The Citroen DS3 Racing edition is a limited run model of only 1000 units to be produced that will get unveiled next month at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.
The Citroen DS3 Racing edition features various carbon trimmed elements and motorsports equipment while the 1.6-litre THP 150 engine from under the bonnet has been optimized and is now spitting out 200 horsepower and 275 Nm of torque.
The extra power imposed a series of other improvements for the Citroen DS3 Racing edition, like the stiffer, 15mm lowered suspension, the more precise steering, the 30 mm wider front and rear tracks or the new high performance braking system.
At the rear the Citroen DS3 Racing edition received a special tail pipe and muffler and as far as appearance the French hatch received a number of unique features both exterior and interior that match the vehicle’s sporty character.
The Citroen DS3 Racing price was not announced.
Citroen press release :
Citroën is unleashing a hot new DS3 at the Geneva Motor Show – the limited edition 200hp DS3 Racing.
Developed by Citroën Racing – the winning team behind five WRC
manufacturer’s titles and six driver’s titles for Sébastien Loeb and
Daniel Elena – DS3 Racing is a special edition with a 100% sporting
pedigree. Planned for the second half of 2010, the exclusive DS3
Racing will be limited to just 1000 production units.
With integrated carbon-trimmed components and specialist motorsports
equipment, DS3 Racing’s tuned and turbo-charged 1.6-litre THP 150
engine develops 200hp – a power increase of almost 30% over the
standard unit – with a torque increase of 15% from 240Nm to 275Nm.
To achieve the additional power output, from 156hp to 200hp, Citroën
Racing’s engineers modified and optimised the powertrain components,
tuned the performance of the turbo and adjusted the mapping of the
engine control unit. A special tail pipe and muffler were also added.
Allowing DS3 Racing to stick to the road, the car has undergone some
significant sporting enhancements. The steering has been made even
more precise, with the control system modified for the new tyres. The
fitment of stiffer suspension springs, adapted front and rear shock
absorbers (to handle the increased power), and the widening of the
front and rear tracks by 30mm – plus lowering the car by 15mm – all
dramatically change the driving dynamics.
These important developments reinforce both the stability and
dynamic control of the car, and enhance the feedback between the road
and the driver.
The braking system has also been up-rated to ensure control over the
car’s additional horsepower. The front wheels get 4-piston racing
callipers and special disc-brakes – with drilled discs at the rear.
For enhanced control, the ESP has been adapted to complement the
sportier handling, but can be disengaged according to the driver’s
preference.
In addition to the distinctive, radical styling of DS3, the new
Racing edition inherits Citroën Racing’s expertise in motorsport design
to provide advanced technological and stylistic sporting prowess.
The preview model, to be presented at Geneva, is in a special livery
and features sporty ‘DS3’, ‘Citroën Racing’ and chequered flag graphics
on the roof, in front of the rear wheel arches, under the side mirrors
and next to the fuel cap.
Measuring 3.94m long, DS3 Racing’s dark grey body is tastefully
contrasted with a vibrant, bright orange-coloured roof, side mirrors
and brake callipers. The alloy wheels and front grille surround – with
integrated chevrons – are finished in orange chrome.
A sporty carbon finish is used around the front bumper, lower body
trim and wing extensions, whilst large 18” alloy wheels, chrome door
handles and even a chrome-finished exhaust complete the dynamic styling.
Inside the cabin, smart carbon trim adorns the dashboard, centre
console, steering wheel embellisher, armrests and door side mouldings.
The vibrant orange bodywork and decals continue into the cabin with
the glossy strip of the dash, gear stick and gear stick surround
finished in the same bright tone. The sporty, figure-hugging seats are
also touched with orange elements and are embossed with ‘Citroën
Racing’.
A DS3 Racing signature on the rear tailgate and an individually
numbered identification plate fixed to the roof-lining further confirm
the model’s exclusivity.
On the road, DS3 Racing’s WRC pedigree is evident. Benefiting from
Citroën’s extensive knowledge of racing dynamics, a carbon-finished air
diffuser stabilises the car at high speeds, whilst the chassis and
suspension have been adapted to provide even more precision, control,
sportier handling and swifter cornering.
Based on the existing DSport powered by the THP 150, production
Citroën DS3 Racing editions will be finished in a special workshop and
fitted with a parts kit developed according to Citroën Racing
specifications.
