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R057 Widebody Syndicate Release
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Rockhouse Traverse

R057

Rockhouse Traverse

Series Sacred Cars
Category Circuit

The Rockhouse Traverse transforms the 1951 Hudson Hornet into an uncompromising rock crawling machine, engineered for King of the Hammers-style terrain. Its widebody design pushes the Hornet’s classic silhouette to new extremes with 170mm front and 190mm rear fender extensions armored in layered composite plates. Functional cooling louvers and a shortened hood with exposed tubular steel vents ensure the beefy powertrain remains cool under brutal conditions. The suspension is fully reworked, delivering 450mm of travel via external bypass shocks and coil springs, allowing the car to articulate over massive boulders with ease while the 39x16.5R17 beadlocked Maxxis tires provide unmatched traction and durability.

Rockhouse Traverse blueprint

Technical Dossier // R057

Track

Purpose-built for the unforgiving King of the Hammers terrain, the Rockhouse Traverse excels in desert quarry environments where steep approach angles, large obstacles, and rugged rock faces demand maximum chassis articulation and tire clearance. The widebody design improves stability over uneven terrain, while the beadlocked wheels and oversized Maxxis tires provide grip and puncture resistance necessary for competitive off-road performance.

Body Modifications

Front fenders extended 170mm with layered composite armor plates
Rear arches ballooned 190mm with boxed flares extending 100mm rearward
Hood shortened 60mm with exposed tubular vent bars
Raised cabin firewall by 80mm for engine access

Aero Components

Vertical cooling louvers integrated into front fenders
Side skirt exit channels for brake cooling airflow
Rear tubular steel cage replacing bumper with integrated recovery hooks
High-mount adjustable brake light on rear stay bars

Aero

Aerodynamics are secondary to function in this build, with airflow management focused on cooling rather than drag reduction. Vertical louvers integrated into the front fenders channel air to cool brakes and engine components, exiting through side skirts to maintain thermal management under load. The rear open tubular cage replaces conventional bodywork, reducing weight while supporting essential recovery and lighting gear without obstructing airflow.

Wheel and Tire Setup

17x12" Method Race Wheels with beadlock configuration
39x16.5R17 Maxxis rock terrain tires
Oval-shaped wheel arch openings with extended radius for clearance

Wheels

Mounted on 17x12-inch Method Race beadlock wheels, the Rockhouse Traverse’s tires are massive 39x16.5R17 Maxxis rock terrain units designed for durability and traction. The wide beadlock rims secure the tires during low-pressure crawling, while the oval-shaped extended wheel arches provide ample clearance to accommodate full suspension travel without rubbing or debris intrusion.

Stance

With suspension travel extended to 450mm through reinforced mounts and external bypass shocks, the stance of the Rockhouse Traverse is aggressive yet purposeful. The wide track created by the flared arches and oversized tires enhances stability on uneven ground, while the raised ride height and articulation capability ensure it can conquer steep inclines and jagged boulders without compromise.

Powertrain Concept

Front-engine layout with upgraded low-range transmission
Reinforced drivetrain components for durability
Underbody skid plates for chassis protection
Optimized cooling ducts directing air through fender louvers

Engine

The engine bay is reconfigured for improved airflow and serviceability, featuring a shortened hood with exposed polished tubular steel vents that feed cool air directly to the powerplant. A raised firewall provides additional clearance and heat management, while internal ducting channels air through front fender louvers to maintain optimal brake and engine temperatures during extended rock crawling sessions.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is engineered for off-road resilience with a reinforced low-range transmission and heavy-duty components designed to withstand torque spikes and harsh terrain impacts. Skid plates protect vital underbody elements, while the suspension’s extended travel and external bypass shocks allow the drivetrain to maintain traction and power delivery even in extreme articulation scenarios.

Fabrication Notes

Layered composite armor plates shaped with angular chamfered edges
Tubular steel vent bars polished and staggered in front grill
Rear tubular cage fabricated for functional integration of recovery and lighting
Suspension mounts reinforced for extreme articulation and bypass shock integration

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