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SEMA BUILDER REIMAGINES CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER AS A MODERN SUV

From The Dozens Of Entries, This Project Stands Out From The Rest

2013 Chevrolet K5 Blazer SEMA Battle Of The Builders Leonard Boschman

A retro redux of a Chevrolet K5 Blazer is not a new concept, but it’s definitely one that continues to evolve. Earlier this year at the 2020 Autorama, we saw a Chevrolet Tahoe re-skinned to look like an old Blazer, and people seemed to like it. Chevrolet itself reimagined the classic by taking a 1977 K5 Blazer and plugged in an Electric Connect And Cruise system. This was shown as a concept for what customers can do with a Chevrolet Bolt EV’s battery and electric motor sold a la carte. Then there’s this SEMA Battle of the Builders entry: a GMT900 Chevrolet SUV with a removable roof that celebrates the original K5 Blazer of yesteryear.

2013 Chevrolet K5 Blazer SEMA Battle Of The Builders Leonard Boschman

Built by Leonard Boschman, this “2013 Chevrolet K5 Blazer” is entered into the Street Trucks/SUVs category of the 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders, and features parts from Reflex Box Liner Coating, Katzkin, Lund, Leer, Mickey Thompson, and Rigid. A full spec sheet of the build is expected to be available soon, so at this time it’s unknown what’s under the hood, or what its body is truly made of. It could have started life as a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban or Avalanche of that same generation, seeing as they all share the same front end design. But one thing is for sure, some extensive body fabrication happened. What was at one point a four-door SUV is now a two-door, and in its place looks to be a pickup truck bed with a roll cage and a set of rear seats, just like the original K5 Blazer. A removable Leer bed cover completes the look, allowing for all-weather functionality.

2013 Chevrolet K5 Blazer SEMA Battle Of The Builders Leonard Boschman

Since the debut of the 2021 Ford Bronco 2-Door and 4-Door, Chevrolet has seen no shortage of criticism with what it’s chosen to do with the Blazer nameplate, which used to compete directly with the Bronco. But with sales of the FWD-based crossover utility vehicle are performing well, there’s little doubt that the vehicle itself was a necessary product. But the Blazer name could have seen better use.

2013 Chevrolet K5 Blazer SEMA Battle Of The Builders Leonard Boschman

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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