The Togliatti workshop F-Design has unveiled a bold project centered on a modified Niva platform, introduced under the name Arta. This machine can host a turret compatible with an anti-tank missile system, yet it can also be built in a civilian guise. The team shared this dual pathway through Autoflow, a Telegram channel that has been tracking the project with close interest.
Early descriptions place Arta’s powertrain at a 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing around 115 horsepower. Beyond mechanical tuning, the lightweight buggy built on the Niva chassis benefits from a reinforced shell and upgraded suspension that provides extra ground clearance. The anti-tank turret sits toward the rear, a layout that influences balance and simplifies maintenance access. While a civilian version is reportedly possible, authorities indicate it would not be street-legal everywhere without specific limitations, given the sensitive nature of the armament option and the regulatory framework surrounding such gear.
Images from the ongoing modification reveal clear alterations to the classic Niva silhouette. The doors have been removed and replaced with protective grilles to improve side protection. The rear roof has been removed, creating a pickup-style profile that emphasizes cargo capacity and a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic. This transformation highlights how Arta fuses off-road capability with the potential for specialized equipment in a controlled, non-public setting.
Separately, the same source recalled an earlier note from England about a distinct concept: a hybrid that merges the Jaguar E-Type’s timeless styling with the practicality of a Range Rover SUV. That idea underscores a broader curiosity about blending historic design cues with modern versatility, illustrating an interest in cross-category vehicle concepts that challenge traditional boundaries of style and function.