Autoblog

Click above to view more of the Dacia Sandero F1 edition

Oh, this is just precious. We have no problem with Renaultsport rolling out F1-themed versions of its hot hatches because, well, they're pretty hot. Some of the hottest hatches around, actually, it's worth re-iterating. But we can't help but feel this is pushing things a little too far.

Renault's Dacia division is supposed to be a budget-oriented, no frills sub-brand. And while F1 may be working on the budget orientation, spec'ing out some low-cost econo-boxes with go-fast bits is a little much. But that's what they're doing at the Sao Paulo auto show soon to kick off in Brazil. To compound the issue, the pair of F1 Team editions of the Dacia Sandero and Dacia Logan receive no mechanical upgrades whatsoever, just a fresh coat of paint and some decals. So while American driving enthusiasts may look longingly at F1 Team editions of the Clio and Megane, this is one we can do without.

[Source: Argentina Auto Blog (no relation)]

Click above for high-res gallery of the Dacia New Logan

Hot on the heels of the new Sandero five-door hatch, Dacia has unveiled a redesign of the cheap, little car that started it all for the offshoot of Renault, the Logan. Now dubbed the New Logan, Dacia's inexpensive four-door economy car gets spruced up on the outside with a new front fascia inspired by the Sandero, as well as additional chrome brightwork on some models. While just an evolutionary upgrade of the Logan's original four-year-old design, the mid-cycle refresh is well timed as the Logan line has now grown to include a pickup and now a hatchback. The interior has also been upgraded to include the new dash introduced in the Sandero, and we expect the new looks inside and out to make their way to the Logan Pickup, as well. There aren't really any mechanical upgrades of note, except the inclusion of the Sandero's new Emergency Brake Assist function, but what do you expect for a base price of €7,400?

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

The Dacia Logan is the Go Go Gadget economy car of Eastern Europe. First there was the Logan, then there was the Logan race car, then there was the Logan pickup, and next up is the Dacia 4x4. It has the mien of a scrappy little guy who'll take on anyone and anything. If it could talk, it would say "Yeah?! Who wants some?!" in Romanian.

The pictured car, though, is merely a mule. The finished product is expected to look much more... finished. Even so, it'll be a tiny little thing riding sky high on little wheels, but we don't doubt it will look pretty cool (Lada Niva, anyone?). Although if you were thinking about getting a Dacia off-roader for your jaunts around the Transylvanian hinterlands, the spy shooter cautions "It's not going be the safest and best looking SUV out there, but it will sure be the cheapest."

[Source: Winding Road]

Click photo for a gallery of the Dacia Dracula Logan

Who knew the Prince of Darkness was into Eastern European econocars? After all, he is immortal, so you'd think he'd want something that'd probably last him a little longer than a Dacia Logan. Then again, Transylvania was part of Dacia in ancient times, so maybe this is how he cheekily shows his sense of nostalgia. In any case, there's no accounting for personal taste, and from the looks of things, Dracula's is pretty bad. Look at those airbrushed scenes on the bodywork; the wall-to-wall Alcantara interior; the red LED "starlight" headliner; the custom "Dracula" badging; the coffin-shaped amp housings; the 8-million-speaker audio system -- clearly, this was a project he eagerly sunk his teeth into. From the looks of things, chicks dig it, too. At least until he sinks his teeth into them. Still, the thought of eternal life with a Dacia Logan -- particularly this one -- makes a stake through the heart seem like a pretty good option.


[Source: The Car Fanatic]

As Toyota continues on its quest for global automotive market domination, we receive word today courtesy of AFP that the Japanese automaker will target emerging auto markets with a super-inexpensive new automobile. With eyes on places like China and Russia, Toyota has stated that it will re-examine every single part of its
production process in the interest of cutting costs across-the-board. They even went so far as to say they would come up with new low-cost materials if necessary.

The vehicle Toyota has called out is the Renault/Dacia Logan, which starts at around €5,000. Look for Toyota's car to offer equal (or better) equipment levels for the same price or less whenever it arrives.

Thanks for the tip, Vinny!

[Source: AFP/Breitbart]