Dacia Sandrider Prototype 3.0 V6 (360 Hp) 4x4


Overall Rating

7.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 3.0 / 5
Performance 4.8 / 5
Comfort 1.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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:

Rating 5 stars

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.

Best Use Case: Extreme Off-road Racing / Rally Raids

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 wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Wheel rims size17
Front suspensionCoil spring, Double wishbone
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone, Coil spring

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