Zarooq Motors, a company based in the United Arab Emirates, has debuted the production spec version of its SandRacer 500GT.
Touted as the first off-road supercar the SandRacer 500GT gets a mid-mounted 6.2L General Motors LT1 V8 engine. 525 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque deliver power to the rear wheels through a 5-speed sequential gearbox by Weddle. Unlike road going supercars, the top speed is 140 mph. Short gear ratios and BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tires speed rated for 99 mph play a part in the low top speed.
Christian Verstappen Design is responsible for the body of the SandRacer 500GT. The entire vehicle is comprised of carbon fiber putting the weight at 2,600 lbs.
German tuner Mansory handcrafted the interior from leather and carbon fiber. For safety, an integrated race spec roll cage has been fitted to the interior by Campos Racing.
Dakar-spec Intrax suspension provides 18 inches of suspension travel, five inches greater than the 2017 Ford Raptor. The suspension is adjustable and has a road setting that lowers the SandRacer. This allows the car to be manageable on the street. With some different tires, it could find itself at home on the race track too.
Manufacturing of the SandRacer 500GT will take place in both Monaco and the UAE.
Support for the vehicle is available in both the Middle East and Europe within 48 hours. Plans to expand to the United State and Asia will take place in mid-2018.
At $450,000, the SandRacer 500GT is by no means cheap. With 35 launch models, the SandRacer will be rare at first too. Zarooq plans on releasing lower cost models in 2018 with different drivetrains and options.
The main competition will present itself from Local Motors Rally Fighter. The SandRacer and Rally Fighter share much in common with the same engine and off-road racing suspension. Local Motors car is also much cheaper at $99,000 making it an attractive option for a (comparatively) entry-level off-roader.
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