Currently reading: Citroen DS3 R3 launched
Rally-spec Citroen DS3 to make its competition debut later this year

Citroen has revealed the first rally variant of its new DS3, the DS3 R3.

The Citroen DS3 R3, which meets Group R rally regulations, uses the same four-cylinder 1.6 THP petrol engine as the road car, but tuned to produce 210bhp and 258lb ft. These power and torque increases have been achieved by the addition of racing parts, including an air box, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods, exhaust and turbo systems and ECU.

See the official pics of the Citroen DS3 R3

It uses a six-speed sequential semi-automatic gearbox taken from the C4 WRC, which allows for gearshifts twice as fast as the six-speed manual version.

Other additions include a new rollcage, fire extinguisher and steel skidplate, as well as a new suspension system designed to "make full use of the Group R regulations".

The DS3 R3 has so far completed more than 10,000km of testing and will make its comeptition debut later this year. The DS3 will also form the basis of Citroen's new DS3 WRC car, due to make its debut in 2011.

See all the latest Citroen DS3 reviews, news and video

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Citroën focuses on design, comfort and infotainment for its new supermini

Add a comment…