Rally Fighter desert racer debuts at SEMA

This jacked-up desert racer was the star attraction of the 'Making Green Cool Zone' (a genre that debuted last year) at this week's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

Crafted by a new micro-manufacturer in the US that goes by the imaginative (not) name of Local Motors, this is the Rally Fighter -- a low-volume off-road/desert basher that derives propulsion from a clean-burning BMW turbodiesel engine.

The story of the vehicle is in its revolutionary yet simple development process -- it was designed and developed by a community of car enthusiasts.

Essentially, anyone with a passion for cars is invited by the company to collaborate in an open design process to help choose and shape the look of each of its vehicles.

Now home to over 4000 car designers, engineers and enthusiasts, the Local Motors community is said to be the largest of its kind -- and the only to bring a new car to market.

The Rally Fighter is billed as "a premium, authentic off-of-road experience, custom designed and built for the deserts of the American Southwest".

The rugged all-terrainer offers 457mm of suspension travel, enabling it to tackle "any desert -- jumps and all". The Rally Fighter comes with manually adjustable dual ride-height options, "to go from the desert to the city with ease". Seating is for four adults, or two adults and three children.

The company plans to build and sell 2000 examples built in 50 micro-factories across the US (production starts in mid-2010), and pricing for each vehicle is estimated at $US50,000.

The Rally Fighter was designed by community member Sangho Kim, while many Local Motors members participated in the open development process, helping collaborate on body design details, side vent creation, interior and even accessory design.

Propulsion comes from a BMW 3.0-litre twin-turbo clean diesel with 195kW and a hefty 575Nm at only 1750rpm. Interestingly drive is channelled only to the rear wheels -- rather than all four -- via a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Rally Fighter tips the scales at a sprightly 1400kg (approx), which allegedly makes for "exceptional performance and efficiency". With fuel economy that ranges from 6.5L/100km to 7.8L/100km, the Rally Fighter is competing for most efficient in its desert off-road class.

In addition, Local Motors uses a sustainable build methodology and builds cars 'Just-In-Time', a process that creates little or no waste, and allows customers to actually participate in the build process of their own Rally Fighter.

No two vehicles will turn out the same, as Local Motors designers compete to create custom graphics for Rally Fighter owners based on desired specifications. The graphics are applied with vinyl, not paint, which is lightweight, customisable, and recyclable.

Rally Fighter Fast Facts
Engine:  BMW 3.0-litre turbodiesel
Power: 195kW at 4200rpm
Torque: 575Nm at 1750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Driven wheels: Rear
Length: 4800mm
Width: 2057mm
Wheelbase: 2921mm
Height: 1759mm (High ride height); 1556mm (Low ride height)
Kerb weight: 1360-1450kg
Chassis construction: Tubular steel spaceframe with lightweight thermoplastic and carbonfibre body panels
Front suspension: independent double A-arm with detachable stabiliser bar;
Spring System-Long travel coil-over shock absorbers
Rear suspension: 3-Link Solid axle with Panhard rod and stabiliser bars
Wheels: 17x8-inch alloy
Tyres: 275/70R-17(High ride height); 265/50R-20(Low ride height)

Want a Rally Fighter? Follow these steps...
>> Step 1: Buy a Number for $US99
>> Step 2: Lock in your build date with a $US5000 deposit. When your number is called, you can then lock-in your build-date by paying the $US5000 deposit for your Rally Fighter.
>> Step 3: Pay the balance and begin your Local Motors experience (estimated price: $US50,000). After you pay the remaining balance, you will join the experts at Local Motors to build your Rally Fighter. Then, drive your Rally Fighter home (if you live in North America).

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