by Lada Niva Sport Turbo – a new rally version of the legendary off-roader
The Lada Niva remains one of the longest-produced cars in the world, preserving its utilitarian essence since 1977. Despite numerous updates, its core character has remained unchanged. Known for its off-road capability and durability, the Niva has now received its most radical version – the Sport Turbo, created specifically for rally raids.
This model has undergone serious changes to its construction, suspension, and design to withstand the most challenging race conditions. The differences include widened fenders, steel bumpers, increased ground clearance, and special elements such as a snorkel and a roof air intake.
Technical Features
Under the hood of the Niva Sport Turbo is a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that delivers 276 hp and 340 Nm of torque. This is significantly more than the standard version’s 122 hp. The engine is paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox and a lockable center differential.
The interior is fully adapted for racing: two sports seats, a roll cage, a navigation system, and an enlarged fuel tank. The rear row of seats was removed to reduce weight.
The debut of the Niva Sport Turbo will take place at the Silk Way Rally in July, where the car will cover over 5000 km of difficult off-road terrain. This model is a serious bid for competition in the world of rally raids, demonstrating that even classic off-roaders can find new life in sports.
Although the Lada Niva has always been associated with simplicity and reliability, the Sport Turbo shows that it can be not only a work tool but also a serious sports car. This is an interesting example of how rally technologies can reinterpret a classic.
