Looking more like something suited to explore Mars, the off road prototype builders at Local Motors will be bringing their Rally Fighter to the 2009 SEMA Show. The futuristic off roader is a self proclaimed "premium, authentic off-of-road experience, custom designed and built for the deserts of the American Southwest." The closed cockpit buggy is powered by a BMW sourced 3.0 Liter twin turbocharged clean diesel sis cylinder engine sporting a maximum output of 265 HP and a a very high 425 lb-ft of torque available from a very low 1,750 RPM and is directed to the rear wheels via a 6 speed automatic transmission. Combining a long range diesel power train with a relatively lightweight, 3,200 pounds, makes this custom off road prototype the perfect recreational vehicle with enough room for the kids targeted at residents of America's more arid region where desert racing is more popular than NASCAR.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

The Off-Road Racer designed for car enthusiasts, by car enthusiasts is debuted at the biggest industry event of the year - at SEMA, in the "Making Green Cool Zone"

It's one of the most exciting cars to hit the road in ages. Aggressive, sleek and inspired by old War Birds, the Local Motors Rally Fighter has the heritage of legacy with fresh appeal.

The story of this vehicle is in its revolutionary yet simple development process - it was designed and developed by a community of car enthusiasts. New American car company Local Motors invites anyone with a passion for cars to collaborate in an open design process to help choose and shape the look of each Local Motors vehicle. Now home to over 4,000 car designers, engineers and enthusiasts, the Local Motors community is the largest of its kind - and the only to bring a new car to market.

The Rally Fighter is a premium, authentic off-of-road experience, custom designed and built for the deserts of the American Southwest. It was designed by community member Sangho Kim while many Local Motors' members participated in the open development process. Together with the company they helped collaborate on body design details, side vent creation, interior and even accessory design.

Undiluted design, power and efficiency is the result. The Rally Fighter is powered by a BMW 3.0 liter twin-turbo clean diesel sporting 265 ponies and a striking 425 pound-feet of torque at only 1750rpm that are directed to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Rally Fighter is lightweight at only 3,200 pounds which allows for exceptional performance and efficiency.

Build process and end product are so efficient the car is debuting in SEMA sponsored "Making Green Cool Zone". At 30-36mpg, the Rally Fighter is competing for most efficient in its desert off-road class. In addition, Local Motors utilizes a sustainable build methodology and builds cars "Just-In-Time". This process creates little or no waste, and allows customers to actually participate in the build process of their own Rally Fighter. Local Motors builds cars with customers in regional Micro-Factories which double as service stations. The first Micro-Factory is in Wareham, Massachusetts, and the second will be built in Phoenix, Arizona in 2010. Local Motors plans for 50 Micro-Factories around the country.

This enthusiast experience continues as Local Motors allows customers to host "Custom Car Skins" Competitions on local-motors.com. Local Motors designers compete to create custom graphics to for Rally Fighter owners based on desired specifications- every outcome is unique. The graphics are applied with vinyl, not paint, which is lightweight, customizable, and recyclable.

Local Motors is introducing a heart-pounding new vehicle for enthusiasts, and with it, a new automotive experience. Participate in the car design process; build the car you want; choose a custom car skin. It's all part of the new, sustainable Local Motors experience.

Rally Fighters are now available for reservation: http://www.local-motors.com/rf
Early builds will begin this Summer, 6/8/10.

Local Motors premier vehicle, the Rally Fighter, will premier at SEMA on November 3, 2009.

Rally Fighter Key Stats:

  • Designed by community member Sangho Kim of Pasadena, California
  • Original, welded steel tubular space frame with lightweight thermoplastic and carbon fiber body panels
  • BMW M57 clean diesel engine
  • Eye-popping 36mpg on the highway, or 30mpg in an off-road setting
  • 425 lb-ft of torque, 265 horsepower, and only 3,100 lbs
  • 18" of suspension travel, to take on any desert-jumps and all
  • Manually adjustable dual ride-height options, to go from the desert to the city with ease
  • Seats for 4 adults, or 2 adults & 3 children