Dacia builds spectacular offroader

January 30, 2024

Dacia Sanderider

Unfortunately, this rugged off-road vehicle from Dacia will not become available to the general public. The manufacturer is keeping this powerhouse for itself and will participate with it in the ultimate off-road challenge: the Dakar Rally. In fact, the Dacia Sandrider is a completely newly developed vehicle designed specifically for rallying. The model was inspired by the Dacia Manifesto unveiled in 2022 as a “laboratory” for new ideas. For the rugged 4×4, Dacia uses the motorsports expertise of Renault Group and British motorsports specialist Prodrive.

Solid power

In the FIA class, this off-road vehicle falls under the Ultimate T1+ category. The chassis consists of a tubular frame, while the body is made of lightweight carbon fiber. Under the hood is a powerful 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine. This engine delivers a maximum power of 265 kW (360 hp) at 5,000 rpm, with an impressive maximum torque of 539 Nm at 4,250 rpm. Power goes to all wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission. Sandrider’s engine runs on synthetic fuel.

BF Goodrich

With 350 mm of suspension travel and a double wishbone suspension at both the front and rear, the Dacia should effortlessly handle different terrains. The Sandrider rests on 17-inch aluminum wheels with 37-inch BF Goodrich tires for excellent grip and traction.

Dimensions

With a length, width and height of 4,140 x 2,290 x 1,810 mm and a wheelbase of 3,000 mm, respectively, the Dacia Sandrider offers a well-balanced off-road experience. Front and rear overhangs are also well matched, with 590 mm at the front and 550 mm at the rear, adding to the off-road vehicle’s agility and stability.

Debut

Now that the Dacia Sandrider has been unveiled, the model is beginning a lengthy and intensive testing phase in several countries. The Sandrider will make its debut at Rallye du Maroc 2024, the Moroccan leg of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) between Oct. 5 and 11, 2024. The Dacia Sandriders, as Dacia’s W2RC team is officially called, will compete in the full World Rally-Raid Championship, including the famous Dakar Rally, starting in 2025.