Late in 2006, ROMARM completed the first prototype of a new multi-role armoured infantry fighting vehicle called Saur. In the past this has been referred to as the Zimbru 2006.

This has been developed as a private venture by ROMARM based on its considerable experience in the design, development and production of a wide range of wheeled vehicles for the home and export markets.

Saur was developed to meet the requirements of the Romanian Army but as of late 2007 no production orders had been placed for the Saur.

To meet an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) Romanian has placed a contract with MOWAG of Switzerland for a total of 31 Piranha III (8 × 8) armoured vehicles with deliveries to run from 2007 through to 2008. Details of these are given in separate entries.

The hull of the Zimbru 2006 is of all-welded steel which provides the occupants with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters with the highest protection being given over the frontal arc.

According to ROMARM, the vehicle has the following levels of protection:

• Ballistic - STANAG 4569 Level 4

• Under wheel station - STANAG Level 4569 3a (8 kg TNT anti-tank mine)

• Under hull - STANAG Level 4569 2b (6 kg TNT anti-tank mine)

Layout of the new Zimbru 2006 AIV is in line with more recent 8×8 developments in other countries with the driver's position towards the front on the left and the power pack to the right which makes the chassis easier to adopt for a wide range of battlefield missions.

The troop compartment extends to the rear of the hull with the roof hatch arrangement depending on the mission. In a typical AIV role the commander would be seated to the rear of the driver and also be provided with a single-piece hatch cover.

Both the drivers' and commanders' hatch covers open to the rear and to the immediate front are three periscopes for forward observation. The middle one can be replaced by a passive periscope for driving at night.

The weapon station would be in the centre of the roof with two hatches over the rear troop compartment which open outwards and can be locked in the vertical position. The troops would typically be seated on individual seats down either side facing inwards.

While roof hatches are provided, the troops normally enter and leave the vehicle via two doors in the rear of the hull that open outwards with each of these provided with a firing port.

Wherever possible, standard sub-systems are used in the Saur with the powerpack consisting of a Cummins diesel developing 275 hp coupled to an Allison MD 3060R fully automatic transmission.

Maximum gross vehicle weight of the Zimbru 2006 is being quoted as 25 tonnes although most versions weigh below this figure. The vehicle is fully amphibious being propelled in the water by two water jets mounted one either side at the rear of the hull.

Standard equipment includes power steering on the two front axles, central tyre inflation system, 13 tonne winch, air conditioning and NBC system.

The Saur could be fitted with a variety of weapon stations ranging from turrets to overhead weapon stations that could be armed with 30 mm cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun.

Other variants would include a baseline armoured personnel carrier, ambulance, command post vehicle, direct fire (with 90 mm turret), reconnaissance and recovery. Some of these, for example the command post vehicle, would have a raised roof for greater internal volume to enable them to undertake their specialist roles.