Dacia, or to be precise, its parent company Renault, has released the first photos and technical information on a competition version of the Romanian brand's forthcoming Duster, an affordable 4x4 that will be officially revealed at next year's Geneva Show. Earlier this year, a set of photos depicting the 2010 Duster SUV without a single trace of camouflage, made their way onto the interwebs revealing the 4x4 in all its glory.
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
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