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R036 Widebody Syndicate Release
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Desert Phantom Initiative

R036

Desert Phantom Initiative

The Desert Phantom Initiative transforms the 2020 Tesla Model Y into a formidable electric prototype engineered for the unforgiving Dakar Rally environment. This build expands the Model Y’s footprint with aggressive widebody flares and rock sliders that protect against desert debris while maximizing tire clearance for massive 375/65 R20 BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires. Its bodywork integrates sophisticated thermal management, featuring large front fender vents and rear quarter panel air channels to maintain optimal battery and motor temperatures during extended high-speed desert stages. The extended rear hatch and dual-element carbon fiber wing enhance high-speed stability, marrying aerodynamic efficiency with rugged off-road capability.

Desert Phantom Initiative blueprint

Technical Dossier // R036

Track

Designed specifically for the grueling conditions of desert raid competition, the Desert Phantom Initiative excels on sandy dunes and rough gravel tracks. Its widened stance and large all-terrain tires deliver superior flotation and grip, while the aerodynamic enhancements and extended rear hatch stabilize the vehicle at high speeds over shifting terrain. The build’s robust cooling system ensures consistent power delivery during prolonged stages under intense heat and dust exposure.

Body Modifications

140mm front fender extensions with squared trapezoidal flares,150mm widened rear quarter panels with convex arches and rolled lips,Extended rear hatch with 18-degree upward rake for improved stability,Integrated rock sliders extending 200mm below OEM sill line

Aero Components

Multi-plane carbon fiber front splitter with dual-tier design,Six-fin rear diffuser extending 240mm tall for underbody airflow control,Dual-element carbon fiber rear wing mounted on 380mm tall pylons,Roof-mounted raised air extractor scoop behind windshield

Aero

A comprehensive aero package balances downforce and cooling with rugged off-road needs. The front splitter’s multi-plane design channels air efficiently to brake and battery cooling ducts, while the rear diffuser with six vertical fins stabilizes underbody airflow to reduce lift. The extended rear hatch and dual-element rear wing create a rally-inspired long-tail profile, enhancing high-speed stability and minimizing turbulence in sandy conditions.

Wheel and Tire Setup

20x11-inch Apex Offroad Sandstorm forged wheels,375/65 R20 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires,55mm minimum clearance maintained within squared flare profiles,Reinforced inner arch liners for debris protection

Wheels

Mounted on 20x11-inch forged Apex Offroad Sandstorm wheels, the build rides on 375/65 R20 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires renowned for their durability and traction in desert environments. The squared flare profiles maintain a minimum 55mm clearance, complemented by reinforced inner arch liners to protect against debris, ensuring reliable performance and resilience during aggressive off-road use.

Stance

The Desert Phantom Initiative adopts a notably wider track, increasing both front and rear widths by 210mm to accommodate its large off-road tires and aggressive widebody. The suspension geometry is revised for enhanced articulation and vertical travel, providing a high ride height necessary to clear obstacles and maintain momentum across uneven desert terrain, while the integrated rock sliders protect the chassis during off-camber maneuvers.

Powertrain Concept

Dual rear electric motors with upgraded liquid cooling,Sidepod-mounted intercoolers integrated into rear quarter panel vents,Underfloor battery thermal management with dual liquid-cooled radiators,Titanium underbody skid plate shielding 2.3 sqm battery casing

Engine

Powered by dual rear electric motors, the Desert Phantom Initiative’s drivetrain benefits from enhanced liquid cooling architecture including sidepod intercoolers and underfloor battery radiators. This setup ensures sustained performance and reliability under the thermal stresses of extended desert rally stages, leveraging Tesla's efficient electric propulsion with bespoke thermal management upgrades.

Drivetrain

The build retains the Model Y’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive layout, supplemented by an advanced suspension system featuring quad-link front and five-link rear geometries with 120mm increased vertical travel. External reservoir coilover shocks and adjustable hydraulic bump stops provide compliance and control across variable off-road terrain, optimizing traction and stability in deep sand and rocky sections.

Fabrication Notes

Carbon fiber composite front bumper and splitter assembly,Precision-machined aluminum widebody flare structures,Hydraulic bump stops for adjustable off-camber suspension tuning,Custom quad-link front and five-link rear suspension with increased travel

Rally Everything: Vol. 1

Rally Everything: Vol. 1

We grabbed some unlikely champions from different decades and forced them into the brutal world of rally raids where sand, snow, and gravel don’t just punish — they humiliate the unprepared. Our builds crush the notion…

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