GAC’s Hyptec SSR Baja Has Dreams Of Desert Racing Glory

Rally-inspired sports cars and supercars are shaping up to be the next big thing following the success of the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. In fact, Ford CEO Jim Farley recently revealed he’s interested in a 1,000 hp off-road supercar that would be ideal on sand and gravel.

GAC Design has now entered the fray with their Hyptec SSR Baja concept, which celebrates the “culture, authenticity, and design roots of its hometown” of Los Angeles, California. As the name suggests, the model draws inspiration from the GAC Aion Hyper SSR, but it’s been given a rugged makeover to deliver “uncompromising performance in desert and sand racing conditions.”

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The company didn’t go into many specifics, but the concept features a lifted suspension and meaty off-road tires. They’re joined by cladding and side steps as well as numerous auxiliary lights. More notably, there’s a sizable rear spoiler and a compact bed that holds two spare tires.

Designers also had a lot of fun with the concept’s graphics, which would look at home on a “ski lift tower, a streetlight in Los Angeles, or the wall of a well-worn dive bar.” The model also sports a cactus mascot, known as Mr. Pincho, as well as an “EVNONOIL” badge that is a play on Pennzoil’s Liberty Bell logo.

Butterfly doors open to reveal a minimalist cockpit with a roll cage and stylish sport seats that recall the Recaro CS Spectrum designs of yore. However, in this case, they have cool center sections inspired by Mexican serape blankets.

Other highlights include a squared off steering wheel, a slender digital instrument cluster, and what appears to be a fire suppression system. GAC also said the concept has a color-shifting safety net, Alcantara upholstery, and exposed carbon fiber.