Over the last two weeks, motorsport fans and car enthusiasts have been gripped by the action taking place the 2020 Dakar Rally (check out our 2020 Dakar highlights gallery here). Perfectly timed to go with the hype surrounding that event is the launch of the Laffite X-Road supercar.

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Off-road supercar

The company responsible for its creation bills the Laffite X-Road as the world’s first all-terrain street-legal supercar. Unlike other high-performance SUVs, such as the Lamborghini Urus, the Laffite X-Road has just two seats. Laffite Supercars will be producing just 30 X-Roads, including 15 electrically powered versions.

Check out this crazy Lamborghini off-road concept car.

V8 power and RWD

The rolling chassis was created, engineered and tested for several years by G-TEC Engineering in Europe. Lightweight panels cover the 4130 chromoly steel frame. All in all the Laffite X-Road Supercar is said to tip the scales at a scant 1 300 kg, which is lighter than your average hot hatch.

Under that composite skin is a GM-sourced 6,2-litre V8 engine that can be tuned to deliver anywhere from 350 to 540 kW, the latter output thanks to a supercharger. Power is sent exclusively to the rear axle through a sequential paddle-shift gearbox of either five or six ratios. No acceleration figures are quoted, but top speed is limited to 230 km/h. 430 mm of suspension will allow drivers to attack their nearest sand dunes like their Dakar heroes. A battery-powered version delivers 350 kW, has a range of 322 km and is limited to 220 km/h. It also weighs a bit more at 1 630 kg.

Familiar name

Older Formula One fans may be wondering about the name of the company. Well, Bruno Laffite is the nephew of six times Formula One winner, Jacques Laffite. Laffite Supercars is a Los Angeles-based company specialising in automotive design and the creation of concept- and road-ready limited series cars.

Catch the Laffite X-Road Supercar in action below: