R006
Swamp Stalker
1968 Chevrolet Chevelle
R002
Safari King
The Safari King transforms the 2005 Ford GT into a rugged, WRC-inspired rally machine designed to conquer the brutal demands of the East African Safari Rally. Its massively widened fiberglass fenders extend 240mm each side, wrapping around triple-layer debris guards and integrated mud flaps, while a raised 320mm long-travel suspension ensures clearance over rocks and ruts. The aggressive aluminum hood with snorkel intake and LED arrays feeds dust-resistant filters, paired with roof vents that evacuate hot air, preserving power under punishing conditions. Underneath, the supercharged LS7 V8 is re-tuned for low-end torque and durability, complemented by FIA-grade heat shielding and upgraded intercooling. The stance is planted on Enkei forged wheels wrapped in 265/75-R18 Michelin cross-country tires, marrying American muscle with rally endurance. Finishing touches like the extended rear wing with mesh endplates, rally light pods, and external fuel ports amplify both function and rally heritage, making the Safari King a brutalist icon of mid-2000s hypercar rally conversions.
Blueprint // R002
Technical Dossier // R002
Track
Purpose-built for the punishing stages of the Safari Rally, this build excels on rocky, uneven terrain and through deep mud pits. The raised suspension and wide track offer exceptional ground clearance and lateral grip, allowing the car to maintain speed and control over jumps and rough surfaces traditionally hostile to hypercars.
Body Modifications
240mm wider bolt-on fiberglass fender clams with integrated stone guards
Triple-layer polymer arch liners for debris protection
Custom aluminum raised hood with snorkel intake and LED arrays
Rear hatch with spare wheel mount and external rally fuel ports
Reinforced bumpers with recovery hooks
Aero Components
Extended rear wing with wire mesh endplates
Rally light pods mounted on wing endplates
Molded hood vents channeling hot air to roof intakes
Integrated front and rear mud flaps
Aero
Aerodynamics are adapted for off-road endurance with functional elements like the extended rear wing featuring wire mesh endplates to protect against debris, while rally light pods enhance visibility during dusk or dust-choked stages. Hood vents and roof intakes manage thermal loads efficiently, maintaining aerodynamic flow despite the raised suspension and widebody modifications.
Wheel and Tire Setup
Enkei RS05RR forged wheels, 18x8.5 front, 18x11 rear
Michelin cross-country rally tires sized 265/75-R18
Wheels
Enkei RS05RR forged wheels measuring 18x8.5 up front and 18x11 at the rear provide strength without excess weight. Wrapped in 265/75-R18 Michelin cross-country rally tires, the setup combines rugged durability with aggressive tread patterns designed to bite into loose surfaces and resist punctures in harsh environments.
Stance
The Safari King adopts a commanding, elevated stance with 320mm of ground clearance, balancing aggressive widebody proportions and rally functionality. The widened 1750mm front and 1770mm rear track widths improve stability, while the long-travel suspension geometry preserves the GT’s poised yet rugged character under extreme load.
Powertrain Concept
Supercharged LS7 V8 retuned for increased low-end torque
Upgraded intercooling system for sustained heat management
FIA-grade heat shielding for engine bay durability
Engine
The heart of the Safari King is a supercharged LS7 V8, meticulously recalibrated to deliver robust low-end torque essential for navigating uneven, loose terrain. Its upgraded intercooling and FIA-grade heat shielding ensure reliable performance under relentless heat and dust exposure, making it as durable as it is powerful.
Drivetrain
Retaining the GT’s original transaxle layout, the drivetrain is fortified with rally-grade components to handle increased torque and off-road shock loads. Suspension travel is extended to 320mm with reinforced anti-roll bars, providing stability and compliance over rocky and uneven surfaces, while the AWD system is tuned for maximum traction in mud and loose gravel.
Fabrication Notes
Lightweight molded fiberglass widebody panels with bolt-on fitment
Custom aluminum hood with integrated snorkel and vents
Reinforced suspension mounting points for long-travel rally shocks
Bespoke rear hatch reinforcement for spare tire and fuel access
Wave Release
Widebody Syndicate
Alright, buckle up and prepare for a wild ride through an alternate universe where luxury sedans sprint up hillsides, hypercars get their rally legs dirty, and classic iron wears widebody flares like battle scars. We took…
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