Renault’s Romania-based Dacia division has published a collage made of four teaser images that previews the Duster De’tour concept that will bow at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in less than a week.

Based on the facelifted Duster SUV that debuted in Frankfurt last month, the Duster De’tour will adopt a more rugged appearance inspired by the Dakar Rally.  The teaser images hint the SUV will feature an orange and black two-tone paint job, LED lighting on both ends, a more aggressive front bumper that incorporates a pair of fog lights and bespoke alloy wheels mounted on high-profile tires.

Renault has not announced if the upcoming show car will gain interior or mechanical modifications.

The concept’s purpose remains an enigma.  Although pure speculation at this point, it could hint at a limited-edition model similar to the Europe-only Duster Adventure that will go on sale on the South African market (where the Duster is sold with a Renault emblem), or it could announce the Romanian automaker’s entry into the grueling Dakar rally that will kick off on January 5th, 2014, in Rosario, Argentina.

A full set of details about the Dacia Duster De’tour concept will be available in the days leading up to its debut in the capital of South Africa. <![CDATA[
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BMW has introduced the 2014 4-Series Convertible ahead of its public debut at next month’s Los Angeles Motor Show.

Longer, lower and wider than the outgoing 3-Series Convertible, the 4-Series Convertible is essentially identical to the recently introduced 4-Series coupe from the rocker panels up to the belt line.  Above that, it gains a three-piece retractable hard top that electronically opens or closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 11 mph.  The hard top provides a quieter ride and better all-weather insulation than a fabric top while giving the 4-Series a coupe-like silhouette when closed.  

Carried over from the 4-Series coupe, the Convertible’s dashboard is characterized by a simple instrument cluster with four analog gauges, driver-focused controls on the center stack and top of the line materials.  A high-resolution 6.5-inch screen mounted on top of the dash displays connectivity, entertainment and navigation (when equipped) information.  It is controlled via BMW’s iDrive knob but buttons on the center stack and a voice command function give the driver alternate means of accessing information.

The topless 4-Series boasts 13 cubic feet of trunk space with the top up and 7.8 with the top down.

Like its coupe sibling, BMW’s latest convertible is offered in three design lines: Sport, Luxury and M Sport.  Each line adds bespoke trim materials and colors, unique wheels and chrome accents all around, while the M Sport pushes the envelope by adding a discreet aerodynamic body kit, beefier brakes and a stiffer suspension.

In the United States, BMW will offer the 4-Series convertible as the 428i and the 435i.  The 428i is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower at 5,000 rpms and 255 lb-ft. of torque from just 1,250 rpms.  It sends the convertible from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph.

The more expensive 435i uses a 3.0-liter straight-six mill that churns out 300 horsepower at 5,800 rpms and 300 lb-ft. of torque from just 1,200 rpms.  The straight-six enables the 435i to reach 60 mph from a stop in about 5.5 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

Both engines send power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.  A manual transmission is not offered on either model, but the 428i can be ordered with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system at an extra cost.

Following its debut in Los Angeles, the 2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible will go on sale in the United States in the first quarter of next year.  The 428i will cost $49,675 while the 435i will retail for $55,825.  Both prices include a $925 destination charge.<![CDATA[
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