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Polaris Off Road, the leader in off-road vehicle innovation, unveils the all-new Polaris RZR Pro R Rally ahead of Dakar 2026 – an all-new race machine engineered from the ground up to meet the demands of the world’s most extreme rally environments. The Pro R Rally represents Polaris’ most advanced competition-ready machine to date.
The Pro R Rally will be standing alongside the proven RZR Pro R Factory platform that delivered historic victories in 2024 and 2025. This dual-platform strategy underscores Polaris’ commitment to innovation, durability, and race-proven engineering across every level of elite off-road competition.
“Dakar represents the ultimate test of vehicle performance and team resilience, and our goal for 2026 is simple – defend our title while demonstrating the full strength of Polaris’ innovation,” said Alex Scheuerell, Director of Off-Road Motorsports, Polaris. “With two Dakar champions leading our five-driver lineup, and the debut of our all-new race platform, we’re entering the rally more prepared and more ambitious than ever.”
The Pro R Rally has been specifically designed to meet international racing requirements and to meet the demands of Dakar’s diverse, wide-open terrain. Vehicle highlights include the following:
- DYNAMIX semi-active suspension: Tuned in-house by Polaris engineers specifically to tackle Dakar’s brutal terrain.
- Full MoTeC engine management and data acquisition: Offer drivers pro-level control and real-time intel in the harshest conditions.
- Sleek side-intake scoops: Improve airflow to the engine and cooling system, and double as number plates
- Full carbon-fibre dash and windshield frame: Reduce weight while adding serious race-car rigidity and feel.
- FiA-homologated race cage: Engineered and tested to handle Dakar-level abuse and keep drivers protected when things get wild.
With championship experience, expanded vehicle capability, and one of the deepest driver lineups in the field, Polaris RZR Factory Racing and the LOEB FrayMédia Motorsport team enter the 2026 Dakar Rally with clear aspirations: push the limits of off-road performance and chase a third consecutive victory in the world’s most demanding desert race.
Dakar 2026 takes place January 3-17 in Saudi Arabia.
For more information on the Polaris RZR Pro R Rally, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office at press@polaris-orv.media
About Polaris
As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER, RZR and Polaris XPEDITION and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves nearly 100 countries across the globe.
