Interview with Blvd Customs on the Mercedes-Benz GLK Urban Whip
We recently had a chance to ask Chris Bradley of
Blvd Customs some questions about the Mercedes-Benz GLK Urban Whip. Here is the
full interview.
1How did the idea for the GLK Unique Whip come about?
1 As part of the SEMA Tuner
Challenge, Mercedes Benz had four different build themes, and we received the
theme ‘Urban Whip – Turn heads and rule the road!’ From there we just let
inspiration take hold and went with a design that we felt would be edgy enough
to guarantee results in the ‘head turning dept’. Our design was to use the
existing GLK body lines and accent and exaggerate them with bolder fenders,
side skirts, and most noticeably a more dramatic front grille opening. We had
our concept and when we met up with the ROBRADY staff they had some of their
own ideas as well , and the result was a collaboration to create the ultimate
cruiser that you see now.
2How long did it take to make this special GLK
from start to finish?
2)
2 Once the initial design was in place we had 45 days from start to finish to
turn the totally stock GLK it into the Ultimate ride you see now. Without a
doubt THE craziest deadline we’ve ever had, but also the biggest chance for
exposure we’ve ever had so I guess you’d say it was definitely a labor of love
(for BLVD of course!)
3What type of wheel are used on the GLK Urban Whip?
3)
3 26” Asanti AF150’s all chrome with painted black accents, wrapped in
295/25/26 inch Pirelli tire
4What was the hardest part about building the GLK?
4)
4 I can definitely say the most challenging part of the build was dealt
to ROBRADY. To finish a CAD design we could all agree on, then produce it in
time for us to have it installed and painted on the car in time was the tallest
task. There was nothing taken off the shelf for this entire build. The only
part that came on the GLK that remains is the hood itself. Everything is either
brand new or heavily modified for the appearance you see now. The grille, front
bumper, rear bumper, side skirts, fenders, and doors have all received the
aftermarket treatment. The vehicle actually measures 3” wider now than
previously, but does so very seamlessly as the parts design and installation is
so perfect.
5What was the perception of the car at SEMA?
5)
5The perception of our GLK at SEMA was that of a strong and cutting edge
design which blended the best of classic Mercedes design, with the flare of
what the future has to offer. We had an overwhelming response and when the
voting at SEMA kicked off and we were receiving all of the at show votes which
kept us in the 1st place spot almost the entire week, that told us
everything we needed to know.
6How did you come up with the name for the vehicle?
6)
6We can’t take credit for that one! Mercedes-Benz had all of the build
names assigned to each builder
7 What type of stereo is found in the GLK Urban
Whip?
7)
7The bass is coming from (6) JL audio 13Tw5 flat subwoofers total, (1) in
each of the 4 doors, and (2) in a clear acrylic custom made tube in the cargo
area. The mids and hi’s are provided by JL Audio ZR 6.5” components in
the front, and ZR 5.25” components in the rear, for power we used (6) JL Audio
750/1 HD amplifiers to power the subwoofers and (2)JL Audio 600/4 HD amplifiers
for the mids and hi’s, with all of the power connected by the new
Stinger Pro Series power cable and distribution.
8 Are there any performance modification on the
vehicle?
8)
8The only performance modification we made was for stopping power! We had to
slow down the rotation of the 26” wheels so we installed a set of the brand new
Brembo 15.0” cross drilled rotors w/8 piston monoblock calipers in the front,
and Brembo 13.5” cross drilled rotors w/4 piston monoblock calipers.
9 How does the GLK rank in relation to other
custom concepts you have done?
9)
9This GLK ranks as the top project in my book. We’ve never pulled off such an
amazing and dramatic finished product in such a short time, or had one with so
much celebrated fan fare. Between our partners and team members everyone gave
everything they had to excel in their respective areas and the end result
shows. The response generated from the media, the blogs, and the SEMA attendees
made it even better . Having enthusiasts from all over the world come up
and say ‘WOW’ in every language you can think of was definitely worth the
sleepless nights.
Special thanks to Chris Bradley of Blvd Customs for taking the time to complete this
interview.
TTTo
vote for the Mercedes-Benz GLK Urban Whip in the GLK Tuner Challenger click here.
tTTo
visit Blvd Customs official website click here.
TtTo Visit Robrady designs official site click here.
T
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