The 2016 Dakar Rally marks the fourth attempt by the Renault Duster Dakar Team, who are hoping to build on previous attempts to finish in the top-10.
The team will field two cars, headed by drivers Emilio Spartaro and Christian Lavieille.
The Renault Duster Dakar shares very little with the production car that is built in conjunction with Dacia.
For 2016 the Duster Dakar has not only gone on a diet, but has gained a little more oomph with a Renault-Nissan Alliance sourced VK-50 V8 that now pushes out 288 kW.
Recent months have been spent providing in-depth training to the 30 mechanics, technicians and engineers who will care for the two Dusters during January’s rally. Work has also gone into consolidating the team’s logistics to ensure the effort runs smoothly.
To coincide with the 2016 Dakar, Renault has introduced the new limited-edition Renault Duster Dakar which we sadly won’t be getting down under.
Based on the model’s Dynamique equipment level, it incorporates a number of embellishments to underline the model’s sporty look.
The Renault Duster Dakar road car sits on exclusive, black, 26-inch diamond-effect wheels, while the ‘Dakar Spirit’ badging and ‘Dakar’ logo sits visibly on the sills and beneath the door mirrors respectively. While it’s got the badges it certainly won’t be hitting gravel roads in anger like its thoroughbred rallying sibling.
The first stage of the 2016 Dakar kicks off on January 3rd and promises as always to be an extremely challenging marathon weeding out the weak as it winds its way through Argentina and Bolivia.
For those wanting to watch the action Sky TV has the screening rights for the rally in New Zealand.
