Latestcarnews: Zarooq Motors Sand Racer off-roader unveiled with RWD and up to 500 bhp

Monday, November 30, 2015

Zarooq Motors Sand Racer off-roader unveiled with RWD and up to 500 bhp

UAE-based Zarooq Motors is previewing its Sand Racer that aims to blend off-road capabilities with performances normally found in sportscars.
It takes the shape of a two-door, two-seater high-riding vehicle featuring a rear mid-engine layout wrapped in a fiberglass or carbon fiber body. The Sand Racer will be hand-built entirely in the United Arab Emirates with most of the components sourced from local suppliers. Zarooq Motors says the first prototypes will be ready in January when the car will be revealed in full. Production for 2016 will be limited to around 20 cars at a starting price of approximately $100,000.
As for technical specifications, the Sand Racer will be 4200 mm long, 2048 mm wide and is going to tip the scales at around 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs), with a 40:60 weight distribution. Zarooq Motors says the sporty off-roader will benefit from a 45-degree approach angle, a 53-degree departure angle, and a generous 315-mm ground clearance.
Power will come exclusively from a V6 3.5-liter engine developing 304 bhp (227 kW) and 274 lb-ft (371 Nm) of torque in standard configuration, but the range-topping version will have as much as 500 bhp (373 kW).
Despite the very low curb weight, the automaker promises to offer a generous array of equipment like air conditioning, spare wheel, infotainment system with audio speakers, glove box, cup holders, LED headlights, and much more.
If the Sand Racer will be a success, Zarooq Motors has plans to roll out a four-wheel drive version, a long-wheelbase edition with four seats, and a pure electric derivative.
Until then, the Sand Racer will take part in a one-make off-road race series with 15 cars at the start. To make this possible, the specialty marque has purchased a 100-acre land near Dubai where it plans to build a track facility that will also include a driver training school and leisure facilities. The circuit itself will be shaped to mimic the word “Dubai” written in Arabic and will be inaugurated in October 2016.