Dacia takes a bold leap into the demanding world of rally-raids, unveiling the Sandrider, a prototype set to compete from 2025. Drawing inspiration from the visionary Manifesto concept car, the Sandrider emerges as a beacon of innovation and resilience, tailored for the grueling arenas of the Dakar Rally and the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). This strategic move not only marks Dacia's foray into motorsport’s toughest terrains but also underscores its commitment to essentialism and sustainable innovation, with the vehicle powered by cutting-edge synthetic fuel technology developed by Aramco.

The design philosophy behind the Sandrider prototype mirrors Dacia's core principles—simplicity, functionality, and reliability. With a no-frills aesthetic approach, the vehicle features a minimalistic exterior fortified for endurance, emphasizing critical aspects like aerodynamics and visibility. Inside, Dacia’s engineers and designers have crafted a modular dashboard and utilized special materials, like anti-bacterial fabrics, focusing on the unique needs and comfort of drivers and co-drivers. This attention to detail extends to the robust outdoor design, integrating advanced engineering solutions such as a consolidated subframe, double wishbone suspension, and a 4x4 transmission to tackle the harsh rally-raid environments effectively.

At the heart of Dacia Sandrider's development is a profound dedication to "affordable decarbonisation." By engaging with synthetic fuels that blend renewable hydrogen with sequestered CO2, Dacia not only aligns with the Dakar’s sustainability ambitions but also propels forward the conversation around eco-responsible motorsports. The upcoming motorsport debut of the Sandrider at the Rallye du Maroc in October 2024 sets the stage for a transformative journey, showcasing how resilience, innovation, and environmental consciousness can coexist in the competitive and exacting world of rally racing.

📷: DACIA