Skip advert
Advertisement

518bhp Zarooq SandRacer 500GT fully revealed

UAE-based manufacturer reveals coupe-inspired off-roader with RWD, 518bhp and a hefty price tag

The Zarooq Motors SandRacer 500GT - an attempt by the UAE-based manufacturer to combine a sporty coupe and a tough sand-blasting off-roader - is now in production, almost two years on from its initial reveal after the 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

• Best new cars for 2017

In that time Zarooq has fine tuned the design, while a new engine replaces the V6 unit previously touted.

It's a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive car with a 6.2-litre V8 producing 518bhp and 660Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a five-speed sequential gearbox. The radical bodywork is made of carbon fibre, so it weights just 1,200kg. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

That means performance will be strong on the road, but that's not all - the clue is in the name. The SandRacer is also built for the desert, so it features off-road focused suspension with two ride height settings, big knobbly tyres and racing harnesses, alongside a full built-in roll cage. 

It's not a completely stripped-out racer, though, as it's also meant for road use. Inside you'll find an LCD sceen, speaker system, air-conditioning and even a cupholder, while the hand-stitched leather interior is made by Mansory.

Zarooq plans to build and sell 35 units of its limited-edition supercar-cum-dune buggy, with first customers now in line. Prices start at $450,000, equating to about £350,000.

Would Dubai a Sand Racer off-road coupe? Let us know in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: fuel-sipping Toyota Yaris Cross with new tech for £257 per month
Toyota Yaris Cross - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: fuel-sipping Toyota Yaris Cross with new tech for £257 per month

Toyota’s recently updated, highly efficient hybrid SUV is our Deal of the Day for 2 November
News
2 Nov 2024
Renault Scenic Iconic Long Range long-term test: head-to-head with the Ford Explorer
Renault Scenic long-termer - header

Renault Scenic Iconic Long Range long-term test: head-to-head with the Ford Explorer

First report: French SUV joins the fleet and takes on Ford’s new Explorer
Long-term tests
2 Nov 2024
Best car headlight bulbs 2024
Best car headlight bulbs - header image

Best car headlight bulbs 2024

Which car headlight bulbs will brighten your night?
Product group tests
1 Nov 2024