What would you expect for a car built in the desert? UAE-based manufacturer Zarooq has created an off-road, street legal supercar, the Sand Racer 500 GT that is home on the street as it is in the dunes.

Zarooq first announced the concept two years ago, planning it to be a competition and street-legal car. The project has since gone in a new direction and is now fitted with a General Motors LT1 naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine, generating 525 hp and 660 Nm. With the car weighing just 1,300 kg, it’s not surprising to see a top speed of 220 km/h. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed sequential gearbox.

The assembly bases are located in UAE and Monaco, and the car itself is perfect for a sprint around the two locations, as there are two height settings for the suspension: road and sand. The interior isn’t exactly sparse – it features a digital dashboard, climate control and an infotainment system, just like you’d find in any other modern sports car.

Zarooq plans to create 35 examples of the Sand Racer GT with bespoke customisation, starting at USD $450,000. Delivery will start later this year.