Summary
- Velocity's Signature Series K5 Blazer is a modern classic that combines classic looks with modern chassis and performance. It features a hand-finished interior, 6.2-Liter LT1 V-8 engine, and modern suspension and axles.
- The interior of the K5 Blazer is cleverly built and uses high-end materials, giving it a vintage feel with all the modern amenities. It has color-matched upholstery, Procar bucket seats, an Alpine audio system, and power windows.
- The K5 Blazer is as capable as any modern SUV and excels in off-road scenarios. With its powerful V-8 engine, knobby tires, high ground clearance, and off-road features, it outperforms most modern SUVs in terms of capabilities.
Most people who enjoy cars find themselves getting hit with a fist full of nostalgia now and then. It's just one of those things that enthusiasts can't escape, no matter how good, expertly engineered, and beautifully designed, a lot of modern vehicles are. The trigger for this nostalgia hit is usually the sighting of a tastefully restored classic car from a bygone era that's not coming back. If you've seen a restored 1960s muscle car on the road recently, you might have experienced it.
There is, however, another segment that started slowly, until it eventually took over the market by storm, and that hits home just like that menacing looking, roaring V-8 muscle car of old. And that is that old-school, box-shaped, 4x4 that happened to be around during the 1960s as well. Models like the Original Jeep Wagoneer or the Ford Bronco come to mind.
Thankfully, this segment was not forgotten by restoration companies that build these gorgeous modern classics. The most recent and exciting example of this is Velocity Modern Classic's Signature Series K5 Blazer, the latest unveiling of a modern classic that features an elegant hand-finished interior, modern chassis, and that tasty 6.2-Liter LT1 V-8 engine.
Classic Looks, Modern Chassis And Performance
Velocity builds its cars for the modern driver while evoking the feeling of driving a true American classic. Hidden beneath the classic Blazer looks are Dana's front and rear axles with a 3.73 gear ratio, with sway bars to control and reduce body roll. Velocity's Roadstershop K5 Chassis also features a four-link suspension and an Atlas two transfer case for off-road incursions. The 6.2-Liter Gen V LT1 powers this modern classic truck from Velocity, giving it more than enough juice for on or off-road trips.
K5 Blazer Engine Specs
Engine | 6.2-Liter (376 cu in) LT1 V-8 |
Output | 460 horsepower |
Torque | 465 pound-feet |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
To ensure the V-8 roar is heard clearly, the exhaust is custom-built and features a Magnaflow muffler. When its time to slow the truck down, 11-inch electric assisted Wilwood disc brakes with six pistons up front and four pistons at the back deliver all the needed braking power. The paint job is custom and the truck has a six-point roll cage. A classic safari top is contrasted by powerful LED dome lights. The bumpers and grill receive a shiny chrome finish.
The Interior Also Features Modern Amenities
Once an order is placed, Velocity delivers in 14 weeks. Vertical integration and actually having parts in its inventory make that possible. As you would imagine, these bespoke modern classics don't come cheap, and the price for the K5 Blazer starts at $339,900. But for that price, you can a package that delivers not only the old-school exterior looks with modern performance, but also an interior that's cleverly built, hand-finished, and uses high-end materials. The interior looks and feels, up to a point, old school. But despite its vintage looks, all the modern amenities drivers have grown accustomed to are there.
The upholstery, dash pad, carpets, and all else in the interior is color matched just like the GM vehicles of old. The bucket seats are from Procar and are available in either vinyl or custom leather for that vintage, upmarket feel. The front seats are also available with heat or ventilation for added comfort. The audio system is taken care of by an Alpine unit with Apple Carplay that drives the sound through the Focal Audio speakers and subwoofer.
Completing The List Of Amenities Are:
- Air-conditioning.
- Bluetooth stereo.
- Power windows.
- Velocity exclusive Dakota digital gauges.
- Ididit tilt steering column.
The Heritage Trim
If you want that bespoke two-tone paint along with custom steel wheels and exterior billet components, a Heritage trim is available for inquiry.
The Interior Upgrades For The Heritage Series Are:
- Italian Leather.
- Backup Camera.
- Premium Focal Audio.
- Exclusive center console.
- Spark-wrapped steering wheel.
- Interior billet package.
- Double Din stereo with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Since money isn't an issue when shelling out this amount for what is pretty much an exclusive custom car, the Heritage Trim is the one to go for. This premium top trim looks better inside and out and should be receiving a lot of inquiries on Velocity's website. The wheels are 18 inches, wrapped in 35 inches Toyo tires.
The Velocity K5 Blazer Significance To The Restoration Company
The K5 Blazer marks Velocity's bold step at branching out to other brands. Up until this point, their Signature Series only featured Fords. With a team of engineers that ensures their cars are practical and reliable, not to mention beautiful, CEO Jeremy Hans is proud to make such an offer to the market.
If this pans out well for the company, it will be very interesting to see what future models they will bring back. Velocity is a relatively new company with just over a decade of existence in the market, and judging by their work, there's no reason to believe they won't stick around and bring us some new and interesting projects in the future.
The 14-week production timeline is pretty quick for such complex models and shouldn't steer any potential customers away. In fact, this time frame is guaranteed by Velocity. And by potential customers, we mean people willing and able to pay Bentley prices for unique vehicles that are unquestionably beautiful to look at, but also drive and perform up to par. It's a prestigious way to pay homage to the American automotive industry, honoring the companies that brought us such iconic cars throughout the past several decades. Just think of all the other brands and models they could be cooking in Florida.
The K5 Blazer Is As Capable As Any Modern SUV Can Be
Expensive as it may be, being inspired by the truest, most rugged 4x4s of the past, and packed with a powerful and versatile powertrain, the Velocity Blazer K5 leaves most modern SUVs in the dust when considering its capabilities, particularly off-road. The strong V-8, big knobby tires, the Atlas two transfer case, combined with a high ground clearance and what looks to be attack and departure angles from the days these 4x4s were meant to do entirely different things from going grocery shopping, it is safe to assume the K5 Blazer would do really well in the toughest of scenarios.
This amalgamation of modern engineering with vintage styling that actually served a purpose may have created the ultimate off-road vehicle. The fact that it is produced on demand and its high price tag makes it, along with the entire Signature Series lineup from Velocity Modern Classics, an exclusive gem that is worthy of praise and that should be cherished, not only for what it physically is but for what it represents and pays homage to.