Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[WSJ: Renault pondering return to North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/wsj-renault-pondering-return-to-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/wsj-renault-pondering-return-to-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/wsj-renault-pondering-return-to-north-america/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dacia Duster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault hasn't been in the US market since 1987, the year the Alliance and the Encore stopped trickling out of AMC factories. Few have missed the French automaker's presence since it left our shores, though many thought the doors would once again open to the land of opportunity once Nissan was in the fold. That hasn't happened so far, but a story in The Wall Street Journal shows that Renault is at least thinking about once again coming Stateside to sell cars and SUVs. Gerard Detourbet, head of Renault's entry-level vehicle division, told WSJ that the company is studying a move to North America, and the vehicle that could influence the decision is the low-cost Duster SUV.

The Duster, which for now is being build by Dacia in Romania, will eventually be sold as a Renault once production ramps up. If the apparently capable Duster is a success in emerging markets like South America and Eastern Europe, there could be a chance Renault would give the mini ute a chance in the U.S. But Detourbet reportedly doesn't see Renault entering the U.S. market with just one vehicle like it did with the Alliance in late 1982, instead favoring a family of affordable vehicles as the best approach. And with Renault's Logan line already established in many parts of the world, the budget-minded nameplate could be reworked for U.S. duty at some point in the future.

While it's nice to hear that Renault is at least considering a return to America, we're not all that hopeful that anything will happen within the next three to five years. Besides, once the Duster is retrofitted for U.S. duty it'll probably be heavier, more expensive and overwhelmingly diesel-less.


Gallery: Dacia Duster 4x4


[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub's Req'd]

WSJ: Renault pondering return to North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Dacia2010 Dacia Duster2010Dacia2010DaciaDusterdaciadacia CUVdacia dusterDacia SUVDaciaCuvDaciaDusterDaciaSuvdusterrenaultrenault allianceRenaultAllianceus marketUsMarketThu, 10 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Dacia shows off new production Duster 4x4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/dacia-shows-off-new-production-duster-4x4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/dacia-shows-off-new-production-duster-4x4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/dacia-shows-off-new-production-duster-4x4/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Dacia Duster - click above for high-res image gallery

You know what the problem with Autoblog is? Not enough Romanian cars! To rectify this hateful situation, we present to you the all-new Dacia Duster, a compact SUV that "rewrites the 4x4 rulebook." What that means is that in Europe, most SUVs are in fact soft roaders. Totally useless in the rough stuff despite their fancy all-wheel drive systems and too expensive for the majority of the people to purchase. The Duster, on the other hand, is going to cost little (hey, it's a Dacia!) yet be quite capable when the going gets rocky, muddy and/or roadless.

We've seen a tricked out, snow-racing version of the Dacia Duster before, but that's not the borscht and potatoes of the new Duster, so to speak. Designed primarily with emerging markets in mind (Russia, Turkey, Brazil, Maghreb), the Duster will also be badged as a Renault and sold in continental Europe. Never forget that it was Renault who helped Dacia to get off the ground in the mid-Sixties by handing over the tooling to the Renault 8, which reemerged as the Dacia 1100 (and the totally awesome 1100S).

Despite its cute-ute looks, Dacia is claiming that the Duster is the real, all-terrain deal. The stats seem to back that up: eight inches of ground clearance combined with 30 degree approach and 35 degree departure angles reminds us of ye olde Jeep Cherokee (hey, the old AMC-developed Cherokee had a lot of French in it). While missing the Cherokee's low gears, the Duster gets a three-stage transmission featuring an auto torque-split mode, lock and two wheel-drive. The tranny tech is actually sourced from Nissan (also owed by Renault) and it figures to work really well. in fact, there is some speculation that the Duster is based off Nissan's Qashqai. Also helpful is that the Duster weighs just 2,816 pounds in 4x4 guise (2,596 pounds as a 4x2). Then you factor in a torquey diesel power plant (105 horsepower, 266 pound-feet of torque) and you've got yourself quite an impressive bad road beasty.

Chances of us getting it here? Slimmer than none. First of all, whomever it is that still owns to rights to the Plymouth brand (Chrysler, Fiat, Daimler, the UAW, Obama?) would have nothing but dollar signs in their eyes if a Duster showed up. Then, of course, there's the undeniable fact that car makers have a sick aversion to giving us cheap, simple, rugged utilitarian diesel trucks. However, you're more than free to purchase an X5 xDrive35d from BMW, and soon you'll be able to buy a reworked Infiniti QX56 that halfway resembles a FX. Good stuff, right? We'll be getting a glimpse of the Duster up close and in the flesh come Geneva, but that'll be fleeting. Press release can be found after the jump.


Gallery: Dacia Duster 4x4


[Source: Dacia]

Continue reading Dacia shows off new production Duster 4x4

Dacia shows off new production Duster 4x4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Dacia Duster2010DaciaDusterDaciaDacia DusterDacia Duster 4x4DaciaDusterDaciaDuster4x4DusterNissanQashqaiRenaultRomaniaTue, 08 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/snow-drift-dacia-duster-debuts-for-trophee-andros-with-alain-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/snow-drift-dacia-duster-debuts-for-trophee-andros-with-alain-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/snow-drift-dacia-duster-debuts-for-trophee-andros-with-alain-pr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Dacia Duster Trophée Andros - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's set one thing straight here. The retirement of a leading Formula One driver is often portrayed as some sort of tragedy - for the driver himself especially. But the truth of the matter is that for a former World Champion, the world is his oyster. Retired F1 drivers can go on to compete in virtually any racing discipline they wish, with nothing to prove in the process. Of contemporary retired World Champions, Hakkinen and Rosberg went to DTM, Mansell took the Indy title, Lauda's training to become an astronaut and Villeneuve's gone...well, everywhere. But Alain Prost has gone another route entirely.

Having retired from F1 in 1994 after his fourth World Championship, Alain started his own team. Prost Grand Prix eventually folded in 2002, and the following year, the French driver began competing in the Trophée Andros. The most prominent ice racing series in the world, the Andros Trophy is held primarily in France where it draws some big names. World Touring Car Champion Yvan Muller won the Andros Trophy ten times, but in 2006 and 2007, Prost took the title twice in a row, driving a specially prepared Toyota Auris. This year, however, the quadruple F1 champion will be driving this: the new Dacia Duster.

Although a production version of the budget SUV won't be unveiled until Geneva in March - a year after the concept version debuted there - the Romanian subsidiary of French automaker Renault has given the world a sneak preview with this ice-racing version. Specially built by Renaultsport - the same outfit that fields single-seater formulae and makes all those wonderful hot hatches - the Duster ice racer packs Nissan's highly decorated VQ engine: a 3.0-liter 24-valve V6, mounted in the middle (that is, behind the driver) of a tubular chassis, driving 350 horsepower through a six-speed sequential gearbox to all four wheels via limited slip differential and a mechanical four-wheel-steering system. A fiberglass body helps keep weight down to just 2,100 lbs - the minimum allowed in the series - which should help Prost keep his competition on ice and keep Dacia fans (like Top Gear's James May) cool until the production version hits proper tarmac. Check out the full details in the press release after the jump and photos in our high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: Dacia Duster Trophée Andros


[Source: Dacia]

Continue reading Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost

Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alain prostAlainProstandrosandros trophyAndrosTrophydaciadacia dusterdacia duster andros trophyDacia Duster Trophée AndrosDaciaDusterDaciaDusterAndrosTrophyDaciaDusterTrophéeAndrosdusterF1F1 world championF1WorldChampionFormula OneFormula One World ChampionFormulaOneFormulaOneWorldChampionice racerice racingIceRacerIceRacingprostrenaultrenault dusterrenault sportRenaultDusterRenaultSportTrophée AndrosTrophéeAndrosWed, 18 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Production-ready Dacia crossover spotted?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/spy-shots-production-ready-dacia-crossover-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/spy-shots-production-ready-dacia-crossover-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/spy-shots-production-ready-dacia-crossover-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Spy shots of the 2010 Dacia crossover -- Click above for high-res image gallery

These are said to be pictures of Dacia's coming crossover, caught in a Dacia facility in Romania. Said to be based on the Nissan Qashqai platform and using four wheel drive tech from the Nissan X-Trail, this is another in a line of vehicles with which Dacia wants to take its brand to the world. Names mentioned include Duster and Steppe, and production plans call for one million units per year at a price of €12,000. It is expected to be officially unveiled at next year's Geneva Auto Show. You can have a closer look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below. Hat tip to Ironick


Gallery: Dacia CUV Spy Shots


[Source: Dacia Club via Automarket]

Spy Shots: Production-ready Dacia crossover spotted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 dacia cuv2010DaciaCuvcuvdaciadacia dusterDaciaDustergeneva motor showGenevaMotorShownissanrenaultspy shotsSpyShotsSun, 05 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Dacia could sell in UK after all... if Cash For Clunkers legislation passes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/dacia-could-sell-in-uk-after-all-if-cash-for-clunkers-legisla/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/dacia-could-sell-in-uk-after-all-if-cash-for-clunkers-legisla/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/dacia-could-sell-in-uk-after-all-if-cash-for-clunkers-legisla/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



If Britain follows Germany's lead and adopts a scrap-your-old-car incentive, it looks like the first company to pounce will could be Romania's Dacia. Renault, which owns Dacia, had planned to launch its brand in the U.K. last summer, but then backtracked.

Thankfully, the bargain brand's fortunes improved when Germany's car scrapping incentive took effect yielding an industry-wide 21 percent jump in February sales. But Dacia didn't just manage to achieve that increase, their sales mushroomed by something like 900 percent, going from less than 100 Logans per week to more than 1000.

According to Autocar, the company thinks it may be able to realize similar results if Britain, making outsized returns on its plucky, cheap-as-chips Sandero - but only if Britain's politicians green-light the initiative.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Dacia could sell in UK after all... if Cash For Clunkers legislation passes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingcar scrappingCarBuyingCarScrappingcash for clunkersCashForClunkersdaciadacia sanderoDaciaSanderoeconomy carEconomyCareuroeuropehatchbackrenaultsanderoukThu, 26 Mar 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Dacia Duster concept to spawn production model?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/rumormill-dacia-duster-concept-to-spawn-production-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/rumormill-dacia-duster-concept-to-spawn-production-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/rumormill-dacia-duster-concept-to-spawn-production-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Dacia Duster Concept

Say "Duster" to most auto enthusiasts and you're likely to conjure up images of 1970's Plymouth Valiant-based muscle cars, or perhaps the P-bodied Chrysler buzzbins of the Eighties. What doesn't usually come to mind is the very first concept car from the Romanian low-cost transportation experts at Dacia.

Initially shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, word from Autocar now suggests that a production version of the showcar is on the way. According to the UK publication, the Duster will hit the ground running at next year's Geneva show, and it will launch with a choice of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines, as well as available all-wheel drive.

Interestingly, Autocar suggests that the production crossover will likely retain the concept's trick reconfigurable seats, including a passenger seat that can slide under the driver's seat for extra room. Check out the jump a video that shows the Dacia's trick disappearing seat, as well as the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: Dacia Duster Concept


[Sources: Autocar; Dacia]

Continue reading Dacia Duster concept to spawn production model?

Dacia Duster concept to spawn production model? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept carConceptCarcrossoverDaciaGeneva 2009Geneva Motor ShowGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowRenaultsoftroaderMon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Preview: Dacia Duster concept first from low-cost brand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/geneva-preview-dacia-duster-concept-first-from-low-cost-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/geneva-preview-dacia-duster-concept-first-from-low-cost-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/geneva-preview-dacia-duster-concept-first-from-low-cost-brand/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Dacia Duster Concept

Renault's low cost Romanian brand, Dacia, will be unveiling its very first concept at the Geneva Motor Show this week. Called the Duster, the concept features a crossover-style body with some very interesting styling elements like headlights that trail off across the front fenders and rear tail-lights that stretch forward across a flying buttress of sheetmetal above the rear wheels. Kudos to Renault designers in Romania and France for penning such an interesting shape. Contained within is an equally useful interior with a neat modular trick: The front passenger seat slides underneath the driver's seat on rails, creating enough room to carry a mountain bike inside the car rather than on top of it. Of course, there are those concept car elements that have to be included like ridiculously large 21-inch wheels, an all-glass roof and rear-hinged back doors, but the Duster's powertrain is anything but fanciful. The concept is powered by Renault's 1.5L dCi four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 105 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Dacia says that's enough to push the Duster to 62 mph in 9.6 seconds while returning 44.4 mpg (U.S). Check out the official press release from Dacia after the jump, our high-res gallery of images below and keep an eye on our live coverage of the Geneva Motor Show by clicking here.

Gallery: Dacia Duster Concept


[Source: Dacia]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Dacia Duster concept first from low-cost brand

Geneva Preview: Dacia Duster concept first from low-cost brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daciadacia dusterdacia duster conceptDaciaDusterDaciaDusterConceptduster conceptDusterConceptgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowrenaultMon, 02 Mar 2009 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Dacia teases with new concept ahead of Geneva debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/dacia-teases-with-new-concept-ahead-of-geneva-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/dacia-teases-with-new-concept-ahead-of-geneva-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/dacia-teases-with-new-concept-ahead-of-geneva-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click on the image above to view a gallery of Dacia concept teasers

If Dacia has managed to establish a name for itself, it has been on no-frills, low-cost vehicles. But Renault's Romanian budget brand is preparing to unveil a new concept car at the Geneva Motor Show that looks poised to blow the doors off its lackluster image with some show-stopping forms.

The leaked teaser images shown here preview the new Dacia concept, but no details have emerged to go along with them. Although some sources suggest that Dacia is poised to launch a new crossover, big wheels on low-profile rubber sheltering Brembo calipers and the two-door format suggest a sportier model in the works. We'll be keeping our eyes open as we get closer to Geneva in March for more details on the shapely Dacia concept. In the meantime, we'll just have to ponder the renderings in the gallery below.

Gallery: Dacia concept teasers


[Source: Carscoop]

Dacia teases with new concept ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daciadacia by renaultdacia genevadacia geneva conceptDaciaByRenaultDaciaGenevaDaciaGenevaConceptgenevageneva auto salongeneva auto showgeneva motor showGenevaAutoSalonGenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShowrenault genevaRenaultGenevaThu, 05 Feb 2009 17:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault rolls out F1 edition Dacias in Brazil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/renault-rolls-out-f1-edition-dacias-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/renault-rolls-out-f1-edition-dacias-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/renault-rolls-out-f1-edition-dacias-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Gallery: Dacia Logan and Sandero F1 editions

[Source: Argentina Auto Blog (no relation)]

Renault rolls out F1 edition Dacias in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daciadacia brazildacia f1dacia logandacia sanderoDaciaBrazilDaciaF1DaciaLoganDaciaSanderorenaultrenault brazilrenault f1renault loganrenault sanderorenault sportRenaultBrazilRenaultF1RenaultLoganRenaultSanderoRenaultSportsao pauloSaoPauloFri, 24 Oct 2008 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/moscow-2008-preview-renault-symbol-thalia/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/moscow-2008-preview-renault-symbol-thalia/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/moscow-2008-preview-renault-symbol-thalia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click for a hi-res gallery of the Renault Symbol/Thesis

As Russia develops into an increasingly important market for many Asian and European carmakers, the Moscow Motor Show is becoming a more important venue. Alongside such new launches as the Lexus LS460 AWD, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Audi RS6 sedan, Renault will be unveiling a new version of its simple Symbol sedan. The car will be sold in such markets as Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, Turkey and North Africa, labeled alternatively as the Symbol or Thalia. The styling is rather uninspired, and the mechanics are nothing to write home about, with power anticipated to come from the same range as found in the new Dacia Logan unveiled by Renault's budget subsidiary just last month. Hard to believe we almost didn't notice this one.

You know the drill: Follow the jump to read the press release, and click on the thumbnails below to view the images in our high-resolution gallery.

Gallery: 2009 Renault Symbol

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia

Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clioclio sedanClioSedandaciadacia russiaDaciaRussiamoscowmoscow auto showmoscow motor showmoscow showMoscowAutoShowMoscowMotorShowMoscowShowrenaultrenault cliorenault clio sedanrenault moscow motor showrenault russiarenault symbolrenault thaliaRenaultClioRenaultClioSedanRenaultMoscowMotorShowRenaultRussiaRenaultSymbolRenaultThaliasymbolthaliaThu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Dacia Logan 4x4 knows no fear]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/spy-shots-dacia-logan-4x4-knows-no-fear/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/spy-shots-dacia-logan-4x4-knows-no-fear/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/spy-shots-dacia-logan-4x4-knows-no-fear/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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]

Spy Shots: Dacia Logan 4x4 knows no fear originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daciadacia logandacia logan 4x4dacia logan sedandacia logan suvdacia-logandacialoganDaciaLogan4x4DaciaLoganSedanDaciaLoganSuvlogan suvLoganSuvWed, 16 Apr 2008 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Transylvania: The Dracula Logan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/big-in-transylvania-the-dracula-logan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/big-in-transylvania-the-dracula-logan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/big-in-transylvania-the-dracula-logan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Gallery: Dracula Logan


[Source: The Car Fanatic]

Big in Transylvania: The Dracula Logan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daciadacia loganDaciaLogandraculadracula loganDraculaLoganWed, 27 Feb 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Racecar for the Masses: Dacia Logan Cup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/14/racecar-for-the-masses-dacia-logan-cup/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/14/racecar-for-the-masses-dacia-logan-cup/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/14/racecar-for-the-masses-dacia-logan-cup/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the pic above for more images

Want a cheap racing car? Using one of the cheapest cars on the market would be a good place to start. That's the idea behind the Dacia Logan Cup, a series of racing mods available for the budget automobile.

The Logan Cup clearly draws on the expertise from its parent company's in-house motorsports and tuning shop Renaultsport, applying the same formula used on hot versions of the Clio and Megane, but to a much smaller scale. The Dacia Cup is available in three different versions for track, road rally and off-road rally racing. The running gear remains stock to keep the ease and cost of acquisition and servicing down to a bare minimum. Depending on the version, the Logan Cup is then fitted with all manner of racing-spec equipment from roll cage to Bilstein shocks and from rear wing to racing harness.

The packages will be available from Renault and Dacia dealerships wherever Logans are sold - that counts out the American market, for one - and can be used in a variety of low-level racing series, and the manufacturer is organizing regional one-make racing series around the world. The idea is so simple, it just might work.

Check out logan-cup.com for more info and gallery below for more small pics of the small racing car.

Gallery: Dacia Logan Cup

Racecar for the Masses: Dacia Logan Cup originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cupdacialoganrenaultsportSun, 14 Oct 2007 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheaper by the Dozen: the race for the $3000 car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/cheaper-by-the-dozen-the-race-for-the-3000-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/cheaper-by-the-dozen-the-race-for-the-3000-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/cheaper-by-the-dozen-the-race-for-the-3000-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Reporting on one luxury car hitting the market after another and a seemingly endless race for the latest in technological breakthroughs, it seems hard to believe, but the fiercest competition in the automotive industry is emerging in the ultra-low cost segment. As markets like India and China continue to develop, their billions of citizens are moving up from bicycles and scooters to low-cost cars, and the sticker prices keep getting lower and lower.

Four years ago, India-based Tata Motors vowed to make a car which will sell for $2500. It seemed like a joke at the time, but that car is almost ready to hit the market, and the competitors are getting ready to put up a fight. With its bare-bones Logan sedan, Renault has the leg up on other automakers including Toyota, Volkswagen, Fiat, PSA and GM Daewoo, which are all preparing to get in on the low-cost market.

Carmakers are keeping costs down by developing the cars in India, and though the profit margins are dramatically lower than in premium segments, the companies are clamoring to establish their footholds in the emerging markets and hope that the volume will make it all worthwhile.

While the ultra-affordable subcompacts are being designed with developing countries in mind, automakers are surprised to find their no-frills offerings are being received well even in Europe, where customers see the savings as a worthwhile alternative to spending thousands more on higher-priced cars. Standard safety features and emissions control mean that a car that would cost $3000 in India costs $6-7000 in a Western country, but even at those prices the cheap imports undercut anything else on the market by thousands. It's being hailed as an impending revolution in the automotive industry every bit as pivotal as was the Ford Model T.

[Source: Business Week]

Cheaper by the Dozen: the race for the $3000 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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