The term 'Dauphine' is a reference to the Renault Dauphine, a small family car produced by the French automaker Renault from 1956 to 1967. It was the first model of the Renault 8 line and was one of the most popular cars in France during its production run. The Dauphine was known for its simple design, low cost, and reliable performance. It was also the first mass-produced car to feature a front-wheel drive system.