If NASA engineers had been told that the Moon Buggy needed to be a fast coupe, the Rally Fighter by Local Motors is likely what they would have come up with. Quick, nimble and off-road capable, this wheeled version of Desert Storm could be your for an estimated $59,000.
Local Motors describes itself as “…a next generation American car company. It is the first disruptive entrant in the US automotive industry in decades and it is the first of its kind.”
There may be something to this level of confidence. Aside from the Rally Fighter seen here, the company recent won approval from DARPA for a a future combat recon and evacuation vehicle.
The Rally Fighter is an LS3-powered, rear wheel drive vehicle that starts life with a steel space frame chassis and double A-arm front suspension, capable of 18-inches of travel.
The rear, 3-link solid axle with Watts link can handle 20-inches of travel, assuring pro-grade performance when the asphalt disappears.
The 17 x 8-inch aluminum alloy wheels run 275/70R-17 tires are backed up by 13-inch ventilated front disc brakes with dual-piston floating calipers in front and 13.7-inch discs with single piston floaters in the rear.
Construction of a Rally Fighter is a participative experience that begins in the company’s Phoenix, Arizona, facility. New owners will spend two weekends helping to put their very own vehicle together. The experience leaves them with a deeper understanding of the car than could otherwise be possible.
If you’re looking for a unique vehicle with a reliable LS powerplant and don’t mind turning a few wrenches in the process, the Rally Fighter is a way to get a lot of capability for less than you’d spend on a turn-key car with the same specs… If there was one!