Dacia has unveiled the Sandrider prototype, with which Sébastien Loeb, Nasser Al-Attiyah, and Cristina Gutiérrez Herrero will compete in the 2025 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
Inspired by the Dacia Manifesto concept car, the Sandrider was specifically designed for rally raids and features a carbon fiber body, designed by Prodrive, focusing on maximum performance, aerodynamic efficiency, and off-road capability.
Remaining true to the Manifesto, the Sandrider only has body panels where absolutely necessary and features a modular panel that can be rearranged according to the team’s needs.
Dacia claims that this approach has made the Sandrider about 15 kg lighter compared to comparable prototypes from the competition.
Structurally, the Dacia prototype has been reinforced in various areas, with a consolidated subframe and bumpers, carbon fiber body, double-arm suspension, and a 4×4 transmission designed for the demands of rally raids. An innovative electrical system maintains optimal power for all onboard equipment.
In addition, special attention has been given to aerodynamics to reduce fuel consumption and improve performance. Engineers have managed to reduce aerodynamic resistance by 10% and lift by 40% compared to comparable prototypes.
Inside, the Sandrider features Sabelt seats upholstered in a special antibacterial fabric that automatically regulates moisture. To further enhance comfort, the Sandrider’s designers have used anti-infrared pigments directly integrated into the carbon fiber body panels to reduce temperatures inside the cabin.
To make life easier for drivers and navigators, the Sandrider allows quick access to onboard tools without having to open a box. Other examples include a magnetic plate embedded in the Sandrider’s body to prevent wheel fastening screws from getting lost in the sand.
Mechanically, Dacia’s “weapon” for the Dakar Rally uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 360 hp of power and a maximum torque of 539 Nm at 4250 rpm, running on synthetic fuel and transmitting power to all four wheels through a 6-speed sequential gearbox.
The Sandrider is set to make its competition debut at the 2024 Rally of Morocco, the African stage of the World Rally-Raid Championship, which will take place from October 5th to 11th.
