Citroen DS3 R3 Is Ready to Race

A new kit for the latest addition to the French brand’s lineup, the DS3, has been announced by Citroen Racing today. Dubbed DS3 R3, the model is set to make its rallying debut at the end of 2010. This version complies FIA’s new Group R3T regulations, and along with keeping the same structural design and appearance as the production model, it has been added a welded, multi-point roll cage.

The intake and exhaust manifolds, turbocharger, injectors and injection pumps are identical to those used on production models, but the exhaust and turbocharger systems are specific racing parts.

Powering the DS3 R3 is a four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP (high pressure turbo) engine with specific racing parts that raise the output to 210 bhp. Moreover, the engine’s torque was also increased to improve traction, now rated at 350 Nm.

All this amount of power is transmitted to the road via a six-speed gearbox with semi-automatic sequential control. Citroen Racing also reveals there are a wide variety of setup options available that enable the DS3 R3 to be adapted to all driving styles.

In order to improve weight distribution, the battery and automatic fire extinguisher are positioned behind the seats. A steel skidplate protects the underside of the engine and lowers its centre of gravity.

The DS3 R3 covered over 10,000km in development testing on different types of road surfaces and with several drivers involved in the process. “All of the drivers agreed that the car was easy to drive and highlighted three strengths: the torque of the 1.6-litre engine, the semi-automatic gearbox and the suspension,” a company statement reads.