The Lada Niva has quietly maintained its status as one of the longest continuously produced vehicles since its debut in 1977, staying loyal to its rugged and practical design philosophy throughout the years. Although it has undergone various updates over time, its core identity as a simple and dependable off-road vehicle has remained largely unchanged. Celebrated for its impressive off-road abilities and even participating in rally events, the Niva is now taking a bold step forward with the launch of its most extreme variant to date.
The recently introduced Lada Niva Sport Turbo is a specially engineered rally raid vehicle, heavily inspired by the classic model but comprehensively upgraded to meet the demands of competitive racing. This version features substantial enhancements in performance, chassis design, and exterior styling, all aimed at boosting its toughness and effectiveness in challenging environments. Visually, the Niva Sport Turbo stands out with notably widened front and rear fenders, crafted to fit larger wheel arches. The conventional bumpers have been swapped out for slim steel replacements, leaving the tires exposed to improve ground clearance and facilitate quick repairs during races. Additional functional elements include a snorkel and roof scoop to enhance engine breathing and cooling under harsh conditions, Lexan side windows for weight reduction, and extra LED lights to bolster visibility, all contributing to its race-ready appearance.
On the mechanical side, the rally-prepared Niva Sport Turbo is equipped with new alloy wheels shod in oversized all-terrain tires, supported by an extended 2,550 mm wheelbase that nearly eliminates both front and rear overhangs. The vehicle’s track width has increased to 1,680 mm, while ground clearance has been raised impressively to 350 mm, granting it a dominant and rugged posture ideal for off-road racing. Inside the cabin, the focus is purely on function and weight reduction: the interior is stripped down to essentials, featuring just two racing bucket seats, a comprehensive roll cage, a navigation system, and a reinforced fuel tank. The removal of the rear bench further lightens the vehicle and optimizes the layout for competitive rallying.
Powering the Niva Sport Turbo is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering a substantial 276 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque. This output marks a dramatic leap from the standard Niva Sport’s 122 hp and 151 Nm, showcasing the vehicle’s significant performance upgrade. Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox paired with a locking center differential. The chassis improvements include an independent suspension system with dual shock absorbers on each wheel, and the braking system has been beefed up with 302 mm discs and four-piston calipers for enhanced stopping power.
The Lada Niva Sport Turbo is set to make its competitive debut at this year’s Silk Way Rally in Russia, taking place from July 12 to 22. Competing in the Raid Sport class—a category above the T2 class where its predecessor raced—the vehicle will tackle a grueling course exceeding 5,000 kilometers of rough terrain, stretching from Irkutsk to Gorno-Altaysk. This new iteration represents a bold evolution for the classic Niva, transforming it into a serious contender on the rally raid stage.