#parismotorshow The Citroen DS3 WRC was the third rally car unveiled here in Paris. Like the Fiesta and Mini Countryman WRC cars, it will use a a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder. Citroen rates the DS3 WRC's motor at 300 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. It's hooked to a Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox that drives all four wheels. Sebastian Loeb can manually control the center differential, while the front and rear differentials are said to be auto-locking. Surely, though, Loeb has some say over just how auto they are.
Suspension consists of struts at all four corners with adjustable dampers. Brakes consist of 14-inch ventilated front discs and 11.8-inch ventilated rear discs, each with a four-piston caliper. Steering remains hydraulic-assist.
Switching to the DS3 WRC will be a transition of sorts, even, we suppose, for an extraordinarily talented driver like Loeb. The DS3 is a more compact car than his C4, but the WRC has imposed various new restrictions to reduce costs. Exotic materials like carbon-fiber and titanium are no longer allowed, for example, and the turbocharger design has been standardized.
Citroen has a "4D Experience" room next to the DS3 WRC so you can go for one last ride in the C4 with Loeb. When a staffer thrust a pair of 3D glasses into our hand, we followed the herd. Stuffing ourselves into one of 15 or so co-driver chairs, we realized we've eaten too many baguettes since arriving in Paris. The ride provided authentic blasts of heat from the other side of the firewall, along with real sprays of water as Loeb got it sideways through puddles -- it was a gravel stage.
dougtheeng says:
07:20 AM, 10/ 1/10
I love it. I wish we had more cool looking euro hatches here in Canada :(
kyolml says:
10:05 PM, 10/ 1/10
the problem about WRC is there is only TWO brands!!
Not many drivers selections, and the cars look less and less exotic.