KSU Gazal-1

The KSU Gazal-1 is a mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) developed in 2010 by students at King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Magna Steyr and the Italian design firm Studiotorino. It is notable as Saudi Arabia’s first domestically developed and produced automobile. The Gazal-1 is based on the long-wheelbase platform of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically the G 500 model. It is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine (Mercedes-Benz M273), delivering 285 kW (388 hp) and 530 Nm of torque. The vehicle features a front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout, with a wheelbase of 2850 mm, a length of 4811 mm, a width of 1896 mm, and a height of 1919 mm. The curb weight is approximately 2380 kg, with a reported top speed of 210 km/h and an average fuel consumption of 14.7 litres per 100 km. The design of the Gazal-1 was tailored to meet the specific environmental and cultural conditions of the Arabian Peninsula. The vehicle underwent tests for desert performance and camel collision tolerance. The name “Gazal” refers to the desert gazelle, symbolizing agility and resilience. The Gazal-1 was first unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Mass production commenced on 14 June 2010 at a facility in Jeddah, with an initial projected annual output of 20,000 units. This initiative marked a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop a domestic automotive industry and to train local engineers and technicians.