Although it looks a bit like a Land Rover Defender, this Hypertruck is built on a bespoke chassis for Trophy Truck-like performance
4 hours ago
–> 
–>
You may not have heard of Scarbo Vintage before, but you definitely know of the California-based company’s work. The team behind the late Ken Block’s Hoonipigasus has unveiled its latest project, and it describes the SV Rover as “the world’s first hypertruck.”
While you may quibble with the first half of that assertion, there’s no denying that this beast, with its numerous styling nods to the classic Land Rover Defender, is a hypertruck.
For starters, it’s available with two powertrain options, both delivering four-digit power figures. The first is a mid-mounted V8 that churns out 1,100 hp (820 kW/1,115 PS). The second option is all-electric, generating 1,006 hp (750 kW/1,020 PS). It gets power from a 75 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (of unknown origin), but Scarbo Vintage has yet to make any claims about vehicle range.
advertisement scroll to continue
An eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission will help transfer the V8 engine’s power to the wheels, but no matter which propulsion system drivers opt for, they will be able to pick between rear or all-wheel drive whenever it suits them. They will also be able to opt for high or low-range gears thanks to a transfer case, and the truck comes with selectable front- and rear-locking differentials.
As is likely clear at this point, the SV Rover isn’t actually based on a Land Rover chassis. That means that (like a hypercar) you have to make do with just two seats. However, it also means inboard front and rear suspension with 30 inches of wheel travel, air ride suspension for adjustability, and four-wheel steering.
Speaking of the wheels, they measure 20 inches in diameter and are shod with massive 40-inch tires. These wheels encase 400 mm carbon ceramic brake discs paired with 6-piston calipers sourced from Brembo.
Read: Ken Block’s Daughter To Drive 1,400 HP Porsche 911 At Pikes Peak
The body is made of carbon fiber and aluminum, and luxuries are limited inside. Buyers will get Alcantara fabric and billet aluminum accents, as well as two screens (a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen), but there isn’t much else in there.
Unfortunately, Scarbo Vintage has yet to release performance figures, but with plenty of power and not much to weigh it down, we expect it to be pretty quick. Scarbo Vintage’s CEO, Joe Scarbo, promises trophy truck adjacent performance, despite the fact that it’s street legal.
“The SV Rover represents a new extreme in terms of off-road power, maneuverability and capability,” said Scarbo. “We are thrilled to unveil this revolutionary vehicle, which combines the nostalgia of classic British design with modern American muscle and technology to deliver a driving experience beyond anything this side of a trophy truck.”
And to go with all of that performance, the SV Rover’s most “hypertruck” feature will be its price tag. Motor Authority reports that prices for the insane vehicle start at an equally insane, $1.5 million.
