They say that when there’s a will, there’s also a way. You're looking at the Russian automotive equivalent of the saying, in the form of an (apparently) beat-down Lada Niva Bronto. Of course, those black 20-inch wheels certainly look out of place and represent a massive hint that something interesting happened to this small off-roader.
We’re very much used to seeing a lot of custom projects coming from America or Europe. They follow a certain trend, focusing on high-displacement American muscle car power, Old Continent technology, or perhaps JDM flavor (and just about anything in between).
Meanwhile, in Russia, things go down a different route. One example comes from the automotive channel “Hello Car” (that’s what Google said when we tried to translate the official name), which, in one of its recent episodes (video embedded below, we recommend using the CC option), has brought to our attention this unassuming Lada Niva that’s apparently dressed up according to the Bronto trim.
On the other hand, seeing the legendary no-frills off-roader perform donuts like a RWD drift car on those 20-inch black wheels clearly states this is no ordinary Niva. It’s not the next generation Niva either, even though Lada has already teased us with the next iteration; we already know that one is not coming until 2024.
Instead, we’re dealing with a custom project created by a local BMW specialist shop that has curiously labeled itself as a “no name.expert.” Clearly, they like to do things differently, but that still hasn’t fully prepared us for the surprises hiding under the rather worn body.
First and foremost, the Lada's usual 1.7-liter gasoline engine has been swapped for a proud TwinPower Turbo Bavarian mill, sending its power to the rear wheels shod with studded winter tires. Once you’ve recovered from the shock, it’s time for another adrenaline dose because the interior has been completely revamped with BMW technology – it appears sourced from an older X1 or perhaps an X3.
Anyways, does anyone think this creation isn’t drivable? No worries, we get a small demonstration of its new-found appetence for urban environments from the 12:50 mark just before some mindless street donuts from the 14:18 mark.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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