It goes without saying that the competition version of Dacia Duster, which was developed by Renault Sport Technologies, and the actual production model have nothing in common other than the exterior silhouette, and the front and rear fascias.
Under its glass-fibre body, the Duster ice-racer features a tubular chassis that houses a mid-rear mounted, 3.0-liter, 24-valve V6 engine from the Renault-Nissan Alliance range, tweaked to develop 350hp at 7,500rpm, and maximum torque of 360Nm at 5,500rpm. Power is sent to the wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox.
Other highlights of the Duster that weighs in at just 950kg or 2,100 lbs, include the double wishbone suspension arrangement with long-travel dampers and a mechanical four-wheel steering system that links the front and rear wheels, and can be rapidly adjusted to match the characteristics of different circuits.
The Romanian budget brand's competition model will make its debut at France's famous Trophée Andros ice-racing series. Four-time Formula 1 Drivers' Champion Alain Prost will get behind the wheel of the Dacia.
"I am delighted to be driving the Dacia Duster," said Prost. "It is a brand new vehicle, and I am proud to be able to play a part in its promotion to the unusual backdrop of the Trophée Andros. Thanks to the work put in by Renault Sport Technologies, I have every confidence in Dacia Duster's potential and reliability which together point to an extremely exciting season," he concluded.
DACIA DUSTER COMPETITION CAR - TECHNICAL DATA
CHASSIS
- Tubular steel chassis
- Double wishbone suspension
ENGINE
- Renault-Nissan Alliance VQ 30
- Position: mid-rear
- Six cylinders (V6)
- Number of valves: 24
- Cubic capacity: 2,987cc
- Bore x stroke: 93mm x 73.3mm
- Maximum power: 257kW EEC (350hp) at 7,500rpm
- Maximum torque: 360Nm EEC at 5,500rpm
TRANSMISSION
- Six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox
BRAKES
- Front: 260mm-diameter vented steel discs
- Rear: 265mm-diameter steel discs
WHEELS
- 5.5" x 16" (magnesium)
- Tyres: Continental Racing Contact 3
DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT
- Length: 4,001mm
- Width: 1,900mm
- Front/rear track: 1,690mm
- Wheelbase: 2,500mm
- Weight: 950kg
- Fuel tank capacity: 25 liters
The Renault Group's Dacia brand continues its pre-launch activities in Britain with the announcement of pre-ordering for the Duster compact SUV. The company said that as soon as it announces pricing and specifications for the Duster SUV on June 28,...
The Renault-Nissan Alliance is gradually expanding the availability of its Duster small SUV, originally branded as a Dacia, to more international markets. Following the recent presentation of the Renault Duster for the South American region at the Buenos...
Renault’s low-cost Romanian brand Dacia has released the first limited edition version of its new small SUV model, called the Duster École de Ski Français [ESF], which translates to French Skiing School. Event though parent company Renault...
With a lot of help from its parent company, the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Romania's low-cost Dacia brand is picking up the pace with the launch of its sixth model, the Duster that was officially presented at the Geneva Motor Show this week. The compact...
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'...