Prodrive Hunter is ‘world’s first all-terrain hypercar’
UK rally experts create $2.2m road-legal machine based on Loeb’s Bahrain Raid Xtreme Dakar racerProdrive has ripped the covers off its new 447kW Prodrive Hunter – a high-performance all-terrain hypercar derived from Sebastian Loeb’s Bahrain Raid Xtreme Dakar racer.
Designed primarily for rich and famous clientele in the Middle East, the 2022 Prodrive Hunter is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that has 50 per cent more power than Loeb’s racer and is said to develop more than 700Nm of torque.
The result is a sub-four-second 0-100km/h time and a top speed touching 300km/h.
Drive is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission, while front, centre and rear differentials keep the power in check, regardless of the surface.
Built around a tubular high-strength steel chassis with a recycled carbon-composite body, the Prodrive Hunter doesn’t need to adhere to any sort of racing or competition regulations which is why the British team has thrown the kitchen sink at it and dialled up the vehicle’s aggression to a whole new level.
Riding on bespoke 35-inch off-road tyres and packing some 400mm of suspension travel (versus 350mm) courtesy of twin adjustable dampers in each corner, the Hunter has been designed to offer supercar levels of performance without the need for silky-smooth roads or racetracks.
Agility and cornering composure is ensured by high-end double-wishbone suspension front and rear, while stopping power is provided by a set of racing six-pot callipers clasping vented discs all round.
According to Prodrive boss David Richards, the decision to keep the Hunter in close alignment with the competition car was made in the name of authenticity.
“We identified that in certain parts of the world, particularly the Middle East, there are vast expanses still to be explored that go way beyond the access provided by asphalt roads,” he said.
“Therefore why not create a vehicle that gives the opportunity to explore these regions with performance way beyond that offered by any off-road vehicle before.
“It’s about giving owners the opportunity to experience what it is like to drive Loeb’s Dakar car across the desert, but with all the comforts of a road car and the ability to drive it from your home, through a city, to any destination of your choice.”
Ensuring the high-speed machine can cross expanses of desert, the Hunter is fitted with an inboard 480-litre fuel tank.
Mod-cons include carbon-fibre seats, a digital dash, air-conditioning, headlights, stereo system and internet connectivity.
All of this high-performance fun doesn’t come cheap, though. In the UK, the Prodrive Hunter carries a starting price of £1.25 million ($A2.23m) plus on-road costs.
“The first development vehicle is currently touring the Middle East where customers are being offered the opportunity of driving the Hunter and confirming their personal specification for production vehicles to be delivered later this year,” Richards said.
Related: Prodrive's Hunter Dakar racer to be made road-legal
Join the conversation at
Or email us at
Or email us at
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
