The Dacia Lodgy Glace is the rebellious little sister of the new family road car which will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. Its name evokes notions of generous interior space and the importance of family. However, thanks to its audacious character and record of rising to the craziest sport-oriented challenges, Dacia has decided to make its third Trophée Andros campaign truly exceptional by rewriting all the rules. For the first time in the event’s history, the series will feature an MPV.

To spice up the new season, not just one but two Lodgy Glace entries will take to on the grid for every race: one will be driven by Alain Prost, who finished as runner-up in the 2010 and 2011 Trophée Andros, at the wheel of a Dacia Duster Glace. The other Lodgy Glace will be shared by his son, Nicolas Prost and Evens Stievenart, Alain Prost’s team-mate and joint winner of last winter’s Superfinal at the Stade de France, Paris. It’s a question of family and friendship at the wheel of a family car; a fitting parallel with a clear goal: victory.

The Lodgy Glace has been designed specifically for this unique racing series, which is renowned as one of the most challenging in motorsport. The technical regulations of the Trophée Andros are extremely strict, and impose restrictions on all aspects of the vehicle (chassis dimensions, gearbox, tyres), including the materials employed. Everything is done to limit the use of complex and costly technical solutions: instead, this series is all about finding simple, ingenious solutions, a measure which fits perfectly with the Dacia brand. The series also brings the car‘s reliability to the fore, combined with driver skill.

Custom-prepared by the teams at Tork Engineering (design, production, assembly) and Sodemo (engine), the Lodgy Glace benefits from the full expertise of Renault Sport Technologies (RST). Throughout the project, RST has contributed its technical and sporting expertise from the world of motorsport: it acts like a conductor, perfectly coordinating the different technical partners and disciplines (design, engineering), the Dacia brand and the drivers.

The new Lodgy Glace draws on both the proven technical solutions of its predecessor, Dacia Duster Glace, and specific developments. On the technical front, the Trophée Andros is a series where tiny details can play a decisive role. The experience gained during previous seasons has been used to conduct a thorough analysis, whose conclusions have led to improvements in suspension and engine performance.

Today’s all-terrain vehicles are often synonymous with bulk, but Dacia Duster is the antidote. With a length of 4.31 metres and a width of 1.82 metres, Dacia Duster is very compact. Its Mégane-sized proportions ensure that it is as at home in built-up areas as it is off the beaten track. While it clearly belongs to the world of all-terrain vehicles, Dacia Duster’s lines are not ostentatious.

Dacia Duster is unmistakably a 4×4. From the front, it exudes an impression of toughness: the wide wheel arches, the imposing lines of the chrome grille and lower bumper protection clearly emphasise the 4×4 DNA of Dacia Duster. Seen from the side, the high ground clearance, clearly defined wheel arches and protective mouldings encourage the driver to tackle even the toughest roads and tracks.

With the Look Pack, Dacia Duster owners can further enhance the vehicle’s style. This pack includes 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, roof bars, extra-tinted rear windows, and satin-finish chrome exterior mirrors, front and rear skid plates, and sills. A comprehensive range of accessories (including extended wheel arches, broad side protectors for doors, sill protection bars…) will complete this unique look.

Inside, the elevated driving position provides a better view of potential hazards. The interior echoes the core values of the Dacia brand: the dashboard is modern, uncluttered and functional. Its design varies according to version, and several areas can be modified with different colours or surface finishes. Dacia Duster introduces a new brown trim, while a Leather Pack (seats, steering wheel, gear lever knob) is also available. Particular attention has been paid to ergonomics to ensure that the controls are conveniently positioned and that driving data is easy to read: the well-placed, intuitive 4×4 control button is a perfect example of this.

Dacia Duster was designed to cope with all types of road and track, worldwide. To order to meet these wide-ranging needs, Dacia Duster will be available in both 4×4 and 4×2 form. The 4×2 version has been designed for customers who want good ground clearance and a reassuring elevated driving position, as well as loose-surface ability, but who don’t have a real need for all-wheel drive.

The strengthened underside of Dacia Duster is suitable for loose-surfaces and all-terrain use thanks to:

• ground clearance raised to 210mm,
• short overhangs (822mm at the front, 820mm at the rear),
• large ramp angles (30 degrees for approach angle; 23 degrees for ramp breakover angle 36 degrees for departure angle).

Dacia Duster is a vehicle that is easy to use. It is lightweight for its size: 1,160kg for the 4×2 version and 1,250kg for the 4×4 version¹. Combined with compact dimensions, this ensures Dacia Duster is particularly agile.

Dacia Duster is built on the B0/Logan platform which is widely acclaimed for its strength, reliability and durability.

At the front, the pseudo MacPherson-type suspension with wishbones is identical to the layout employed by Logan and Sandero, although strengthened for off-road use.

At the rear, the 4×4 version’s rear multi-arm arrangement was specifically developed for Dacia Duster, while the programmed-deflection flexible H-beam favoured for the 4×2 versions is strong and permits a large boot, which is a key consideration for Dacia customers.

Both solutions deliver a comfortable ride and allow high ground clearance.  To confirm Dacia Duster’s strength and reliability, Dacia Duster covered the equivalent of four million kilometres in a wide range of climates and in particularly punishing conditions.

Dacia Duster 4×4 is equipped with a new six-speed gearbox with a short first ratio (3.6mph per 1,000 rpm) which allows the vehicle to travel at very slow speed on uneven terrain and improves performance as you pull away from standstill with heavy loads or on steep slopes. This simple, efficient and economical solution was favoured in order to meet customer needs.

The TL8 gearbox offers:

• optimised output thanks to a single gearbox and module architecture which limits the number of gears engaged, and thanks to the use of a low-viscosity lubricant;
• compactness: gearbox and gearshift module are positioned alongside each other to free up cabin space and maintain interior roominess.
• controlled mass: on the TL8 gearbox, the short first gear, instead of a transfer box, optimises the number of gears engaged (and thus the mass) for a maximum performance level;  - a solution to keep the cost down : the TL8 gearbox is derived from the TL4 gearbox which is a high production volume unit within the Renault-Nissan Alliance.  The TL8 gearbox is manufactured at the Pitesti plant in Romania.

The 4×4 control located on the lower part of the centre console allows drivers of Dacia Duster 4×4 to easily adapt the vehicle’s configuration to their needs.

This control permits three modes:

• In AUTO mode, the front/rear torque split is calculated automatically as a function of available grip. This mode has been developed to provide the best compromise between road holding and traction, no matter what the level of grip may be. In normal conditions, the torque is transmitted through the front wheels only. If traction is lost, or when grip is at a premium, some of the torque is transferred to the rear wheels. This split is performed by an electromagnetic torque converter supplied by Nissan.
• In LOCK mode, the driver electronically locks the transmission in 4×4 mode. In this mode, throttle control and braking are also adapted for 4×4 use. This mode is recommended when grip is low (snow, mud, dirt, sand) and at low speed.
• In 2WD mode, the transmission is locked into two-wheel drive. This mode is suited to driving on good roads and reduces fuel consumption and CO₂emissions.

Duster, the sixth vehicle in the Dacia range, stay’s true to the philosophy and values of the brand. Dacia Duster offers unbeatable interior space for its price, as well as low running costs thanks to thrifty fuel consumption, low maintenance costs, high levels of safety and reliability in all conditions. Duster perfectly embodies the brand values of generosity and affordability which have forged Dacia’s reputation.

Unbeatable space for its price

Although Dacia Duster’s price is that of a city car, its exterior and interior dimensions are those of compact cars in the next segment up.

Dacia Duster can comfortably seat up to five adults and offers both front and rear occupants the same amount of space as the Dacia Logan saloon.

Dacia Duster’s boot capacity – up to 475 cubic metres VDA (depending on version) – is also very competitive given the vehicle’s compact dimensions. With the rear bench seat folded, Dacia Duster offers an impressive carrying capacity of up to 1,636 cubic metres VDA (depending on version).

Reliable, economical, low-emission engines

Dacia Duster is available with a choice of three powerplants for both the 4×2 and 4×4 versions: one petrol engine (1.6 16V 105) and two diesel engines (dCi 85 and dCi 110). The strengths of these engines have already been demonstrated in many Renault group vehicles.

These engines are a perfect fit for the criteria of cost, reliability and easy maintenance that are hallmarks of the Dacia brand.

• Dacia Duster dCi 85 (4×2 version) emits just 135g of CO₂/km (equivalent to a combined cycle fuel consumption of 55.4mpg) which qualifies it for the Dacia eco² signature.
• Dacia Duster dCi 110, in 4×2 version, emits just 139g of CO₂/km (equivalent to a combined cycle fuel consumption of 53.3mpg) also qualifies for the Dacia eco² signature.

Under the bonnet of 4×4 versions of Dacia Duster, the dCi 110 engine stands out as a particularly environmentally-respectful and economical package for an off-road vehicle, with CO₂ emissions of 145g/km and fuel consumption of 50.4mpg (combined cycle). The dCi 110 engine is Euro V-compliant and comes with a particulate filter.

The dCi 110 diesel engine delivers peak power of 80kW (109hp) at 4,000rpm and features second-generation common-rail direct fuel injection which only pressurises the exact amount of fuel actually required, the benefit to the owner being enhanced efficiency and consequently lower fuel consumption. The 4×2 version of Dacia Duster dCi 110 accelerates from standstill to 62mph in 11.8 seconds and boasts 240Nm of torque at 1,750rpm, 90 per cent of which is available from 1,500rpm.

Dacia Duster is also available with the 1.6 16V 110 petrol engine:

• Dacia Duster 1.6 16V 105 delivers a maximum power output of 77kW (105hp) at 5,750rpm, while peak torque stands at 148Nm (at 3,750rpm). The combined cycle fuel consumption of the 4×2 version of Dacia Duster 1.6 16V 105 is 37.7mpg. The same figure for the 4×4 version of Dacia Duster with the 1.6 16V 105 engine (Euro V-compliant) is 35.3mpg.

Economical to buy and run

Servicing and maintenance costs are particularly competitive on Dacia Duster thanks to extended service intervals for oil changes, brake pad and tyre replacements. The useful life of the air filters has increased to 90,000km/four years for petrol versions, while that for diesel it has increased to 60,000km.

The servicing intervals of the dCi 110 diesel engine are every 30,000km/two years OCS in the majority of its commercialisation countries. The OCS (Oil Control System), newly introduced in the Dacia range, warns the driver by means of an oil-change warning light, should the next service need to be brought forward, depending on the way the vehicle is used.

Oil change on the 1.6 16V 105 petrol engine is every 30,000km/two years in the majority of markets.

Safety, an essential priority

Dacia Duster benefits from Renault’s acclaimed expertise in the area of safety.

• Active safety: Dacia Duster features Bosch 8.1 ABS, as well as EBD electronic brakeforce distribution and EBA emergency brake assist. Dacia Duster is the brand’s first vehicle to feature ESC as an option in certain versions, as well as CSV understeer control and ASR traction control. This option also allows torque to be transferred away from a spinning wheel in 4×4 mode to improve traction when diagonal wheel spin occurs.
• Passive safety: Dacia Duster is fitted as standard with two front airbags (depending on market) and three-point seat belts with load limiters for the front seats, to which pyrotechnic pretensioners can be added. Depending on the version, two lateral head/thorax airbagsare fitted in addition to the driver and passenger front airbags.

Dacia fundamentals: reliability and strength

Like all the vehicles based on the B0/Logan platform, Duster has been engineered to deliver the Dacia brand’s hallmark strength and reliability.

Particular attention has been paid to anti-corrosion protection thanks to several measures:

• wax-injected underbody and opening panel hollow sections,
• mastic sealing of exterior joints,
• additional wax treatment of underbody mechanical components,
• stone chip protection for underbody, sills and wheel arches.

The 4×4 running gear uses tried and tested components sourced from the Alliance (Nissan rear axle and coupling, new six-speed TL8 gearbox derived from the TL4 gearbox that has been well-proven in the Renault and Nissan ranges).

In order to underline its high build quality, Dacia Duster is backed up by a three-year or 100,000km warranty in the majority of European markets.

British buyers will be able to see, drive and own a Dacia from the end of 2012, following confirmation at the Geneva motor show yesterday, that the fast-growing brand will launch in the UK.

With the unveiling of its new Duster compact off-roader in Switzerland this week, Dacia now offers a six-model range, appealing to a wide cross-section of buyers. Thanks to an unbeatable cocktail of price, space and equipment, in recent times, the brand has appealed to thrifty drivers in every country in which the brand is on sale.

Dacia has already taken many markets by storm within months of launch, so the arrival of the new value brand in the UK, is certain to shake up the market.

Just as a guide to how competitive the new models could be when they come to the UK, the new compact off-roader, Duster, will sell from just 11,900 euros in 4×2 guise (around £10,800 based on a 1.10 exchange rate) in Europe at launch.

Today’s all-terrain vehicles are often synonymous with bulk, but Duster is an antidote to that idea. With a length of 4.31 metres and a width of 1.82 metres, Duster is very compact.

Its Megane-size proportions ensure that it is as at home in built-up areas as it is off the beaten track. While it clearly belongs to the world of all-terrain vehicles, Dacia Duster displays attractive lines.

Duster is unmistakably a 4×4. From the front, it exudes an impression of toughness: the wide wheelarches, the imposing lines of the chrome grille and the sump guard clearly emphasise the 4×4 DNA of Duster. Seen from the side, the high ground clearance, clearly defined wheelarches and protective mouldings encourage the driver to tackle even the toughest roads and tracks.

With the optional Look Pack, owners of Duster can enhance the vehicle’s good looks. This pack includes 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, roof bars, extra-tinted rear glass, and satin-finish chrome exterior mirrors, front and rear skid plates, and sills. A comprehensive range of accessories (including broad door protectors and styling bars) will complete this unique look.

Inside, the elevated driving position provides a better view of potential hazards and improves the driver’s ability to anticipate problems. The interior echoes the core values of the Dacia brand: the dashboard is modern, uncluttered and functional. Its design varies according to version, and several areas can be modified with different colours or surface finishes. Duster introduces a new brown trim, while a Leather Pack (seats, steering wheel, gearlever knob) is also available. Particular attention has been paid to its ergonomics to ensure that the controls are conveniently positioned and that driving data is easy to read: the well-placed, intuitive 4×4 control button is a perfect example of this.

Duster was designed to cope with all types of road and track, all over the world. In order to meet these wide-ranging needs, Duster will be available in both 4×4 and 4×2 form. The 4×2 version has been designed for customers who want good ground clearance and a reassuring elevated driving position, as well as loose-surface ability, but who don’t have a real need for all-wheel drive.

The strengthened underside of Duster is suitable for loose-surfaces and all-terrain use thanks to:

* ground clearance raised by 210mm,
* short overhangs (822mm at the front, 820mm at the rear),
* big clearance angles (30 degrees for approach angle; 36 degrees for departure angle).

Duster is a vehicle that is easy to use. It is lightweight for its size: 1,160kg in 4×2 specification and 1,250kg for the 4×4 version1. Combined with compact dimensions, this ensures Duster is particularly agile.

Duster has been developed on a platform derived from the Logan family, with a MacPherson-type arrangement with wishbones for the front suspension. In 4×4 configuration, the rear suspension is a MacPherson-type multi-arm system; for the 4×2 version, the programmed deflection, flexible H-beam permits greater carrying ability in terms of volume. Both systems allow significant suspension travel for improved traction and comfort.

Duster 4×4 is equipped with a new six-speed gearbox with a very short first ratio (5.79kph per 1,000 rpm). This simple solution allows the vehicle to travel at very slow speed on uneven terrain, and improves performance as you pull away from standstill with heavy loads or on steep slopes.

The 4×4 control located on the lower part of the centre console allows drivers of Duster 4×4 to easily adapt the vehicle’s configuration to their needs. This control permits three modes:

* In AUTO mode, the front/rear torque split is calculated automatically as a function of available grip. This mode has been developed to provide the best compromise between road holding and traction, no matter what the level of grip may be. In normal conditions, the torque is transmitted through the front wheels only. If traction is lost, or when grip is at a premium, some of the torque is transferred to the rear axle. This split is performed by an electromagnetic torque converter supplied by Nissan.
* In LOCK mode, the driver electronically locks the transmission in 4×4 mode. In this mode, throttle control and braking are also adapted for 4×4 use. This mode is recommended when grip is low (snow, mud, dirt, sand) and at low speed.
* In 4×2 mode, the transmission is locked into two-wheel drive. This mode is suited to driving on good roads and reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

A 100% DACIA 4×4 WITH ALL THE BRAND’S ACCLAIMED ADVANTAGES

Duster, the sixth vehicle in the Dacia range, stay’s true to the philosophy and values of the brand. Duster offers unbeatable interior space for its price, as well as low running costs thanks to thrifty fuel consumption, low maintenance costs, high levels of safety and reliability in all conditions. Duster perfectly embodies the brand values of reliability and affordability, while at the same time shaking up the market, a role that has helped forge Dacia’s reputation.

Unbeatable space for its price

Although Duster’s price is comparable to that of a city car, its exterior and interior dimensions are more akin to those of compact cars in the next segment up.

Duster can comfortably seat up to five adults and offers both front and rear occupants the same amount of space as the Dacia Logan saloon.

Duster’s boot capacity – up to 475 cubic metres VDA (depending on version) – is also very competitive given the vehicle’s compact dimensions. With the rear benchseat folded, Duster offers an impressive carrying capacity of up to 1,636 cubic metres VDA (depending on version).

Reliable, economical, low-emission engines
Duster will be available with a choice of three powerplants for both the 4×2 and 4×4 versions: one petrol engine (1.6 16V 110hp) and two diesel engines (dCi 85 and dCi 110). The strengths of these engines have already been demonstrated under the bonnet of many Renault group vehicles. These engines are a perfect fit for the criteria of cost, reliability and easy maintenance that are hallmarks of the Dacia brand.

Combined with Duster’s low weight, they offer low fuel consumption and impressive ecological credentials. The dCi versions emit from 135g of CO2/km for the 4×2 version (which qualifies it for the Dacia eCO2 signature) and from 145g of CO2/km in the case of the 4×4 version.

Economical to buy and run

Servicing and maintenance costs have been significantly reduced thanks to extended service intervals for oil changes, and brake pad and tyre replacements. The useful life of the air filters has been extended to 90,000km/four years for petrol versions, while that for diesel it has gone from 40,000km to 60,000km.

Safety, an essential priority

Duster benefits from Renault’s acclaimed expertise in the area of safety, Dacia’s 4×4 features Bosch 8.1 ABS, as well as EBV electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist.

Dacia Duster is the brand’s first vehicle to feature ESC as an option on certain versions, as well as CSV understeer control and ASR traction control. This option also allows torque to be transferred away from a spinning wheel in 4×4 mode to improve traction when diagonal wheel spin occurs.

On the passive safety front, Duster is fitted, as standard, with two front airbags (depending on market) and three-point seat belts with load limiters for the front seats, to which pyrotechnic pretensioners can be added. Depending on the version, two lateral head/thorax airbags are fitted in addition to the driver and passenger front airbags.

Dacia fundamentals: reliability and strength

Like all the vehicles based on the Logan platform, Duster has been engineered to deliver the brand’s hallmark strength and reliability.

Particular attention has been paid to anti-corrosion protection thanks to several measures:

* wax-injected underbody and opening panel hollow sections,
* mastic sealing of exterior joints,
* additional wax treatment of underbody mechanical components,
* stone chip protection for underbody, sills and wheel arches.

The 4×4 running gear uses tried and tested components, sourced from the Alliance (Nissan rear axle and coupling, new six-speed TL8 gearbox derived from the TL4 gearbox that has been well-proven in the Renault and Nissan ranges).

In order to underline its high build quality, Dacia Duster is backed up by a three-year or 100,000km (60,000 mile) warranty in the majority of its European markets.

At first glance, Dacia Duster is clearly a 4×4. Its front end exudes a sense of ruggedness, with its imposing chrome grille and sump guard also pointing to its clear 4×4 credentials. Seen in profile, its high ground clearance, wide wheel arches and body protection are an open invitation to take on even the toughest surfaces.

Today’s all-terrain vehicles are often synonymous with bulk, a preconception which Dacia Duster sweeps aside. Being 4.31 metres long and 1.82 metres wide, Dacia Duster is very compact, making it as at home in built-up areas as it is when taken off the beaten track. Although it clearly demonstrates that it belongs to the world of all-terrain motoring, Dacia Duster boasts attractive, yet not ostentatious lines.

…with genuine go-anywhere ability

Dacia Duster was designed to tackle all types of roads and tracks, all over the world. In order to meet these varied needs, it will be available in all markets in both 4×2 form (for customers looking for good ground clearance and a  high driving position, without the need for four-wheel drive) and with 4×4 transmission for off-road driving.

Dacia Duster’s strengthened undercarriage is suitable for dirt roads and all-terrain use thanks to its high ground clearance (more than 200mm) and impressive clearance angles (approach angle: 30 degrees; departure angle: more than 35 degrees).

Dacia Duster is easy to drive and not only aimed at all-terrain drivers. Its combination of its low unladen weight (1,180kg in 4×2 – 1,280kg in 4×41) and compact proportions, ensure particularly agile handling. In the 4×4 version, thanks to the unique and intuitive control (sourced from Nissan) located at the foot of the centre console, Dacia Duster drivers can easily adapt the vehicle’s transmission configuration to meet their needs of the moment. This control allows one of three modes to be selected:

When the AUTO mode is selected, the front/rear torque split is calculated automatically as a function of available grip. This system is aimed at providing optimal traction, however much grip is available, and gives Dacia Duster genuine 4×4 ability. In normal conditions, the torque is transmitted through the front wheels only. If traction is lost, or when grip is at a premium, some of the torque is transferred to the rear axle. In extreme conditions, the torque is split equally front and rear. This split is performed by an electromagnetic torque converter supplied by Nissan.
In LOCK mode, the driver electronically locks it into 4×4 mode, whereby 50 per cent of torque is consistently fed through the rear axle. This mode is recommended in low grip conditions (snow, mud, dirt, sand) at low speeds.
In 4×2 mode, the transmission is locked into two-wheel drive. This mode is suited to driving on good roads and reduces fuel consumption.
A DACIA 4×4 WHICH DELIVERS ALL THE STRENGTHS EXPECTED OF THE BRAND

Duster, the sixth vehicle in the Dacia range, remains true to the brand’s philosophy by offering unbeatable cabin space for its price, plus low running costs thanks to its thrifty fuel consumption, as well as a high level of safety and reliability whatever the conditions.

Unbeatable cabin space for its price
Although Dacia Duster’s price is comparable with that of a city car, its exterior and interior dimensions are more akin to those of a compact car from the segment above. It comfortably seats up to five adults, with both front and rear occupants enjoying the same amount of space as passengers in its sister Logan model.

Dacia Duster’s boot capacity is unbeatable, too, with a volume of up to 475dm3 ISO. With the rear benchseat folded and tipped forward, its impressive carrying ability can even exceed 1,600dm3 ISO.

Reliable engines with good fuel economy and low CO2 emissions

Both the 4×2 and 4×4 versions of Dacia Duster will be available with either a 1.6 16V 110hp petrol engine, or 85hp or 105hp dCi diesel power. All three powerplants have already demonstrated their efficiency under the bonnet of a number of Renault group models.

These engines are perfectly suited to the criteria of cost, strength and ease of maintenance that are a hallmark of the Dacia range. Combined with Duster’s low weight, they ensure that Dacia’s newcomer returns low fuel consumption and boasts impressive ecological credentials, with the dCi diesel versions emitting less than 140g of CO2/km in 4×2 form (qualifying Duster for the Dacia eco² signature) and less than 150g of CO2/km in the case of the 4×4 versions.

Safety: an absolute priority

Dacia Duster benefits from Renault’s acclaimed expertise in the area of safety. The news 4×4 features Bosch 8.1 ABS, as well as EBV electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist. On the passive safety front, Dacia Duster comes as standard with two front airbags (depending on market) and three-point seat belts with load limiters for the front seats. Depending on version, two lateral head/thorax airbags are fitted in addition to the driver and passenger front airbags to provide additional protection in the case of side impact. Pyrotechnic pretensioners for the front seats (depending on version) complete Dacia Duster’s retention system. In addition to holding the thorax firmly in place, they limit forward body movement in the case of a frontal impact by tightening the belt around the thorax and the lap.

Dacia has chosen to base its challenge in the 2009/1010 Trophée Andros ice-racing season on the so-called ‘Silhouette’ category. All the circuits visited by the Trophée Andros put reliability to the ultimate test, and this will give Dacia a chance to showcase the fact that robustness forms an integral part of the brand’s DNA. The discipline also places a cap on excessively complex and costly technical solutions, while the chassis, gearbox and tyres, for example, are all carefully governed by the regulations, forcing teams to explore simple, ingenious solutions, an approach which totally fits the Dacia spirit.

Dacia’s newcomer will get its first taste of ice racing in the hands of Alain Prost, with the brand seeking to spring a surprise by using the campaign to premiere Dacia Duster, the lines of which preview the 4×4 model that is due to go on sale in 2010. Dacia Duster’s high body line and prominent wheel arches are clear pointers to its 4×4 credentials, while the bodywork of the competition version is perfectly suited to the specific demands of the Trophée Andros. The extensive front glazed surface area and the positioning of the windscreen pillars ensure outstanding forward and lateral visibility.

The Dacia brand has forged a reputation for challenging established thinking in the automotive world, delivering all the essentials… at just the right price.

The Trophée Andros stands out as one of motor sport’s most exacting disciplines. In ice racing, the track conditions can change very quickly as a result of prevailing weather conditions, and driving calls for precision, rigour and race-craft, three qualities which all come naturally to a champion of Alain Prost’s calibre. Speaking about his latest challenge, Alain Prost said, “I am delighted to be driving the Dacia Duster. 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.”

DACIA DUSTER PREPARED BY RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES
Over and above driver talent, the cars that contest the Trophée Andros undergo specific preparation.

The competition version of Dacia Duster has benefited extensively from the motorsport expertise of Renault Sport Technologies. Its glass-fibre body conceals a tubular chassis which houses a three-litre, 24-valve V6 engine from the Renault-Nissan Alliance range. This powerplant has been carefully tuned in order to optimise its performance potential at the high altitudes at which the races will be held. It delivers peak power of 350hp at 7,500rpm and maximum torque of 360Nm at 5,500rpm. The six-speed sequential gearbox ensures fast, precise gearshifts, even when drifting through corners at full speed. The mid-engined layout offers perfect weight distribution, whilst the low centre of gravity ensures enhanced control.
The double wishbone suspension and long-travel dampers have been specifically engineered to allow Dacia Duster to take in its stride the different conditions it will encounter during the Trophée Andros campaign. The competition version of Dacia Duster is equipped with limited slip differentials which are indispensable for the extreme conditions. This feature, which is also seen on other Renault Sport Technologies-developed competition and road cars, ensures efficient traction irrespective of the road surface, driving style or type of corner. The competition version of Dacia Duster also incorporates a four-wheel steering system for complete cornering control. This mechanical system links the front and rear wheels, and can be rapidly adjusted to meet the demands of each circuit.