CTEK Shines at SEMA with the WhippleD 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle

CTEK stole the spotlight at the 2024 SEMA Show with the highly anticipated unveiling of "WhippleD," a jaw-dropping 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. The reveal, held at CTEK’s booth, attracted a crowd eager to witness the perfect fusion of cutting-edge technology and classic car design.   

Commissioned by Omar Schmitt, owner of the international restaurant chain Señor Frog’s, and brought to life by Dustin Hacker and his team at Nostalgia Hot Rods, WhippleD is a masterpiece of automotive ingenuity. The car combines the aggressive power of a Supercharged LSX 408 with the reliable performance of CTEK’s advanced charging solutions, including the portable CS FREE battery charger.   

“WhippleD represents the essence of innovation, a philosophy we hold close at CTEK,” said Bobbie DuMelle, President of CTEK North America. “This project not only showcases our battery management expertise but also highlights our commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional solutions for car enthusiasts and professionals alike.”   

The Chevelle’s bold transformation left spectators in awe. With its stunning Valspar paint job, Budnik Spiders wheels, and custom glass from AM Hot Rods Glass, WhippleD exemplifies a seamless blend of form and function. Inside, denim blue leather by NHR Hydes adds a touch of luxury, while a high-end Focal sound system ensures that this car is as impressive acoustically as it is visually.   

Underneath, WhippleD is just as remarkable. Its custom NHR chassis, coupled with Watts 4-link rear suspension, independent tubular front suspension, and Shock Wave air suspension, delivers both a show-stopping stance and precision handling.   

“This build is all about going big and making a statement,” said Dustin Hacker. “Having it unveiled at the CTEK booth—a brand synonymous with performance and reliability—was the perfect choice.”   

For CTEK, participating in SEMA isn’t just about showcasing products; it’s about demonstrating how innovative charging solutions play a critical role in maintaining high-performance vehicles like WhippleD.   

“CTEK is proud to power projects like this,” DuMelle added. “It’s an opportunity to show how our smart chargers keep vehicles at peak performance, whether they’re built for the track, the street, or the show floor.”   

This isn’t the first time Schmitt and Nostalgia Hot Rods have partnered to create something extraordinary. Their previous project, a 1946 Willys Jeepster, earned acclaim at last year’s SEMA Show, landing a spot in Toyo Tires' Treadpass booth and being named one of Car & Driver’s Top 10 builds of the event. Building on that success, Schmitt challenged Hacker to “go big,” resulting in the creation of WhippleD—a testament to their shared passion for automotive excellence.   

As WhippleD continues to capture attention at SEMA and beyond, CTEK remains at the forefront of battery management innovation. With solutions designed to meet the needs of car enthusiasts and professionals alike, CTEK reinforces its commitment to enhancing the driving experience—one charge at a time.