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When the Tuner Grand Prix changes the Hockenheimring into a cauldron of smoking tyres on the 26th and 27th June, the premium tuners will again be bringing their fascinating cars to the field. Souped-up racing technology provides a special thrill, although it hampers everyday use. So are they just “big toys for big boys”? Not everyone wants to just “play”, as the Lorinser LV8, which is based on the new C-Class, proves impressively. “It corresponds 100 percent to the licensing requirements for a road car and that is precisely what makes it so fascinating”, explains General Manager Marcus Lorinser, who remained tight-lipped about the HP of his latest model, although has already revealed that the car will enter the C3 class (limousines, suction cars).

Optically it is also not a racing vehicle for purists, but a real Lorinser in full “regalia” and with a complete aerodynamics package as well as attractive light-alloy wheels. They are of course not covered by slicks, but road tyres from tyre partner Continental, who will be exhibiting together with Sportservice Lorinser at the Tuner Grand Prix. All in all it is a round concept which is orientated to everyday life that will not just get the blessing of TUV, but also adoring looks on the street.

The Mercedes GLK in a Sportservice Lorinser outfit

Off-roaders are only suitable for terrain; compact means sacrifice and sports cars only appeal to contortionists who have no spine: once prejudices were easier and the choice of the right car was therefore complicated. Who would have thought that the Mercedes GLK would one day turn all these clichés on their head and flirt with an attractive optical package from Sportservice Lorinser?

The Swabian body kit combines all the different facets of the basic vehicle making a desirable whole. Robust, sporty and classy – these are not contradictions but the attributes of the Lorinser spoiler bumper which is kept in the colour of the car. In a classy silver look, incorporated 3D structures invoke bull bars and form an elegant transverse web, which flows around the fog lights. The triangular profile in the corners of the bumpers is also reminiscent of the off-road origin of the car. They represent the visual link between the indicated underride protection elements on the front and the rear, as well as the Lorinser side sills. In order to fully underline the bullish character of the bodywork, these add-on parts have large, quadratic incisions as a common stylistic feature.

The rear view in particular exudes pure energy. With it the Lorinser designers have succeeded in making the wedge-shaped knick in the lid of the boot clearly visible again with their spoiler bumper, so that the styling looks especially muscular. Here the U-shaped swage lines on the edges play just as important a role as the four powerful, shiny round exhaust pipes. In pairs they flank the silver middle section of the spoiler together with a sports grill insert. The dynamic Lorinser light-alloy wheels, which are available in diverse designs for the GLK, form a conscious counterpart to the rather Cuban-style bodywork and its components. The RS 8, for example, is particularly well harmonised to the style with its classical turbine blade look. It is not just evidence of the timeless skill of its designers, but also the fact that the GLK can also be extremely agile with its city proportions and strong engine. As a result it can excellently outmanoeuvre not just prejudices.