Zarooq SandRacer 500 starting production with 35 models

In the land of literal Robocops and life-size dinosaurs, an over-the-top desert dune buggy fits like a made-in-Dubai glove.

We were fairly sure of this when we first informed you about the Zarooq SandRacer 500 GT and, now that the UAE-manufactured model has entered into production, we’re certain.

An off-road two-seater with a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 with 525 ponies, Zarooq Motors’ creation has a top speed of about 140 MPH and a suspension that can travel up to 18 inches.

Dune buggy (6 images)

Constructed almost entirely of carbon fiber, the rear-wheel drive Zarooq SandRacer 500 GT has a five-speed “racing-grade” transmission that should make its 2,866-pound frame awful feisty.

“Zarooq makes supercars that are unique since you can take them on a weekend track day or for a luxurious commute in the city but also on any off-road terrain, even the toughest dunes of the Arabian Desert where they were born” says Zarooq Motors’ executive Mohammed Al Qadi.

Limited to a run of 35 models to start, the desert speed racer costs a cool $450k. That’s Dubai for you.

Evan Bleier

Evan is a senior editor with InsideHook who earned a master’s degree in journalism from NYU and has called Brooklyn home since 2006. A fan of Boston sports, Nashville hot chicken and Kentucky bourbon, Evan has had his work published in publications including “Maxim,” Bleacher Report and “The Daily Mail.”