The new DS3 WRC features a 1.6 liter turbocharged direct-injection engine that produces 300 bhp (224 kW/304PS) and a maximum torque output of 350 Nm at 3250 rpm.
Citroen Racing’s new DS3 WRC rally vehicle has been unveiled for the 2011 season.
The FIA 2011 World Rally Championship-compliant DS3 has a 1.6 liter turbocharged, direct-injection petrol/gasoline engine that produces 300 bhp (224 kW/304 PS) with a maximum torque output of 350 Nm at 3,250 rpm.
The shell of the production DS3 DS3 model is used to build the DS3 WRC. This car is a racer, and the technology is different than the production model. The DS3 WRC has a roll cage extension structure that can hold over 40m of steel tubes. It is a four-wheel drive.
2011 changes include an aerodynamic splitter on the front bumper and a rear spoiler to protect the tail. Citroen Racing has the ability to adjust the wings and bumpers to accommodate the 18-inch wheels (for tarmac configuration), the maximum width allowed.
Brakes are equipped with water-cooled 4-piston brakes with 355mm ventilated discs at the front (300 mm for gravel) and ventilated 300mm disks at the rear.
The DS3 WRC has a six-speed sequential gearbox that is coupled to the front differential in an aluminum housing. A longitudinal drive shaft feeds energy back to the rear wheels via a longitudinal drive shaft. The FIA has now banned central differentials. Instead, the DS3 WRC uses a hydraulic hand brake to disconnect the rear wheels. The DS3 WRC features a coupling between the transmission tunnel and the rear differential.
Citroen drivers Philippe Bugalski and Sebastien Loeb, Dani Sordo, and Sebastien Obier all contributed to the development of this new DS3 WRC.
The Rally Sweden will be the DS3 WRC’s debut race at the Rally Sweden, which takes place from February 10-13 2011.