA DEEP CYCLE 12v BATTERIES (Ni-Hi IN DEVELOPMENT)
- PLUG-IN CHARGING (REGENERATIVE CHARGING IN DEVELOPMENT)

CHASSIS // SUSPENSION MODS
- RENNTECH-SPEC. ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM - BY KW
- RENNTECH 16.2" FRONT BRAKE ROTORS w/ 8 PISTON CALIPERS
- RENNTECH 14" REAR BRAKE ROTORS w/ 4 PISTON CALIPERS
- RENNTECH CARBON FIBER ADJUSTABLE STRUT TOWER BRACE
- RENNTECH STRUCTURAL CAGE w/ INTEGRATED REAR STRUT BRACE

INTERIOR MODS
- CARBON FIBER DOOR PANELS (CLUB-SPORT STYLE)
- CARBON FIBER DASH // CENTER CONSOLE
- FUNCTIONAL SWITCH CLUSTER
- INTEGRATED NET-GAIN TIMS HYBRID PROGRAMMING CENTER
- AMG STEERING WHEEL RIM w/ ALUMINUM SHIFT PADDLES
- INTEGRATED AiM MYCHRON4 DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM
- CUSTOM "AIRBAG" CENTER SECTION
- x4 SEIBON CARBON/KEVLAR SEATS FRONT AND REAR
- SCHROTH RACING CAM-LOCK HARNESSES

WHEELS // TIRES
FRONT
- WHEELS 20" RENNTECH 3 PC 5 SPOKE PERFORMANCE WHEELS
- TIRES NITTO NT05 275/40 20
REAR
- WHEELS 20" RENNTECH 3 PC 5 SPOKE PERFORMANCE WHEELS
- TIRES NITTO NT05 315/35 20

[Source: RENNTech]

The BRABUS Exclusive Program for the Mercedes GLK

More power and, more importantly, more torque for more driving fun and better fuel economy: BRABUS also offers engine tuning for the GLK-Class, backed by the exemplary BRABUS Tuning Warranty of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers or 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006).

For the top-of-the-line turbo diesel model GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC BRABUS offers its ECO PowerXtra D6 (III) tuning that delivers an additional 48 hp (47 bhp) / 35.3 kW and a peak torque of 590 Nm (435 lb-ft). It turns the SUV into one of the sportiest diesel models in its class. The sprint from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 6.9 seconds, top speed is 228 km/h (142 mph). Naturally BRABUS power tuning meets the same stringent EURO IV emission limits as the production engine.

The gasoline-powered V6 model GLK 350 4MATIC equipped with BRABUS B7 power kit gains 15 hp (DIN and bhp) / 11 kW for a new rated power output of 287 hp (283 bhp) / 211.2 kW. For even more power BRABUS has developed its BRABUS 4.0 displacement engine, also available for the GLK 280 4MATIC. 332 hp (327 bhp) / 244 kW and a peak torque of 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) at 4,200 rpm provide plenty of added driving fun and excellent performance: A sprint time of just 6.1 seconds for 0-100 km/h (62 mph) and a new top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) speak volumes.

All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil. The fully stainless-steel BRABUS quad sport-exhaust systems lend all GLK models a powerful exhaust note.

Sporty design paired with aerodynamic efficiency and top-notch quality: The BRABUS designers upgrade the striking styling of the Mercedes GLK with an extensive body-components program that is manufactured in OEM quality from high-end Pur-R-Rim plastics.

The face of the SUV receives a dynamic upgrade with the BRABUS front apron. This aerodynamic-enhancement component was developed in the wind tunnel, and features daytime running lights as well as optional auxiliary high beams and fog lamps. The innovative two-piece BRABUS roof attachment with integrated LED position lights further upgrades the front of the GLK.

Homogeneously shaped BRABUS rocker panels create a perfect aerodynamic transition between front and rear wheel arches. LED lights integrated into the underside of the panels illuminate the ground on either side of the SUV for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The BRABUS rear apron with centrally located reflector and cutouts left and right for the stock exhaust or the BRABUS quad sport exhaust system upgrades the SUV's rear. The new BRABUS tailpipe styling is key to the striking rear appearance of the customized SUV. The BRABUS roof spoiler with its red LED position lights left and right is attached to the lift gate.

BRABUS offers its customers a multitude of possible tire/wheel combinations for the Mercedes GLK-Class. The list ranges from Monoblock A wheels in size 8.5Jx17 with general operating certificate to 21-inch high-end versions mounted with matching high-performance tires from BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

The largest combination features wheels in size 9Jx21, available in various versions, from the sporty Monoblock S light-alloy wheels with five double spokes to the Monoblock E version with nine spokes and polished outer flange, to especially exclusive fully polished forged multi-piece wheels in the classic BRABUS Monoblock VI design. The largest approved tires for front and rear axle measure 255/35 R 21 in size.

For even more agile handling and a ride height lowered by some 35 millimeters (1.4 inches) BRABUS offers either sport springs or a complete suspension that offers a somewhat firmer ride than the production one.

Exclusive interior design has always been a special strength of BRABUS. The extensive program also offers owners of a Mercedes GLK countless individual options.

The range of available BRABUS accessories includes stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, various versions of an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, and even interior trim sets made from high-quality woods with various grains or from genuine carbon fiber. In order to transform the rear cabin of the GLK into a multimedia lounge the BRABUS interior designers have developed special BRABUS consoles for the seatbacks of the front seats. Each of the precisely fitting consoles includes a 7-inch LCD screen and an integrated DVD player.

The company-own BRABUS upholstery shop fulfills customers' customization requests in any desired color and with a wide variety of exquisite materials and numerous upholstery designs. With meticulous precision the specialists create superb interiors custom-tailored to the individual customers' preferences.

[Source: BRABUS]

Due to the extravagance of the event, we couldn't help but feel that we were experiencing something akin to the last days of the Roman Empire. While a 1920's influenced German brass band played Britney Spears covers, Kim Catrall made a cameo appearance, we drank moderately-priced champagne and Dr. Z delivered a partially incomprehensible accounting of Mercedes' accounts.

We don't really understand where the GLK fits into all of this and weren't totally impressed. It looks like a busy, fussy X3 with really cool, optional, roof rack mounted LED lights — basically the 2009 version of KC smiley faces.

The one saving grace was the wheels. Which actually delivered on the classy, art deco feel Mercedes were trying to go for with the whole thing.

You'll also notice how, at least in one version of the GLK, the two-tone color scheme is pronounced with the darker (perhaps plastic) bumpers. You may also recognize that MB test drivers always have pained looks on their faces. [Mercedes Benz via World Car Fans]

Additionally, the new GLK will get the 4Matic AWD system, adaptive headlights, ESP, a million airbags, three-zone climate control and the COMAND infotainment center. The wheels are 20-inches with five gigantic spokes, as seen. More details on this nearly-production concept later today. [Edmunds Inside Line]

The GLK is the upcoming competitor to the Land Rover Freelander and BMW X3 in the luxury compact SUV market. Full information on the available engines and options are as-of-yet unannounced. But like all good things we're sure that information will leak to the net sooner than later. [CarScoop]

Supposedly it'll be off-road ready despite sharing many components with the new C Class. As we said before, power is expected to come from a 3.5-liter V6 with Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel-drive as a standard feature. In addition, all versions are expected to have the 7G-Tronic TouchShift automatic transmission, but, we're fairly certain we're seeing the luxe ute in its natural habitat — out front of over-priced Beverly Hills (or Manhattan) boutique shoe stores. We're hoping to have a full spy report from Brenda soon, but here's our older shots of the new GLK for you to peruse at your pleasure.

This one isn't breaking news in any way, but it's something one of our spies ran into while travelling the autobahn. He caught an enormous Mercedes test fleet, consisting of seven GLK prototypes, and a choice selection of some of the the Mini-Me G's primary competitors. Seeing run-groups like this is a sure sign of a prototype in the home stretch of its development cycle.