The off-roader gains a wide bodykit, upgraded suspension, and a more powerful engine
- The Lada Niva Sport Turbo is a rally-prepped version of the Russian SUV.
- It features a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 276 horsepower.
- Upgrades include a revised suspension and stronger, beefier brakes.
The Lada Niva has quietly held its place among the longest-running vehicles in production, staying true to its utilitarian roots since 1977. Over the decades, it has seen numerous updates, but its fundamental character has remained refreshingly straightforward. Known for its off-road credentials and even the occasional rally participation, the Niva now enters new territory with its most extreme version yet.
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The newly revealed Lada Niva Sport Turbo is a purpose-built rally raid machine, drawing heavily from the original model but overhauled for competition. It brings major performance, chassis, and design upgrades, all focused on improving its durability and capability across demanding landscapes.
Wider, Taller, and Rally-Ready
On the outside, the Niva Sport Turbo sets itself apart with significantly widened front and rear fenders, designed to accommodate larger wheel arch cutouts. Slim steel bumpers replace the stock units, leaving the tires exposed for easier clearance and quick fixes. A snorkel and roof scoop help it breathe and cool under tough conditions, while Lexan side windows and added LED lighting contribute to its competition-ready setup.
The rally-prepped Niva rides on new alloy wheels wrapped in larger all-terrain tires, further supported by a stretched 2,550 mm (100.4-inch) wheelbase that nearly eliminates front and rear overhangs. The increased track width now measures 1,680 mm (66.1 inches), and the ground clearance has grown to a formidable 350 mm (13.8 inches), giving the Niva an even more commanding stance.
Inside, the Niva sheds anything non-essential. The cabin is outfitted with two racing bucket seats, a full roll cage, a navigation system, and a reinforced fuel tank. The rear bench is gone, helping reduce weight and streamline the layout for rally use.
As suggested by its name, the Niva Sport Turbo is fitted with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 276 hp (206 kW / 280 PS) and 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) of torque. This represents a significant increase compared to the production-spec Niva Sport that makes do with just 122 hp (91 kW / 124 PS) and 151 Nm (111 lb-ft).
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Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox with a locking center differential. Chassis upgrades include an independent suspension with dual shocks on each wheel, along with beefier brakes comprising 302 mm (11.9-inch) discs and four-piston calipers.
The Lada Niva Sport Turbo will make its competitive debut at this year’s Silk Way Rally, held in Russia from July 12 to 22. It will enter the Raid Sport class, a step above the T2 category in which its predecessor competed. The course covers more than 5,000 km (3,100 miles) of punishing terrain along the Irkutsk to Gorno-Altaysk route.
