2015 Zarooq SandRacer

Zarooq unveils details about its SandRacer in press conference during Abu Dhabi GP week

Zarooq Motors had invited the press in the Sofitel the Palm Dubai, a few days before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 'The timing and the location allowed us to have everyone around the table, including Campos Racing team (Adrian Campos, CEO and Rio Haryanto, GP2 driver)' noted Bruno Laffite, Operations Director.

'It was a unique moment for us to exchange with the press and answer all their questions' commented Mohammed Al Qadi, Motorsport director 'and we were glad to have attracted such a crowd of journalists, highlighting the level of interest we have generated locally in the ÚAE, in the Gulf but also internationally.'

The genesis of Zarooq Motors is embedded in ÚAE motorsport ...
'The Zarooq SandRacer was created in order to be able to organize an Off-road single-make championship and operate a sand racing track in Dubai' explains Mohammed al Qadi. 'We have all the necessary skills in the ÚAE, from the design to the actual manufacturing of the chassis and the body as well as the final assembly, with our partners JJSpecial' added Mohammed. 'We wanted the car to be road legal, with AC, because we want it to be as practical as possible, even if it is a racing car' said Bruno Laffite. 'The support and insights from the industry we get thanks to our partnership with Motorsport professionals like Campos Racing is of great value today for the car and tomorrow for our championship', he added.

...with an objective of being a sustainable ÚAE car manufacturer and motorsport provider
Zarooq Motors aims at building a sustainable brand synonymous with off-road capability, racing-grade performance and iconic look. 'We don't aim at being a large scale manufacturer, but a solid niche player consistently delivering innovative and reliable cars' underlines Mohammed. 'We are an Emirati company and we want to show the world what we are capable of.'

The aggressive and iconic look of the car revealed
Anthony Jannarelly, came to global automotive industry fame as the designer of the W Motors Lykan and Fenyr. As part of JJSpecial, the Zarooq SandRacer is his latest creation.

'It had to be fit for purpose, of course, hence the significant ground clearance, limited overhang or the room necessary for significant suspension travel. It also had to meet the standards to be road legal, yet we clearly focused on designing a car that is unique, aggressive and we hope, one day, iconic' Anthony Jannarelly §äid.

The details of the car's performance were covered with the GP engineers from Campos Racing who designed it
The details of the car performance and engineering designs were discussed at length with Philippe Gautheron and Emilio Lozano, from Campos Racing, as well as Frederic Juillot from JJSpecial in charge of the manufacturing workshop. 'We chose all our parts and partners in order to offer the best racing performance, from engine supplier, tires but also suspensions which are critical for Off-road Performance' remarked Bruno Laffite.

The development strategy is ambitious but realistic
Zarooq Motors management has devised a realistic development plan, primarily focused on developing sales in the ÚAE and the gulf, aiming at drivers who want a high performance sand racing car, which is affordable and easy to maintain; the car can also cater of course to all the car enthusiasts of the region. 'We actually have some people interested in importing the car in the gulf but also in Europe' mentioned Mohammed Al Qadi. 'We will concentrate on exports and launching new products once our local sales are sustainable'

In parallel, and in order to foster the development of the local championship, Zarooq Motors is initiating a 'Dubai Off-Road Racing Track' to host races but also corporate events in a premium and safe environment dedicated to sand racing. 'You will be able to see Dubai 'دب ئ ' in Arabic: as part of the track design' explains Mohammed Al Qadi.

Car to be shown to journalists and to the public in January 2016
Mohammed explained: 'Chassis is now finished, the engine and wiring are in place and working, the body molds are being sculpted, and we are just waiting for a few parts to arrive to finalize the assembly, in December'. 'If all goes well, we should be able to show the car to the journalists and then to the public very soon. Expect to be able to see it here in the Sofitel the Palm in a few weeks...' said Iannis Mardell.
'Of course, we are conducting a series of tests to proof the car and then we will take the road homologation'

As a result, the journalists and first clients should be able to test the car in early 2016.

Technical specs (subject to changes)

CHASSIS
Length (mm) 4200
Width (mm) 2084
Rollcage height (mm) 1220
Track (mm) 2160 -- 2100
Wheelbase (mm) 2820
Front overhang (mm) 700
Rear Overhang (mm) 704
Approach Angle (degrees) 45º
Ground clearance (mm) 315
Departure angle (degrees) 53º
Ramp Over Angle (degrees) 25º

Structure
Welded S355 steel tube
Phosphated, powder coated finish
Aluminium bulkheads.

PERFORMANCE
Kerb Weight (kg) 1000-1050
Weight distribution 60% Rear - 40% Front
Turning Circle (m) 12
Max speed (km/h) 200 kph - TBC
Fuel capacity (l) 110

ENGINE
Displacement (cc) 3,498
Bore (mm) 95.5
Stroke (mm) 81.4
Cylinders 6
Power (bhp) 304
Torque (Nm) 371
Injection Indirect multi-port grouped fuel injection
Rev limit 6600 rpm
Engine position Central - rear

GEARBOX AND TRANSMISSION
Transmission 6 speed automatic
Paddle shift yes
Drive 2WD

SÚSPENSION
Dampers Fox 980 -02-009 // Fox 983-02-075
Coil Spring K TBD
Front Independent triangle
Rear Trailing arm

BRAKING
Brakes (mm) 240
Specs
Ventilated
Adjustable front rear bias

Tyre 33x12.5 R15
Diameter 33' / 84 cm
Rim 15' / 38 cm
Width 317 mm

OTHER
Body
Non structural fiberglass moulded. Composite mix

Seats
Individual seat units composite woven cloth, adjustable.

Seat belt
2' E Approved four point quick release full harnesses

Steering
Rack and pinion cast alloy steering rack 1.7 turns lock to lock
Collapsible offset steering column. Adjustable rod ends
305mm race suede covered steering wheel

Instruments
LCD Digital display, speedometer, tachometer, water, fuel, odo,
trip.Warning lights: Ignition, lights, brake, oil, beam, indicators, alarm.

Road Equipment
Projector headlamps. LED indicators, stop/tail/side/repeaters.
Rear fog lamp, reverse lamp, number plate lamp. Horn. 3 way closed loop.
Front and rear mudguards.

Options available (non exhaustive)

Performance
- 400hp, 500hp engine preparation
- Dynamic Off-Road suspension
- High capacity reservoir
- Performance gearbox
- Off-Road wheels and tyres
- Performance brakes
- Performance exhaust system
- Special FIA pack

Finishing
- Carbon fiber interior / exterior
- Infotainment system
- Comfort seats
- Spare wheel
- Car cover
- Bespoke body
- LED lights
- Paint and stripe
- Cupholder, glove box, etc.

Sand racing car, made in ÚAE

Source - Zarooq