Dacia Sandrider Prototype 3.0 V6 (360 Hp) 4x4
Overall Rating
Dacia Sandrider:
The Dacia Sandrider is an off-road competition car, built by Dacia together with Prodrive to participate in various competitions in the rally raid. It has been used in the FIA Ultimate T1+ class since the end of 2024 at Rallye du Maroc for the first time.
The Sandrider is visually based on the Dacia Manifesto SUV concept car, but was technically developed by Prodrive together with Renault-Alpine and Dacia. Dacia stressed that the Sandrider is not a redesigned Prodrive Hunter. Unlike the Prodrive Hunter, the Sandrider has, among other things, a new engine from the Nissan Z 3. 0L V6 twin turbo,a new chassis and suspension, and a fully redesigned body. The Sandrider consists of a carbon body on a tubular frame chassis with a reinforced subframe and reinforced shock absorbers and suspension with double wishbones. It has a sequential 6-speed gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive on 37×12. 5 R17 BFGoodrich and 350 mm suspension travel....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Prototype Overview:
Dacia Sandrider (Prototype). With 539 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a specialized prototype racing vehicle designed for extreme off-road competition, the Dacia Sandrider Prototype has not undergone Euro NCAP safety testing. Its safety features are tailored for occupant protection in high-speed rally environments, not standard road use.
3.0 V6 (360 Hp) 4x4 Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 3.0 V6 Twin-Turbo engine delivers exceptional power and torque, perfectly suited for the demanding conditions of off-road racing. Its 360 Hp and 539 Nm ensure rapid acceleration and robust performance across varied terrains, complemented by a precise manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
Optimized for performance and endurance in extreme racing, fuel economy is not a primary design consideration. The use of synthetic gasoline highlights its focus on advanced powertrain technology rather than conventional efficiency metrics.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional off-road performance and capability
- • Powerful 3.0 V6 Twin-Turbo engine
- • Advanced 4x4 drivetrain with manual transmission
- • Designed for extreme rally conditions (Dakar)
- • Utilizes synthetic gasoline for sustainability focus
Cons:
- • Not street legal or practical for daily use
- • Minimal comfort features (race-focused interior)
- • Limited availability (prototype/racing vehicle)
- • High operational costs (specialized maintenance, fuel)
- • Specific use case limits broad appeal
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dacia |
| Model: | Sandrider |
| Generation: | Prototype |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0 V6 (360 Hp) 4x4 |
| Start of production: | January, 2024 |
| End of production: | 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 360 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 120.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 539 Nm @ 4250 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2997 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Synthetic gasoline |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4140 mm mm |
| Width: | 2290 mm mm |
| Height: | 1810 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 3000 mm mm |
| Front overhang: | 590 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 550 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Coil spring |



Behind the wheel of the Dacia Sandrider. How does it handle on the road?