Ai Design Blog

MK-71 gets a new look!

New shoes, new style, new capability on this badass Escalade!
April 16, 2023|by

MK-71, the wildest Escalade on the planet, has recently been back in-house for some updates. Since we began the build a few years ago, this luxury/mil-spec SUV has been a work in progress. We’ve been updating the tech as it becomes available and adding new features and functionality to fit the owner’s specific needs and use case.  

You can check out the initial build here.

This time, in addition to some mechanical and tech upgrades this time, we also added some additional protection, functionality and most visibly, style. MK’s owner (@TeamChampagneNinjas on Instagram) is a huge fan of HRE Wheel’s classic 935. These forged wheels not only look striking in appearance, they are super strong. We had the folks at HRE craft a set to fit MK and finished them off with their Brushed Dark Clear. Considering the 935 wheel was created to complement the exotic sports cars of the 70s and 80s, seeing them on a modern urban assault-like vehicle causes some serious double-takes. It’s polarizing for sure. People either love or hate the look. Even here in the shop.

To give MK-71 all-road capability without compromising on-road comfort, we turned to Vredestein and their new Pinza all-terrain tire. The tires aggressive design is a further contrast to the 935 wheels. But the all-weather traction, chunky sidewalls, and smooth ride on all surfaces means MK-71 can go anywhere its owner wants. In style.

To keep MK-71 looking sharp even after serious off-roading, we treated the entire exterior, including the new wheels, with a hydrophobic coating. Water is repelled and dirt comes right off with just a blast from a hose.