GlasWerks Elevato V12: GTC4Lusso Extreme Terrain
Unveiled at SEMA, GlasWerks DMV transforms the Ferrari GTC4Lusso into a true off-roader: redesigned suspension, 9-inch ground clearance, Pirelli Scorpion tires, and a V-12 engine boosting power to 758 horsepower; price starts at $175,000 (excluding the base car).
GlasWerks DMV, a Virginia-based company, unveiled the Elevato V12 at SEMA: a project to transform a Ferrari GTC4Lusso into a high-performance off-road vehicle, focused on real-world driving capabilities and luxury comfort. Over 30% of the GTC4Lusso's components have been redesigned or replaced, with an emphasis on suspension and durability. GlasWerks plans to commercialize the Elevato V12 as a highly customizable vehicle, with a starting price of $175,000, not including the base GTC4Lusso.
Off-road suspension system: increased ground clearance, extended travel.
Much of the work was focused on the suspension: billet-machined aluminum upper/lower control arms, an adjustable stabilizer bar, and reinforced steering ball joints. The driveshaft and constant velocity joint (CV) are stronger, Eibach springs are combined with MCS 3WR dampers with three levels of adjustment. “The only part of the suspension that remains original is the hub assembly,” said Adrian Mallory, CEO and founder of GlasWerks DMV.
The new setup gives the Elevato V12 double the ground clearance of the original GTC4Lusso, reaching 9 inches, with 8 inches of wheel travel at the front and 9 inches at the rear (in the initial “standard” configuration). GlasWerks will also offer more extreme suspension configurations; Mallory’s personal car is designed for sand jumping, with hydraulic suspension travel welded directly to the frame. He said, “I want the car to take off from the sand dunes at 80 mph (approximately 129 km/h).”
The new suspension also widens the track: increasing it by 1.5 inches at the front and nearly 2.0 inches at the rear. The fenders have been redesigned to accommodate Pirelli Scorpion off-road tires, paired with 19-inch Forgeline monoblock wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear.
The power of a naturally aspirated V-12: finely tuned for durability.
The naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V-12 engine receives numerous upgrades, including a new intake manifold and ECU tuning, boosting power to 758 horsepower and 581 lb-ft (approximately 788 Nm) of torque. GlasWerks can install an Inconel exhaust system to enhance the V-12 sound. However, the power upgrade package is not available for all vehicles, in order to respect the underlying vehicle while it is still under engine warranty.
Despite the significant equipment upgrades, the net weight increase is only about 20 pounds thanks to optimizations elsewhere, such as a lighter exhaust system and lithium battery.
Exterior design based on the "practical use" philosophy.
The Elevato V12 features custom roof rails and an LED light bar mounted on the roof. The headlights have been redesigned with modern LED elements after Mallory deemed the original lights insufficiently bright. The car has rock guards, additional underbody protection, orange tow hooks mounted directly to the frame, and GlasWerks logos replacing the Ferrari logo in several locations.
Driving space: customizable materials, sufficient amenities for off-road driving.
The interior offers extensive personalization possibilities. The SEMA display model by co-founder Joshua Sroka features a two-tone blue-brown leather interior. A secondary cluster of billet-machined aluminum switches is added to the ceiling panel, serving accessories such as lights and an air compressor. The luggage compartment incorporates an onboard air compressor system, allowing the rider to adjust tire pressure right on the trail.
Sroka shared about the project's origins while living in Western Pennsylvania with its harsh winters and bad roads: "I just wanted to find a Lusso to fit snow tires on." From the need to increase ground clearance to accommodate winter tires, the idea evolved into a comprehensive off-road project.
Operating philosophy: for driving, not for display.
Mallory emphasized, "We want customers to use the car, not just keep it in their collection." He plans to take his Elevato to the 24 Hours of Appalachia, a rally race spanning hundreds of miles of gravel roads, which he previously participated in with a Ford Bronco and Ineos Grenadier.
Completion time, selling price, and level of localization
GlasWerks estimates the starting price for the Elevato V12 at $175,000, not including the price of the GTC4Lusso base vehicle. For customers who don't require a complete repaint and minimal interior modifications, the completion time is approximately three months. Most of the work is done in-house; according to Mallory, "we just don't make the lights and wheels ourselves."
Main technical framework
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Foundation | Ferrari GTC4Lusso (converted by GlasWerks DMV) |
| Component change rate | Over 30% of the components were redesigned/replaced. |
| Engine | 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V-12; refueled, ECU fine-tuned. |
| Power/Torque | 758 horsepower; 581 lb-ft (≈ 788 Nm) |
| Suspension system | Billet control arms, adjustable stabilizer bar, reinforced steering tie rods; Eibach springs; MCS 3WR (3-level) shock absorbers |
| Ground clearance | 9 inches (double the size of the original GTC4Lusso) |
| The journey of the cake | Front: 8 inches; Rear: 9 inches (standard configuration) |
| Cake topping | Increases by 1.5 inches (front); nearly 2.0 inches (rear) |
| Wheels/Tires | Forgeline monoblock 19-inch (front), 20-inch (rear); Pirelli Scorpion off-road tires. |
| Exterior equipment | Roof rack, LED light bar, side skirts, underbody protection, tow hooks, GlasWerks logo. |
| Net volume increase | ≈ 20 pounds |
| Onboard compressed air system | Adjust tire pressure while driving. |
| Completion time | Approximately 3 months (if not a complete repaint and no major interior upgrades) |
| Expected price | $175,000 (excluding the price of the base vehicle) |
Summary perspective
The Elevato V12 wasn't a one-off idea. Originating from the co-founder's practical needs, the project was scaled up for commercial use, targeting customers who wanted a four-seater V-12 supercar capable of serious off-road driving. With its expertly tuned suspension, off-road tires, and specialized features, the Elevato V12 stands in a class of its own: high-performance luxury ready to get muddy.
