If you've ever dreamt of an off-road vehicle that not only defies the odds but also redefines performance, then look no further than the latest creation from Morgan Clarke Design. Known as the Dakar Prototype, this audacious build is an extreme reinterpretation of the Range Rover Velar, and it’s turning heads for all the right reasons. With plans to produce only seven units, this isn't just another SUV; it's a collector's dream loaded with the heart of a Lamborghini.
The Genesis of the Dakar Prototype
Imagine the unsuspecting Velar, a luxury SUV known for sophistication and elegance, abruptly transformed into a wild off-roading machine. Morgan Clarke Design, based in California, is undertaking this metamorphosis, making it something entirely extraordinary. While the build is still ongoing, it is set to make its grand debut in January, ready to conquer sandy terrains surprisingly effortlessly.
While some elements of the body still carry the Velar DNA, much of what made it a Range Rover has been stripped away, including its powertrain. Instead of a refined luxury ride, it now sports a bespoke steel chassis, upgraded suspension from King Shocks at all four corners, and a thoroughly reworked engine bay. Gone is the familiar Range Rover heart—instead, a beastly V10 engine lies poised for action, completely redefining what off-road power should feel like.
The Heart of a Lamborghini
The showstopper of this project is undoubtedly its engine: a supercharged 5.2-liter V10 pulled from the Lamborghini Huracan. The high-performance engine is being modified by Underground Racing, incorporating their Stage 3 package, which includes twin Precision turbochargers and promises to deliver an astounding 2,000 horsepower to the wheels. This spine-tingling power would make it one of the most formidable off-road vehicles to grace the sands. Imagine tearing through sand dunes with the kind of force this engine can generate—truly exhilarating.
Custom Features: From Cabins to Controls
But it's not just about raw power; the Dakar Prototype is as much a technical marvel as it is a stylistic one. Inside, while the cabin retains the distinctive Velar dashboard and instrumentation, it also includes a gated five-speed manual shifter that hints at its performance aspirations. Luxury isn't sacrificed, either, as seats from a McLaren 720S provide the driver and passenger with the perfect blend of comfort and support, ensuring they remain secured during intense off-road escapades. With the rear seats removed, the interior is now more about practicality, allowing for the enormous King shocks to do their job without interference.
A Limited Production: Exclusivity at Its Finest
What makes the Dakar Prototype exceptionally exciting is its rarity. Morgan Clarke Design has plans for six additional vehicles, but this particular build—sporting the Lamborghini engine—will be the only one of its kind. The other examples are expected to feature high-performance GM crate engines with a six-speed sequential gearbox, making them formidable in their own right, but lacking the unique charm of a Lamborghini heart.
This exclusivity means that not just any enthusiast will get their hands on one. Being one of only seven vehicles made, the potential resale value is likely to skyrocket, making it an enticing investment for collectors as well as a thrilling ride for those lucky enough to navigate the rugged dunes.
In Conclusion: A New Era of Off-Roading
The Range Rover Dakar Prototype might seem like an unlikely candidate for such an extreme transformation, but it demonstrates just how innovative and daring automotive designers and engineers can be. It challenges the limits of what we understand about off-roading, luxury, and performance. If you find yourself yearning for adventure and unrelenting power, this one-of-a-kind Velar could be just what you’re looking for—an astonishing blend of brute strength, unparalleled design, and exclusivity without equal.
Can you picture yourself behind the wheel, taking this beast across the dunes? It’s a thrilling thought to consider the adventure and adrenaline that awaits anyone fortunate enough to experience the magnificence of the Dakar Prototype firsthand.