SDR Motorsports set out to build the ultimate custom Polaris RZR, and “Christine” was the result. Starting with a 2014 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000, the Corona, California, shop created a two-seat, full-bodied dune machine with HCR long-travel suspension, King internal-bypass shocks and more than 200 horsepower at the wheels.
Christine was designed to attract attention at the 2014 Sand Sports Super Show, but this was not merely a display vehicle. SDR Motorsports brought the finished RZR to Glamis during Camp RZR so it could be tested in the dunes before being delivered to its owner in Qatar.
Building Something Beyond Betsy
The idea behind Christine began with a simple challenge: How could SDR Motorsports top “Betsy,” its previous Destination Polaris build, while adding a few cost-no-object details that would push the next project even further?
Betsy was already an impressive machine. The turbocharged RZR combined long-travel suspension, a custom cage and distinctive graphics, setting a high standard for complete custom builds. Nearly a year later, however, SDR was ready to raise that standard again.
The opportunity arrived through one of SDR’s customers in Doha, Qatar. After commissioning several previous vehicles, the customer gave SDR owner Tim Berendes full creative control to build the ultimate RZR. His primary direction was straightforward: Build it as if it were Tim’s own.
Tim knew a complete body would immediately distinguish the project from the growing number of customized RZRs. He began working with Aaron and Pat at Next Level Aluminum Concepts to develop the design, with the goal of unveiling Christine at the 2014 Sand Sports Super Show.
Transforming a Four-Seat RZR Into a Two-Seater
Christine started as a 2014 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000, but SDR never intended to retain its original four-seat layout. The rear seats were eliminated, and the C-pillar was removed to stretch the roofline and give the finished vehicle a lower, sleeker profile. SDR also removed the factory cargo bed and taillights.
Once the body design was established, the SDR fabrication team built a custom TIG-welded DOM-steel cage. Lead fabricator Shawn prepared the chassis before it was sent to Next Level Aluminum Concepts for the extensive bodywork.
Next Level seamlessly integrated the GlazzKraft fiberglass body with custom aluminum panels. The team also fabricated a carbon-fiber dashboard to hold the switches and Polaris digital gauge. The result looked more like a purpose-built miniature sand car than a modified production UTV.
OMF Performance completed the exterior package with 15-inch beadlock wheels. The wheels were wrapped in Sand Tires Unlimited tires custom-grooved by Fullerton Sand Sports.
HCR Long-Travel Suspension
With power and dune performance central to the build, SDR chose an HCR Racing long-travel suspension system. SDR had already used HCR components on numerous custom vehicles, making the system a natural fit for Christine.
The HCR kit widened the RZR by four inches per side and stretched the wheelbase by three inches. The increased width allowed the suspension to deliver a claimed 21 inches of wheel travel.
King internal-bypass shocks were installed at all four corners. Combined with Summers Brothers axles, the suspension and driveline were designed to handle the speed, power and repeated impacts Christine would encounter in the dunes.
More Than 200 Horsepower at the Wheels
A build this ambitious needed considerably more power than the stock RZR XP 1000 engine could provide. SDR turned to The Pro Shop for a complete engine build, while K&T Performance supplied the turbocharger system and upgraded pistons.
The Pro Shop handled the turbo installation and engine tuning. Running 15 pounds of boost, the completed engine reportedly produced more than 200 horsepower at the wheels—a remarkable output for a RZR build of this era.
That power transformed Christine from an elaborate display machine into a legitimate high-performance dune car. It also placed significant demands on the clutching, axles, suspension and chassis, making the supporting upgrades essential rather than decorative.
Custom SSV Works Audio System
SDR installed a substantial SSV Works audio system to match Christine’s visual presence. The system included two 10-inch subwoofers, four 6.5-inch Kicker speakers, custom SSV Works enclosures and two amplifiers.
LED Lighting Throughout
Christine needed to make the same impression at night that it did during the day. SDR combined lighting components from several manufacturers to create a comprehensive package.
A 37-inch Baja Designs ONX Arc LED light bar provided the primary forward lighting. Heretic replacement headlights were fitted into the custom body, while Rigid Industries A-Series rock lights and Radiantz accent lighting illuminated the chassis and bodywork. Pyramid LED whips completed the dune package.
Candy Paint and 22-Karat Gold Accents
After the fabrication and bodywork were complete, SDR had only a few weeks remaining before the Sand Sports Super Show. Haynie Design painted the GlazzKraft body, while Full Throttle Powdercoating applied the gold and maroon candy finishes.
Smith Designs added one of Christine’s most distinctive details: machine-turned accents containing 22-karat gold flake. The deep maroon finish, gold suspension components and carefully shaped bodywork gave the RZR a cohesive appearance despite the number of companies involved in the build.
Once Christine returned from paint and powder coating, the SDR crew faced the job of completing the final assembly in time for the show. Fabricators, installers and production staff throughout the shop contributed to the finished vehicle.
The effort paid off. Christine became one of the standout UTV builds at the 2014 Sand Sports Super Show and helped establish SDR Motorsports as one of the era’s leading custom RZR builders.
Testing Christine in Glamis
We met SDR Motorsports at Camp RZR in Glamis, where the team brought Christine out for final testing before shipping it to Qatar. It already looked incredible sitting still, but the real question was whether such an extensively customized RZR could perform in the dunes.
Despite the full body, elaborate finish and high-end interior, Christine was built to be driven. Its turbocharged engine delivered the power needed for the sand, while the wide HCR suspension and King shocks helped keep the machine composed through the dunes.
Tim was understandably measured behind the wheel. Christine represented more than $80,000 in parts and labor, and it was ultimately destined for a customer rather than SDR’s personal collection. Even so, the Glamis test proved that this highly detailed show build remained a functional dune machine.
SDR Motorsports Christine Build Specifications
- 2014 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000
- SDR Motorsports XP-RS cage system
- SDR Motorsports opening doors and front bumper
- Next Level Aluminum Concepts body, roof and panels
- GlazzKraft fiberglass fenders
- Custom carbon-fiber dashboard
- HCR Racing long-travel suspension
- King internal-bypass front and rear shocks
- Summers Brothers axles
- OMF Performance NXG3 beadlock wheels
- 15×11-inch rear wheels
- 15×8-inch front wheels
- Custom-grooved Sand Tires Unlimited tires
- Twisted Stitch seats and harnesses
- Two 10-inch subwoofers
- Four 6.5-inch Kicker speakers
- Custom SSV Works speaker enclosures
- Two audio amplifiers
- K&T Performance turbocharger system and pistons
- The Pro Shop engine build, turbo installation and tuning
- 37-inch Baja Designs ONX Arc LED light bar
- Rigid Industries A-Series rock lights
- Radiantz LED accent lighting
- Heretic replacement headlights
- Pyramid LED whips
- Haynie Design paint
- Full Throttle Powdercoating candy finishes
- Smith Designs machine-turned 22-karat gold-flake accents
About SDR Motorsports
SDR Motorsports opened in 2008 and became known for its in-house fabrication, bolt-on accessories and complete turnkey UTV builds. Based in Corona, California, the company produced some of the most recognizable custom side-by-sides of the early RZR XP era.
Christine was followed by another ambitious SDR creation, the four-seat “Delilah” RZR XP 4 1000. You can also learn more about the people and fabrication work behind these vehicles in our SDR Motorsports company profile.
For more on the machine that served as Christine’s foundation, explore our complete history of the Polaris RZR.
