R024
Rapid Transit Protocol
2010 Kia Soul
R022
Safari Cross Hauler
The Safari Cross Hauler transforms the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta into a relentless desert racer built for the Baja 1000. Extended widebody fenders and raised side skirts create a purposeful stance that accommodates massive 37-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires on beadlock wheels, delivering the traction and durability needed to conquer dunes and rocky terrain. The suspension is heavily reinforced with long-travel Fox internal bypass shocks, raising ground clearance to 320mm for ultimate off-road capability without losing the Jetta’s precise chassis dynamics. Under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four is optimized with upgraded intercooling and a snorkel intake system designed for dusty environments. The fully vented hood with NACA ducts ensures consistent cooling, while the rear hatch’s air extraction panels and fixed rear wing balance aerodynamic stability with dust dispersal. Every detail from heavy-duty skid plates to dual tow hooks reinforces the build’s race-bred toughness and German precision engineering.
Blueprint // R022
Technical Dossier // R022
Track
Designed for unlimited class Baja 1000 competition, the Safari Cross Hauler excels in desert racing conditions. Its elevated stance, wide track, and aggressive tire setup enable it to maintain speed and composure over dunes, rocks, and rough backcountry trails, while aerodynamic elements manage dust and airflow at high velocity.
Body Modifications
Extended front and rear fenders by 180mm per side
130mm-wide arch flares for off-road tire clearance
Raised side skirts by 120mm for airflow and rock slider protection
Reinforced rear hatch with integrated air extraction panels
Aero Components
700mm-wide fixed rear wing with adjustable endplates
Fully vented hood with large NACA ducts
Rear hatch air extraction panels
Dual mud flaps and high-clearance tow hooks on rear valance
Aero
Aerodynamic features include a large fixed rear wing with adjustable endplates to generate downforce while facilitating dust dispersal. Hood NACA ducts and rear hatch extraction panels improve cooling and cabin ventilation, balancing airflow management with rugged off-road demands.
Wheel and Tire Setup
17x9.5 KMC XD Series beadlock wheels
Maxxis Bighorn 37x12.5R17 off-road tires
Beadlock rims for tire retention under extreme conditions
Wheels
Mounted on 17x9.5 KMC XD Series beadlock wheels, the massive 37x12.5R17 Maxxis Bighorn tires provide exceptional grip and puncture resistance. The beadlock design ensures tire retention under extreme off-road stress, crucial for endurance rally reliability.
Stance
The build’s stance is aggressively lifted to 320mm of ground clearance, paired with extended widebody arches and raised side skirts. This combination creates a wide, stable footprint optimized for desert traction while protecting key components from impact and debris.
Powertrain Concept
Turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine
Upgraded intercooling system
Snorkel intake optimized for dusty environments
Heavy-duty skid plates protecting drivetrain components
Engine
At the heart of the build is a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four, tuned for endurance with upgraded intercooling and a snorkel intake system to maintain clean airflow in dusty conditions. The vented hood aids in thermal management, ensuring sustained power delivery during long desert runs.
Drivetrain
The drivetrain is fortified with heavy-duty skid plates and a reinforced suspension setup incorporating long-travel Fox internal bypass shocks. The elevated 320mm ground clearance and robust beadlock wheels contribute to traction and durability across unforgiving terrain.
Fabrication Notes
Custom widebody panels welded and sealed for desert resilience
Suspension reinforced with long-travel Fox internal bypass shocks
Chassis lifted to achieve 320mm ground clearance
Integrated tow hooks and mud flaps designed for rally recovery
Wave Release
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