Dacia is making headlines as it gears up to participate in the prestigious Dakar Rally 2025 with its newly developed Sandrider vehicle. This ambitious entry marks the use of the Dacia Sandrider, which has already made waves by clinching victory at the Rallye de Marruecos, testing its mettle before facing the world's most challenging race.
Scheduled from January 3 to January 17, 2025, the Dakar Rally is known for its grueling conditions, with competitors covering vast distances across varied terrains. Dacia's team will comprise top drivers Nasser Al-Attiyah, Sébastien Loeb, and Cristina Gutiérrez, all of whom are eager to showcase the capabilities of the new Sandrider.
Having recently completed the Rallye de Marruecos, which took place over 2,468 km, this high-stakes preparatory event was instrumental for the Dacia team. According to A. Noguerol, the team faced severe desert conditions filled with stones and sand, providing invaluable data to refine the vehicle's performance. Al-Attiyah and his co-driver Édouard Boulanger emerged victorious over six stages, securing first place, with Loeb and Lurquin following closely behind for a remarkable one-two finish. Gutiérrez's vehicle, unfortunately, experienced several setbacks, placing seventh by the end of the penultimate stage.
The Sandrider T1+ demonstrated exceptional capabilities which alluded to its potential at Dakar 2025. Following intensive testing across the UK, France, and Morocco, the vehicle's design and engineering have been optimized for performance. Dacia collaborated with Prodrive engineers to create a car boasting significantly reduced weight which enhances fuel efficiency and agility—the Sandrider is about 15 kg lighter than other prototypes.
The construction features cutting-edge techniques, such as utilizing lightweight tubular chassis instead of bulky materials, and strategically using carbon fiber. With only 4.14 meters in length, it is 43 cm shorter than the standard Dacia Duster, promoting seamless navigation through tight spots during competition. Remarkably, the Sandrider has also incorporated innovative aerodynamics to minimize drag and fuel consumption.
Powering the Sandrider is Dacia's impressive V6 biturbo engine, delivering 360 hp and peak torque of 531 Nm. This engine is not only compact—allowing for optimal weight distribution—but also ensures reliability during the punishing two-week event. Engineers decided on the front-central engine placement to achieve the vehicle's short front and rear overhangs, enhancing overall drive stability.
Another significant aspect of the Sandrider's innovation is its reliance on synthetic fuel developed through collaboration with Aramco. This sustainable fuel, combining hydrogen from water electrolysis with captured CO2, epitomizes Dacia's commitment to affordable decarbonization and aligns with the Dakar organizers' push toward greener motorsport. Dacia is paving the way in eco-friendly automotive advancements by running the Sandrider on synthetic fuel during the rally.
Comfort, often overlooked, is prioritized with innovations such as infrared ray filters within the carbon fiber panels. This feature efficiently reduces cabin heat, making long hours behind the wheel more bearable for competitors.
Punctures are frequent hazards during the Dakar Rally, necessitating quicker tire changes. To address this, Dacia has implemented thoughtful design changes, including placing spare wheels without fairing, and magnetizing bodywork sections to hold wheel bolts. This alleviates the loss of bolts, thereby speeding up pit-stops.
For Dacia, the Dakar Rally serves as the ultimate testing ground for these groundbreaking technologies and strategies. The blend of performance, sustainability, and user comfort seen with the Sandrider encapsulates Dacia's forward-thinking approach, promising to impress rally fans and competitors alike.
With the competition drawing near and the Sandrider ready to tackle the unrelenting desert, Dacia's team stands poised to make its mark on the Dakar Rally—a test of endurance, innovation, and sheer driving skill.
