DS3 WRC: Citroën’s challenger to keep winning

Citroën has unveiled in Paris its new DS3 WRC, the car that will be racing in the 2011 season of FIA’s World Rally Championship. The new WRC car from Citroën is compliant to the new regulations created by FIA for the new rally season.

Based on the DS3 production model the body shell of DS3 WRC has been modified to adapt the four-wheel drive transmission and the McPherson-strut suspension system. A roll cage guarantees the safety of the driver pair and enhances the sturdiness of the car.

The body of the WRC version of the DS3 has accentuated the curves of the original model, after fine-tuning during extensive wind tunnel testing. In order to respect the new maximum authorised width of 1,820mm and to accommodate the 18-inch wheels, the wings and the bumpers have been redesigned. Other changes include an aerodynamic splitter in on the front bumper and a rear spoiler has been attached to the tailgate.

The DS3 WRC is the first car produced under the new regulations from FIA, which have lead to a revolution under the vehicle’s bonnet. The new Citroën rally challenger will be powered by a 1600cc turbocharged direct injection engine. With the a direct injection engine making its first appearance at this level of motorsport, it will offer new possibilities for the development of racing engines, especially in terms of fuel consumption. Developed and built by Citroën Racing the new engine has an output of 300 bhp.

The engine is matted with six-speed sequential gearbox coupled with front and rear differentials, certified and supplied by Sadev. FIA has also defined the characteristics (dimensions, weight, price, etc.) of the car’s main components in order to reduce and control the costs. Citroën Racing and Sadev’s engineers focused to maximise performance and reliability, always having in mind the new restrictions.

When the DS3 WRC debuts racing he will become in charge of adding more titles and race wins to the large collection already gathered by the Xsara and C4 WRC.