A Ferrari off-roader that’s cooler than a Purosangue
At SEMA 2025, Virginia-based GlasWerks DMV unveiled the Elevato, a radical reimagining of Ferrari’s GTC4Lusso. The exotic shooting brake has been transformed into what the company calls the world’s first luxury V12 Italian off-roader. The inspiration? GlasWerks DMV CEO, Adrian Mallory’s own Porsche 911 Dakar.
Lifted, Safari-style sports cars have evolved into a legitimate trend, offering enthusiasts an alternative to traditional luxury SUVs. While the Ferrari Purosangue delivers comfort and capability, it sacrifices some of the visceral driving experience that makes buyers fall in love with sports cars. Limited-edition factory offerings like the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato have proved the market exists for off-road supercars.
GlasWerks DMV
More than just a lifted Ferrari supercar
GlasWerks DMV replaced over 30 percent of the now-discontinued GTC4Lusso‘s suspension components, including new control arms, strengthened billet aluminum axles, three-way adjustable MCS dampers, and a host of small but significant engineering to make it all come together. The result delivers eight inches of ground clearance and nine inches of wheel travel. There’s even an onboard air system to air up the 19- and 20-inch staggered Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain rubber after playing in the loose stuff. The 6.3-liter V12 now produces 758 horsepower, up from 680 hp in stock form, thanks to revised tuning.
Roberto Molina, former head of Toyota Gazoo Racing Latin America, led the engineering, so you know some serious thought has gone into it. Co-founder Joshua Sroka revealed they’re developing multiple Elevatos simultaneously, each configured differently for customer needs. Pricing starts at $175,000 for the conversion, not including the donor car. Used GTC4Lussos trade around $300,000, taking the entire cost of something like the Elevato to nearly half a million dollars, close to the price of a specced-out Purosangue.
The market wants more Safari supercars
Well over a decade ago, Porsche 911 owners began modifying their cars for off-road, creating the Safari style. The trend spread to Miatas, BMWs, and even Vipers. Porsche’s factory 911 Dakar sold all 2,499 units almost immediately, priced at $225,000. Lamborghini’s Huracán Sterrato is an even rarer beast, with production capped at 1,499 units and sticker prices starting at $279,000.
GlasWerks DMV
These Dakar-style supercars prioritize go-anywhere capability over lap times, offering thrills where traditional supercars simply couldn’t dare to venture. For enthusiasts who want adventure without sacrificing a naturally aspirated V12’s symphony or sports car feedback, the Elevato might be the perfect compromise.
