Launched in April 2010, the sixth vehicle in Dacia's line-up, the Duster
off-roader, has become the star of the brand's motorsport activities, taking
part in competitions like France's Trophée Andros ice-racing series with Alain
Prost (two runner-up titles), the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles and, very soon, the
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
Dacia Duster 'No Limit' is an
exceptional, extremely powerful car. It was purpose built by teams from Tork Engineering (design, production, assembly,
development) and Sodemo (engine), in association with Renault Sport
Technologies, which brought its unique motorsport expertise to the table, as
well as the supply of certain components.
Dacia Duster 'No Limit'
complies with the specific regulations of the American competition's 'Unlimited'
class which sets no upper limit on the size or power output of the engine. There
is no minimum weight, any tires may be used and there are no restrictions
concerning either the transmission system or aerodynamics.
Beneath its
glass-fiber outer skin, Dacia Duster 'No Limit' conceals a number of
sophisticated features, including a powerful 850 hp engine. Specially built by
Sodemo and based on the Nissan GT-R's Nissan VR 38 DETT block (3.8-liter V6),
the powerplant of Dacia Duster 'No Limit' has been tuned to deliver maximum
performance despite the high altitudes visited by the course which starts at
2,860 meters and finishes at 4,300 meters.
The engine is mated to a
sequential six-speed Sadev box specially developed to cope with so much power,
while at the same time ensuring quick, precise gearshifts.
The sort of
aerodynamic package featured on Dacia Duster 'No Limit' is of a sort that is
rarely authorized in motorsport. It was developed in the wind tunnel and the
rear wings are especially impressive.
The Colorado-based event calls for
impeccable traction, despite the fact that grip varies as the
half-asphalt/half-dirt course surfaces switches from one type of surface to the
other. Only professional drivers with experience of circuit racing and competing
on loose surfaces (gravel, ice) can hope to figure at the top of the order.
