This is the Citroen DS3 rally car, which is expected to be Citroen’s next WRC challenger from 2011.
These DS3 spy pictures, taken in France, show the car Citroen will use to replace the C4 to coincide with the FIA changing the WRC rules to reduce costs.
See the hi-res Citroen DS3 rally car spy pics
The rally homologated DS3 will use a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine in accordance with the new R3 regulations. The model spied here shows several changes over the standard road car, which was officially launched at the Frankfurt motor show.
The lightly-disguised Citroen DS3 gets a stripped out interior and roll cage, while new air intakes feature in the roof and the bonnet. Rally-spec alloy wheels and tyres also feature on the car used in the dry asphalt test.
The driver behind the wheel is believed to be Citroen’s junior driver Sebastien Ogier. Sebastien Loeb has yet to commit himself to the team for 2010, but he hinted he would stay on with the team in an interview with Motorsport News about the DS3.
“I sat in the car to check out the seating position,” he said. "It was just a body but it was beautiful like the standard road car. I'm excited to drive it for the first time. It is short and wide and that will make it fun to drive. The 1600cc turbo will give it enough power though there will be less torque.”
“It is motivating to have another new challenge and to develop a new car."
Pictures: Racingpassion
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Re: Citroen DS3 rally car spied
Let's just hope this time they produce a road going version with a tangable link to the rally car, so at least they can capitalised on their motorsport involvement.
With various world championships won with the C4, they definitely missed out not doing a decent warm version of that car.
Re: Citroen DS3 rally car spied
This car looks so much better than the 'standard' DS3.
To my mind, removing all the bling, and keeping to one colour scheme improves it greatly - you can actually see the design. Why doesn't Citroen just produce a 3 door C3, like this, and forget about the DS3 (or at least some up with something better for the DS model)?