If you are going to make a car in a ridiculously rich country where 80 percent of its landmass is desert, it only makes sense to make a supercar that can take on the sandy desert like a boss. The Zarooq SandRacer 500GT is one such coming from United Arab Emirates (UAE). Previously a concept, this crazy off-road capable sports car from the young and ambitious middle east sports car maker has reportedly commenced production. Not only that, it specifications to have been bumped up according to a report. The concept from two years ago had a V6, but in the production version, it gets a growling 6.2L V8 unit that kicks out 525 horses and 487 lb-ft (660 Nm) of torque.
And with only 2,866 lbs (1,300 kilograms; kerb weight) to work on, SandRacer can boldly go where no supercar will dip their wheels in. In other words, it should be formidable preference in the sandy desert. Now, take that, Lamborghini. However, the numbers are not what makes this oddly attractive beast intriguing or special; it is the Intrax Racing Suspension which offers a full 17.7 inches (450 mm) of travel to enable it to handle the deep sandy terrains and if desire, it can be lowered (by a significant amount judging from the images) so that it can continue to tear up the tarmac as well.
While we love the elevated, sand dune tackling ‘mode’, we can’t take our eyes over the lowered ‘mode’. Man, the lowered stance is absolutely stunning! How quick it is, is not known, but a Weddle 5-speed racing sequential gearbox makes a top speed of 137 miles an hour (220 km/h) possible. A few other details include a large 34 gallons (130L) fuel tank, a brake system composing of 6-piston calibers and ventilated discs, full carbon-fiber body by Mansory, a carbon-fiber and hand-stitched leather interior (also by Mansory), a full complement of infotainment, and then there’s of course, desert-mandatory air-conditioning system.
Only 35 units with numbered chassis will be offered when it becomes available and by that account, we highly doubt it will make it elsewhere outside of UAE. In any case, it is not going to be cheap. It is said that this beast will “costs the equivalent of $450,000.” Ouch.
Images courtesy of Zarooq.
