Dubbed the Dacia Sandrider, the collaborative effort with Prodrive was officially presented in Paris by program director Denis Le Vot. Dacia’s three factory drivers, five-time Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah, World Rally icon Sebastien Loeb, and Cristina Gutierrez, were previously announced.
In a recent revelation, Dacia disclosed its decision to participate in the entire season of the World Rally-Raid Championship next year, expanding beyond the Dakar focus. Director David Durand highlighted that the Sandrider’s design took into consideration the drivers’ requirements.
The vehicle, maintaining the characteristics of the existing Prodrive-built Hunter, incorporates a new three-liter turbocharged V6 engine running on synthetic fuel.
Prodrive, retaining its logo on the car’s front, played a pivotal role in achieving an optimal weight balance, lowering the center of gravity, and introducing innovative features, including a patented thermal management system utilizing infrared pigment to reduce temperatures.
Scheduled for an April launch in the UK, the Sandrider’s testing is set for June in Morocco over three sessions. Dacia will also participate in the Morocco Rally in October as a lead-up to the 2025 Dakar Rally. The commitment to Dakar extends until at least 2027, as affirmed during the presentation.
During the collaborative process, Loeb emphasized the significance of addressing visibility concerns, with extensive testing conducted to enhance navigation.
Gutierrez proposed a novel system to prevent part loss in the desert, especially during events like punctures. She suggested incorporating a magnetic plate, aiming to save valuable time.
Improvements to the Sandrider include enhanced reliability with a four-wheel drive package, modifications to the gearbox, and new brakes for increased rider comfort and reduced physical effort.
Tiphanie Isnard assumes the role of team manager, bringing her wealth of experience, including victories in Dakar with Stephane Peterhansel. Philip Dunabin, appointed as the technical director, boasts considerable experience in technical aspects related to these events.
