It would be a stretch to call the world of hypercars 'homogenous', but they do tend to conform to the track-monster stereotype. Dave Richards, Prodrive's outspoken chairman, says they all need "good roads or even race tracks to show their performance" - and he may have a point. Cue the new 600hp Hunter, a car born out of the Bahrain Raid Xtreme competition machine driven by nine-time WRC world champion, Sebastien Loeb.
Prodrive relayed to the world last year that it was plotting a customer car, and the result does not disappoint. The Hunter retains its Dakar-grade engine, drivetrain and suspension, although it says the road-going model's drivability has been improved following the fitment of six-speed paddle-shift transmission, which replaces the (doubtless brutal) sequential gearbox used in the rally-raid version.
Ease of use is all the more important when you consider Prodrive has cranked up the output of the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. With no pesky regulations to obey, the firm says it can now safely produce more than 600hp. And more than 500lb ft of torque, to boot. Together, Prodrive reckons the Hunter would deliver a 0-60mph time of less than four seconds and a top speed of nearly 185mph - if it weren't shod in bespoke 35-inch off-road tyres.
Richards said: "We took the deliberate decision to keep the Hunter Hypercar as close to the original as possible. 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."
Beyond better refinement of the powertrain, when Richards mentions 'comfort' he is referring to the cabin, which has undergone a partial transformation thanks to the efforts of Ian Callum (the Hunter's original designer). It now features a digital display and a centre console which houses the more traditional controls found on a road car.
Elsewhere you get the same high tensile steel spaceframe chassis as the competition car, alongside an FIA standard safety cage. Underneath there is double wishbone suspension with twin adjustable dampers on each corner - Prodrive says it has increased the travel by 50mm (from 350mm) to provide a smoother ride and superior terrain-conquering ability. Six-pot racing brake calipers and vented discs round out the package. Richards said the first development car is currently touring the Middle East, drumming up business ahead of customer deliveries later this year. No word on price - but if you have to ask...
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