This is the SoFlo Speedster, a modified and chopped-up Jeep Wrangler created by Florida-based tuning shop SoFlo Customs, and if we were you, we’d give it a wide berth, because it looks a bit miffed about something.
Maybe it’s angry that it’s lost a whole lot of practicality as part of its transformation. In turning it into this beach-buggy-stroke-sports-car-stroke-Baja-racer, SoFlo has done away with the Wrangler’s back seats, leaving it as a strict two-seater.
SoFlo Speedster – side
Whatever it is, we suspect it’ll pack an equally furious soundtrack, because the Speedster is based on the 392 Hemi version of the Wrangler, which has a truly gargantuan 6.4-litre V8 under its boxy bonnet. In the Speedster, it’s been given a remap, lifting its power output to 575bhp.
That breathes through a new exhaust system too, which should ensure this thing sounds like a proper muscle car as you fling it across whatever terrain you damn well please – and you will be, because the Speedster still has plenty of off-road goodies. Among them are 40-inch off-road tyres, locking front and rear diffs, and detachable sway bars.
SoFlo Speedster – rear
It’s also designed for chilled-out days at the beach, though. Well, as chilled-out as a day can be in a 575bhp, V8-powered Jeep wearing an expression that looks like someone just spilt its pint all over its light-coloured trousers. As a result, its doors and roof panels can be removed, and the interior – which featured niceties like heated seats and Apple CarPlay – has been weatherproofed.
SoFlo CEO Joseph Gattas is, unsurprisingly, a fan: “I, personally, want to drive it around every single day because once your foot hits the gas pedal its power literally presses you against the seat,” he said.
SoFlo Speedster – rear
In the States, one of these bundles of fury can be yours from $99,999 (around £79,000), rising to $129,000 (around £102,000) for a fully kitted-out example. Just make sure you’re nice to it – we wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of it.
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