850HP Dacia Duster to Go Hill Climbing at Pikes Peak

After successfully competing in the Andros Trophy ice-racing championship with F1 star Alain Prost behind the wheel, the guys at Renault Sport Technologies want the Dacia Duster to perform in a whole different league. In particular, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb which will be held on June 26 this year.

Even though this will be the brand's first-ever entry at the world-famous Colorado-based event, Dacia wants to deliver. In order to be competitive, Renault Sport Technologies will prepare a one-off 850 horsepower version of the car according to the technical regulations for Pikes Peak. The car will be driven by French ice-racing star and three-time winner of the Andros Trophy, Jean-Philippe Dayraut. Dacia will reveal further details, including technical specs of the car, in a few weeks time.

The event is run each year on a 12.42 mile (20 km) course with 156 turns that begins at 9,390 feet (2,862 m) and finishes at the 14,110 foot (4,301 m) top of America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak. The race is particularly tricky since rarefied air slows reflexes, saps muscle strength and also steals 30% of engine power at the summit. In addition to that, road surface alternates asphalt with gravel, making it a tough nut to crack for even the most experienced racing drivers.

By Dan Mihalascu

Dacia Reportedly Preparing New Seven Seater MPV for 2012

It appears that Renault's low cost brand Dacia is getting ready to expand its reach into yet another segment. After the top of the line Duster soft roader, the Romanian manufacturer is planning a seven seater MPV for next year, at least according to a report from French car journal, L'Automobile.

The magazine said the MPV will carry the Popster nameplate and will ride on a modified version of the Logan's platform. The engine lineup is said to include a 1.5 dci engine with various power outputs and 1.2-, 1.4- and 1.6 liter petrol engines. Measuring around 4.5 meters in length, the Popster is said to slot in between Dacia's own Logan MCV and Renault's larger Grand Scenic and come in at under €15,000.

And the MPV won't be the last new model for Dacia as it is reported the Romanian company is also planning its own version of the Kangoo, currently codenamed Project K97. It will feature sliding doors and a spilt tailgate, just like the Logan MCV and though we don't have a name for this light van-like vehicle yet, L`Automobile Magazine reports an estimated price of around 13.000 euros.

Source: L'Automobile

New Dacia SUV Model Scooped without any Camouflage!

A member of a Dacia enthusiast forum has just posted these photographs of what appears to be the Romanian automaker's forthcoming all-wheel drive SUV model that is said to be named after the Duster concept study which was previewed at this year's Geneva Show. However, given that the vehicle pictured here and the concept study share nothing in common in terms of styling, we're not going to draw any definite conclusions as there is the possibility that this crossover may be an entirely different SUV model altogether. Until we find out more, hit the jump for more pics.

2010 Dacia Duster SUV Prototype Spied in Romania?

The heavily camouflaged prototype you see in these spy photos is believed to be Dacia's forthcoming small SUV / Crossover model, due to be launched in final production form at next year's Geneva Motor Show. The photos, courtesy of 'Freelancer' and 'Automarket', don't reveal anything on the Romanian budget SUV model that is supposed to be stylistically inspired from the Duster concept study revealed at this year's Geneva show. And by inspired don't expect to see anything more than a few common styling cues here and there.

What you can expect is two and four-wheel drive versions and competitive prices when the small Romanian SUV / Crossover hits European showrooms next summer. The five-door model will most likely be offered with Renault's 1.5-liter dCi diesel (available in different outputs) and 1.6-liter gasoline engines.

Via: Automarket & Freelancer

Dacia Duster Cobra Technology tuning photos

Suspect in problems with control and inhibition, first Romanian SUV Dacia Duster continues to attract attention. After the first tuning package by German studio Elia AG, on the Duster is now called the attention of Cobra Technology & Lifestyle.

Visually Cobra Dacia Duster comes with a bodywork made of stainless steel, made from 60-mm tubes, plus a new grille, called Cityguard. According to the tuner, the whole kit in accordance with international standards on pedestrian safety.

"Owning a Cobra Dacia Duster not need to re-pass inspection and other procedures to confirm the suitability of a new tuning package" - the report said.

Also appeared the 80-mm chrome nozzle on the exhaust pipe and 18-inch alloy wheels, shod in tire 8Jx18, 225/50 R.

All sets of Cobra come with a two-year warranty.

Dacia Duster Cobra Technology tuning photos

Suspect in problems with control and inhibition, first Romanian SUV Dacia Duster continues to attract attention. After the first tuning package by German studio Elia AG, on the Duster is now called the attention of Cobra Technology & Lifestyle.

Visually Cobra Dacia Duster comes with a bodywork made of stainless steel, made from 60-mm tubes, plus a new grille, called Cityguard. According to the tuner, the whole kit in accordance with international standards on pedestrian safety.

"Owning a Cobra Dacia Duster not need to re-pass inspection and other procedures to confirm the suitability of a new tuning package" - the report said.

Also appeared the 80-mm chrome nozzle on the exhaust pipe and 18-inch alloy wheels, shod in tire 8Jx18, 225/50 R.

All sets of Cobra come with a two-year warranty.

RENAULT DUSTER SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

RENAULT DUSTER SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE	1600cc, Petrol
MAX. POWER	105 Bhp @ 5750 rpm
MAX. TORQUE	148 Bhp @ 3750 rpm
TRANSMISSION	5 - Speed Manual
STEERING	Power
TOPSPEED	164 kmph
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H)	4315 x 1822 x 1695 (mm)
SEATING CAPACITY	5
TYRE	215/65 R16
BRAKES	Front:- Disk Rear:- Disk
KERB WEIGHT	1235.00 kg.
PRICE	Rs. 8,00,000/-

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NEW DACIA DUSTER TOUCHES ROADS

Famous Romanian car manufacturer Dacia unveiled their new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) - Dacia Duster. This new SUV from Dacia is tough and reliable vehicle for off-roading.
Dacia will manufacture Duster at Dacia's Pitesti plant in Romania. The new Dacia Duster is available in 4x4 and 4x2 versions. The SUV has been introduced in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America. It is available in both petrol and diesel variants, and features ABS, EBD and airbags. Dacia plans to launch Duster in India in 2011. It may be priced at around Rs. 8-10 lakhs in India.




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