The 2011 World Rally challenger, the 2011 Citroen DS3 WRC has just been unveiled, with public debut taking place at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.
If we compare it to its predecessor, the 2011 Citroen DS3 WRC is more compact, with improved aerodynamics and a 1.6-litre direct-injection engine under its bonnet, delivering 300 HP.
Power is sent to all four wheels via a 6-speed sequential gearbox, plus the 2011 Citroen DS3 WRC features front and rear mechanical differentials.
The first stage in which the 2011 Citroen DS3 WRC will compete will be the Sweden Rally in February, and the two teams to participate are Sebastien Loeb / Daniel Elena and Sebastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia.
Citroen press release :
Citroën is unleashing an all-new contender for the 2011 World Rally Championship – the Citroën DS3 WRC. The hotly anticipated replacement for the multi-championship winning C4 WRC will make its global public debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.
Aggressive, dynamic and packed with ‘Créative Technologie’, the DS3 WRC represents the efforts of Citroën Racing to push performance to the limit during its development, whilst complying with the new FIA regulations. After five WRC manufacturer’s and six consecutive driver’s titles for Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, Citroën is out to extend its run of success with the DS3 WRC.
More compact than its predecessor, the Citroën DS3 WRC boasts the same powerful lines as the production DS3, although they are emphasised by the cooling vents and aerodynamic parts designed to improve road holding at high speeds. Under the bonnet, the 300hp 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine was conceived from start to finish by Citroën Racing. The four-wheel-drive transmission incorporates a six-gear sequential gearbox and front and rear mechanical differentials.
DS3 WRC is designed to limit the budgets required to compete in the WRC. The new FIA rules ban costly materials such as titanium and carbon-fibre, and standardise certain parts like the turbocharger and limit the changes that can be made to the vehicle during its lifetime. Rally nevertheless remains a great testing ground for driving new advances in vehicle technology.
The icy stages of Rally Sweden in February 2011 are expected to give the model its first taste of competitive action. Two teams – Sébastien Loeb / Daniel Elena and Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia – have already been confirmed for the 2011 World Rally Championship.
