The Lada Sport Rosneft racing squad from AvtoVAZ unveiled a refreshed version of the Niva Sport SUV designed for rally raid competition. A detailed video showcasing the updated machine appeared on the team’s YouTube channel, giving fans a first look at the key changes and performance-focused upgrades.
Under the hood, the rally-spec Niva Sport T2 now runs a 16-valve, 1.8-liter engine delivering about 150 horsepower. That marks a clear step up from the former 1.6-liter configuration. To squeeze more power from the same footprint, engineers focused on weight reduction and included a series of chassis and drivetrain refinements aimed at boosting the car’s power-to-weight ratio and overall agility on challenging terrain. The result is a vehicle that not only sustains higher speeds but also maintains better acceleration and control across rough stages.
Engineering teams relocated several components to optimize balance and weight distribution. They also enhanced the cross-country geometry, introduced an improved intake system for more efficient breathing at high RPMs, upgraded the shock absorbers, and fitted ventilated brake discs with a larger diameter. These updates collectively improve stability, braking confidence, and steering feedback when tackling dirt, rocks, and sand during long rally expeditions. The team intends to debut the refreshed Niva Sport in the initial rounds of the Russian rally-raid championship, with events scheduled in the Volgograd and Astrakhan regions, and it is slated to appear in the 2024 Silk Road rally as well, underscoring AvtoVAZ’s commitment to expanding its presence in cross-continental competition.
Looking ahead to production, AvtoVAZ has signaled plans to release a road-going version of the Niva Sport next year. In the current lineup, the domestic automaker already markets a three-door classic SUV powered by an 83-horsepower 1.7-liter engine, with starting prices around 830,000 rubles. This move aims to connect the brand’s rally pedigree with broader consumer demand by offering a capable, affordable option for off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Earlier discussions around Lada Granta highlighted parts availability as a challenge for the broader lineup, with supply constraints impacting production and service networks. The company has since been addressing sourcing and manufacturing efficiency to stabilize access to essential components for current models and forthcoming projects. This ongoing focus on supply chain resilience is part of AvtoVAZ’s broader strategy to support both competition programs and civilian models in the coming years, reflecting a dual emphasis on performance engineering and practical market execution.