Words: Jonathan Wells
We may call them ‘supercars’, but there’s a lot these low-slung sportsters can’t do. They can’t comfortably seat more than two passengers. They’re dreadfully difficult to get in-and-out of. And they’re paint-scrapingly bad at clearing speed bumps.
But the biggest downfall of these road-legal race cars? Off-roading. Whether it’s a rough terrain track or just a simple gravel road, supercars are at their least super when faced with potholes, declines and ditches. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best off-road concept supercars ever dreamt up by designers — sleek, slick speedsters capable of both turning heads and taking hits.
Porsche 918 Off-Roader
What is it? A tricked-out, tooled-up take on the Porsche 918 RSR. You remember the RSR; produced between 2013 and 2015, it was a hybrid whipped up by the Germans, with a V8 and all-wheel drive.
Who designed it? Rain Prisk, a Tallin-based designer whose Instagram (@rainprisk) reads like the wish-list of an overly imaginative, motoring-obsessed millionaire. He adds virtual decals and livery to each of his digital designs.
Why do we want it? Mostly because — despite all of its outrageous off-roading gear (Chunky tyres! Roof rack! Steep rope winch!) — this 918 Off-Roader looks pretty practical. We particularly like those roof spotlights.
Bugatti Chiron ‘TERRACROSS’
What is it? Bonkers, that’s what. Just look at the thing. It’s taken the fastest, most powerful, and exclusive production car in Bugatti’s high-octane history and somehow made it even madder.
Who designed it? Shenzhen-based industrial designer, Rafał Czaniecki. Transformed into a rough-and-ready, Mad Max-style cruiser, Czaniecki’s biggest alteration is the addition of a 3D printed metal hexagon-based skeleton.
Why do we want it? Those bright yellow accents. The squinting eyes. The burly bars that seem to be growing almost organically all over the thing. It’s a Fury Road-approved monster; and one we’d love to take for a spin.
Porsche 911 ‘Rodeo’ Concept
What is it? Inspired both by the 1989 Porsche 911 964 and German carmaker’s iconic 911 Safari rally cars of the 1970s, this punchy Porsche is kitted out for the toughest, roughest conditions the dusty American south has to offer.
Who designed it? RUF Automobile, a German manufacturer that takes Porsche chassis — and turns them into machines like this. With a turbocharged flat-six and Navajo-inspired upholstery, this may be the brand’s best yet.
Why do we want it? The bolted-on set of driving lights, perhaps. Or the tow-rope wrapped around that front bull-bar. Or it could just be the simple addition of a shovel. It looks genuinely capable — and we respect that.
McLaren P1 ‘Not for track use’
What is it? It’s all there in that tongue-in-cheek name; it’s a McLaren P1 — but not as you know it. The sleek, sloping bodywork is still in tact, but its tyres elevate this P1 considerably higher than the 2.6-inch ground clearance of the original.
Who designed it? Once again, this is the bombastic brainchild of Estonian designer Rain Prisk — who has decked it out in his distinctive decals, added racing window mesh and a hardy towing winch.
Why do we want it? If we had to pinpoint one feature of this off-roading McLaren, it would be that roof rack. Bolted between the spoiler and the C-pillar, it’s a multi-purpose masterstroke; here holding both tents and a spare tyre.
Ferrari GT Cross SUV
What is it? A real insight into what Ferrari’s SUV may look like. We’ve now got real-life models from Aston Martin, Porsche and Lamborghini — and Ferrari remains one of the few supercar-makers yet to give us a glimpse.
Who designed it? Jean-Louis Bui, a French automotive designer at Etud-Integral Prototypes. He’s got over 30 years experience — and it shows. This ‘GT Cross’ concept, a large, long raised coupé, remains identifiably, absolutely Ferrari.
Why do we want it? Because it still feels like a Ferrari. There are two seats, large wheel arches and big protective rocker panels — but also fluid lines, aerodynamic air inlets and even golden exhaust pipes.
Lamborghini Miura Baja Concept
What is it? A muscle, burly spin on Marcello Gandini’s famous Lamborghini Miura design. The shape remains — but there are new lines added, from fender flares, a fresh roof intake and rear aero diffuser.
Who designed it? Khyzyl Saleem, a freelance concept vehicle artist based in Guildford. His is another Instagram account (@the_kyza) worth a follow; it’s a great mix of retro styling and modern touches.
Why do we want it? Because of that same blend. Most cars on this list are modern models. This shows what designers can do when tasked with tricking out vintage machines — and turning them into tough, timeless cars.
Lamborghini Urus Arctic Truck
What is it? A bit of a sneaky entry — so you’ll have to forgive us. We realise that Lamborghini’s Urus is already an off-roading, hard-hitting SUV — but this polar-powered expedition edition takes things to the next all-terrain level.
Who designed it? Abimelec Arellano, an automotive artist and concept designer based in Sonora, Mexico. We’ve got another of Arellano’s inventions a little lower down this page (you can discover his full talents on Instagram).
Why do we want it? Because of those ludicrously large custom wheels — with tooled-up tyres to boot. Also the roof rack with extra fuel cans, an ice-road-ready twin-turbo V8 and that Countach-inspired red paint job.
Bugatti Chiron 4X4
What is it? Another Bugatti Chiron. But, unlike Rafał Czaniecki’s ‘TERRACROSS’ twist on the hypercar above, this rugged off-roader looks a little more realistic — and a little less ‘sci-fi’.
Who designed it? Once again, Rain Prisk — the creative consultant and vehicle artist for Ubisoft Reflections. And this may be the Estonian designer’s finest hour; bringing luxury and practicality together in one streamlined package.
Why do we want it? The yellow is a lovely touch; from the stripe down the tyre tread to the golden paintwork. But the biggest draw of this one is the subtler additions — from the front winch to the small roof rack lamps.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Arctic SUV
What is it? Another polar roller. But rather than using the hunkered-down, hunched-over Lamborghini Urus as a base, Abimelec Arellano has this time opted for the upright architectural might of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Who designed it? Arellano, the Mexican automotive artist. But most of the credit must still go to Rolls-Royce’s Giles Taylor — as all Arellano has really done is whack on a massive set of statement tyres.
Why do we want it? Because it looks so natural, churning across the icy tundra. Couple those tyres with a bull-bar, two yellow lamps on the grille and 14 (count them!) roof-mounted spotlights, and you’ve got an arctic Rolls.
Bentley Bentayga on Predator Tracks
What is it? Technically, another ‘non-supercar’. But we’re not going to apologise; because this is a Bentley Bentagya on predator tracks. There’s also a roof rack, some grille LEDS and — you guessed it — a winch.
Who designed it? It’s the final fantastic invention of Rain Prisk — as evidenced by the subtle decal down the side of the passenger door (and also evidenced by how unashamedly far-fetched and fun the thing looks).
Why do we want it? We quite like that the headlights have been removed in favour of a roof-mounted LED bar. But the real draw is clearly those ridiculous, tremendous tracks. Who wouldn’t want to give this Bentley a go?
Looking for something a little more sensible? These are the best affordable classic cars to invest in this year…
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