Citroën previewing WRC return

After a sabbatical year in which the brand focused on designing and developping the 2017 car, Citroën will be making its comeback to World Rally Championship with a new set of regulations which allow more aggressive aerodynamics and more powerful engines. 

 

The new C3 WRC for the 2017 season has a more curved and muscular design than its predecessor DS3 WRCDS DS3 WRCFrance, 2010 > present10 photos
. In terms of dimensions it has grown in length by 55mm to 4150mm and to 1875mm of width. The larger wheel arches are responsible for most of this growth. Because aerodynamic are becoming less restrictive for 2017, Citroën was able to add a more proeminent front bumped and a larger front spoiler. A bigger fixed rear wing has been placed as far back as possible to match the additional front downforce and maximize the aerodynamic effect.

 

The C3 WRC will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 380hp, making it 80hp more powerful than the previous WRC car from Citroën. Its power increase is mostly responsability of the larger 36mm restrictor, complying with championship’s new engine regulations. Citroën still managed to cut weight on the WRC challenger, 25kg less than the 2015 car, with a total of 1175kg.

 

Until the end of the year the French brand will be developing the C3 WRC so several changes may still happen. The concept shown in Paris is the starting point of the new car that will make its debut in 2017 at the Monte Carlo Rally. The new C3 WRC will have to compete with the new challengers from VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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, HyundaiHyundaiRepublic of Korea, 1967 > present79 models
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, M-Sport and ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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.

 

Citroën is still one of the most successful makes in WRC history, winning a total of 94 races and eight constructors titles, just behind Lancia. Most of its wins came from 2004 onwards when the team dominated the sport with a big help from Sebastian Loeb.

 

Britain's Kris Meeke is helping Citroën with the development of the new C3 WRC and will be the team's lead driver for the 2017 season alongside co-driver Paul Nagle.