The concept car was unveiled at the Paris Auto Show and promises to become the first hybrid WRC car. The novelty about this model consists of its new kinetic energy recovery system, which enables the driver to benefit from more engine performance as well as lower emissions.
The system is similar to the one planned to be used in F1 cars next year, which turns the kinetic energy from braking into electric power. This, in turn powers an electric engine that can be used by the driver as a boost of speed. In smaller cars, this motor can be used to power the entire vehicle, resulting in 0 emissions and no engine noise.
The reps over at Citroen claim this system affords the car 40km more range and 30% less emissions as well as increased torque. It's composed of a 125kW electric motor that also acts as a generator and is connected to the rear differential. The other part of the system is a 990-cel lithium-ion battery pack that sits over the fuel tank. Both of these components use a cooling radiator, positioned under the right-hand side of the car floor.
The driver can select out of 4 running modes, including an internal combustion engine only mode and “boost” mode. This boost is actually made up of 300Mn of torque for a short time. The good people over at Citroen said that this concept underpins the brand's policy to conceive very high performance cars with respect for the environment and is the first step prior to other developments which will be guided by future evolutions to the FIA regulations”.
No word yet if it will be used on the circuit, but it's safe to assume that many of the other car makers will be quick to follow in this direction.
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