The Journal

The automotive world has a new benchmark in performance engineering. The Elevato build series — the first bespoke off-road supercar line from GlasWerks Special Operations — made its public debut at SEMA 2025 inside the STEK USA booth (#52185, West Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center). Months of research, fabrication, and design culminated in the unveiling of the Aurora Commission, the first completed Elevato build. Delivering over 750 horsepower through a V12 powertrain, advanced four-wheel steering, and all-wheel drive, Elevato merges supercar precision with true off-road capability. “SEMA is the perfect place to reveal Elevato,” said Adrian Mallory, CEO and founder of GlasWerks Special Operations. “It’s where innovation meets performance, and that’s exactly what this program represents.” Engineering That Redefines Possibility Each Elevato begins as a high-performance grand-touring chassis before being completely reengineered by GlasWerks Special Operations. More than 30% of the vehicle’s components are redesigned or replaced, including suspension geometry, axles, and tie rods. The result: 8+ inches of wheel travel, 9 inches of ground clearance, and dynamic handling that transitions seamlessly from road to trail. Integrated onboard air systems — developed in partnership with Apex Designs — allow drivers to fine-tune tire pressures or power accessories on the fly, while custom three-way adjustable dampers keep the Elevato balanced in any environment. Form, Function, and Fearless Design While its performance numbers impress, Elevato’s design detail is what sets it apart. Every surface, seam, and panel has been optimized — both aesthetically and functionally. STEK paint protection films ensure durability through the harshest environments, while hand-stitched interiors, configurable switchgear, and modular roof-rack systems allow each owner to create a vehicle as unique as their journey. “Elevato isn’t about collecting cars — it’s about using them,” said Joshua Sroka, co-founder of GlasWerks DMV. “We built something meant to be driven, not stored.” Press Coverage and Industry Buzz The debut of Elevato made waves across the automotive world, with features from leading outlets including: Meet ‘Elevato’: a modified, off-road Ferrari GTC4 Lusso with a 750bhp V12 (TOP GEAR) The GlasWerks Elevato V12 Is the Ultimate Ferrari Off-Roader (CAR AND DRIVER) The GlasWerks DMV Ferrari GTC4 Lusso Is the Daily Driver Rally Car Of Your Dreams (ROAD & TRACK) This New Ferrari Restomod Is an Off-Roading Grand Tourer With Even More Power (ROBB REPORT) First Porsche, Then Lamborghini — Now a V12 Safari Ferrari Joins the Offroad Party (AUTO BLOG) Navy Vet Buys Porsche 911 Dakar, Thinks He Can Do Better, Builds It and Brings It to SEMA (AUTO EVOLUTION) This Insane Ferrari V12 Off-Road GT Laughs At Your Porsche 911 Dakar (HOT CARS) GlasWerks DMV debuts the Elevato, a radically revised Ferrari designed for off-road adventures (WALLPAPER) Each publication praised Elevato’s blend of craftsmanship and capability, calling it a bold evolution of luxury adventure engineering. The Beginning of Something Bigger The Aurora Commission marks only the start of the Elevato story. Additional client commissions are already underway — each a one-of-a-kind expression of design and performance built to explore beyond the pavement. Interested in commissioning your own?Learn more or inquire directly on the Elevato page.

Big Lizard Energy: The 7.3L V8 Bronco Swap That Ford Should’ve Built There’s something missing from the modern Ford Bronco — the sound, feel, and power of a true V8. That’s where GlasWerks Special Operations comes in. Our B.L.E. (Big Lizard Energy) program was engineered to bring back the heartbeat of American off-road performance with a 7.3-liter V8 swap for the Ford Bronco and Bronco Raptor that retains every factory system and function. Precision Swaps, Not Garage Experiments The process starts with completely stripping the stock Bronco drivetrain — as seen in our latest update where the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 was pulled and the engine bay 3D-scanned. That scan data forms the backbone of a fully engineered 7.3L V8 conversion kit, designed for factory-level fitment and function. From the terrain modes to the traction control, every system will perform exactly as Ford intended — just with more displacement, more torque, and a lot more attitude. Why “Big Lizard Energy”? The name is an inside nod to the nickname gearheads gave Ford’s 7.3L V8. We can’t say it outright (lawyers ruin everything), but you know the reference — a giant, unstoppable creature with serious power. That’s the energy we’re channeling here: untamed, unapologetic, and capable of taking on anything in its path. Built for Drivers Who Actually Drive B.L.E. isn’t for show trucks. It’s for owners who want a Bronco that feels like the ultimate evolution of the original V8-powered 4x4 — something that sounds mean, hits hard, and still works flawlessly in the real world. Whether your playground is the dunes, the woods, or the highway, this is the Bronco Ford should’ve built. Next Up: Mock-Ups and Mounts With the V6 out and the bay scanned, our engineers are finalizing mock-ups for the first production 7.3L installation, including motor mounts, cooling routing, exhaust fitment, and ECU calibration. Every piece will be repeatable, serviceable, and built for real-world reliability. Stay tuned as Big Lizard Energy becomes the new benchmark for high-performance Broncos.

The GlasWerks Special Operations Rally Team recently took on the 24 Hours of Appalachia Rally in Hinton, West Virginia, bringing both our Ineos Grenadier and Bronco Raptor to one of the most challenging off-road endurance events in the country. This event, organized by Backroads of Appalachia, tested drivers and machines across four demanding stages: two fast loops and two technical sections. Pushing Limits with the Grenadier Our Grenadier, equipped with new suspension and component upgrades, ran at the front of its class for most of the rally. Despite early challenges, the truck held pace through the first three stages, building a substantial lead. Unfortunately, mechanical failures forced us to retire just 25 miles from the finish line while sitting first overall in class. Even with the early exit, we proved the platform’s potential and gained valuable data to push development further. As Adrian put it: “Break it, rebuild it, and run it again.” Hardware for the Bronco Raptor Our Bronco Raptor, competing in the B Class, finished strong — securing second place in class and fifth overall. Jared, Jack, Dick, and Amir put in an incredible drive, keeping the truck clean and proving the capability of the B.L.E. Bronco program. A Team Effort We’re proud of our drivers, techs, and media crew who gave their all at Appalachia. Events like this aren’t just about results — they’re about community, pushing limits, and proving what’s possible with the right team and partners behind us. Special thanks to our partners: Torque Wheels, Storyteller Performance / Evictus, and to the event organizers at 24 Hours of Appalachia / Backroads of Appalachia for putting together an incredible rally. What’s Next The 24 Hours of Appalachia may not have ended the way we planned, but this is only the beginning. Next up, we head to Haunted Hollers Rally in Kentucky (October 24–26, 2025) to put the lessons learned into practice and keep pushing forward.