American Veteran Transforms Ferrari GTC4Lusso into Ultimate Off-Road Supercar

Essentially, this is a Ferrari GTC4Lusso reimagined as an off-road supercar, drawing inspiration from the Porsche 911 Dakar but with a bolder structure and philosophy.

Behind this project is Adrian Mallory, a former U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician and now the founder and CEO of GlasWerks DMV—a company specializing in advanced paint and ceramic coatings for supercar protection. After leaving the military, Mallory sought new challenges to fuel his passion for speed and engineering, and Elevato is the culmination of that journey.

Mallory previously owned a Porsche 911 Dakar, a rugged sports car celebrated for its seamless blend of performance and off-road capability. However, he believed he could push the boundaries further. He embarked on transforming the four-seater Ferrari into a one-of-a-kind off-road machine.

According to GlasWerks DMV, over 30% of Elevato’s components are entirely new. The suspension system has been comprehensively upgraded with billet metal upper and lower control arms, robust drive shafts, and reinforced CV joints to handle high loads at speeds exceeding 250 km/h on sandy terrain. Additionally, the vehicle features auxiliary oil reservoirs on the shock towers, new anti-roll bars, and linkage systems for enhanced stability.

The custom suspension lift provides a ground clearance of 22.8 cm, comparable to many dedicated off-road SUVs. It is equipped with Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain tires, similar to those on the Dakar, ensuring versatile traction on both sand and asphalt.

The engineering project involved Roberto Molina, Technical Director of Gazoo Racing Latin America (Toyota), who designed Elevato’s suspension system. Under the hands of skilled engineers and craftsmen, the Ferrari GTC4Lusso adopts a bold, industrial-premium aesthetic, a departure from traditional Italian luxury.

Beyond mechanical enhancements, GlasWerks DMV partnered with STEK, a leading paint protection film manufacturer, to coat the entire body with a specialized protective layer, preserving the vehicle’s durability and value. Future commercial Elevato models will come standard with this protective coating.

Joshua Sroka, co-founder of GlasWerks DMV, highlighted the versatility of Elevato’s development: “One version may be optimized for rough roads, while another is fine-tuned for sand and trails. Each client has a unique story, and GlasWerks DMV aims to co-create that experience with them.”

While the project’s total cost remains undisclosed, the modification expenses alone are estimated at $175,000 (approximately 4.6 billion VND), excluding the base Ferrari GTC4Lusso price. With its innovative technology, materials, and vision, Elevato stands as a new symbol of handcrafted off-road supercars, carving a unique path in the high-performance sports car world.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)