Next year will be a good time to follow the World Rally Championship (WRC). Not only is Toyota rejoining the series, but 2017’s regulations will turn an everyday supermini into a 380hp pocket-rocket.
Multiple WRC champion, Citroen, became the earliest manufacturer to reveal its machine, the Citroen C3 WRC Concept car. The French company has had enough of losing to the current and undisputed champion, Volkswagen Polo WRC, and have vowed to come back stronger than ever to dethrone the German champions.
This WRC concept car is modelled after the newly launched C3, but Citroen says the pictures here will most likely be how the actual car will officially look like. This includes a dramatic aerodynamic makeover, consisting of humongous wheel arches, rear wing and an aggressive front and rear diffuser.
The rally car is powered by a 380 hp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with power being delivered to all wheels. It makes an extra 80 hp over its predecessor, thanks to a larger diameter (36mm) turbocharger. An electronic differential control unit is also permitted for use in the coming seasons. It’s not just more powerful, but the car now weighs 25kg less as well.
The car will be previewed at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, together with British lead drivers Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle. Joining the French in the title pursuit are Hyundai, Ford, Toyota, and of course Volkswagen. Citroen is one of WRC’s most successful manufacturers with 94 victories and eight constructors’ titles, the bulk of which is contributed by none other than the rally legend Sebastien Loeb himself.
IMAGE GALLERY
