*NOW UPDATED WITH VIDEO* Citroen launches its 2017 C3 WRC Concept ahead of its World Rally Championship return
Good news for Citroen rally fans, since the French firm has just dropped images and a launch video of its new-for-2017 World Rally Championship in action.
The new C3 WRC is set to make its global debut at next week’s Paris Motor Show, but though Citroen’s testing schedule continues in Portugal, the concept will not turn its first competitive wheel in anger until the 2017 season opening Monte Carlo Rally in January. The event will mark Citroen’s return to WRC action after a one-year hiatus as a works outfit.
The 2017 season will also see the introduction of new technical regulations, including a power hike of 80bhp to 380bhp for the 1.6-litre turbocharged engines thanks to a larger 36mm turbo restrictor, weight reduction by 25kg, and a new aerodynamics package, including a larger rear wing, larger overhangs front and rear, and increased width by 55mm. Built on the new road-going C3, the C3 WRC is ‘already almost there’ in accordance. Oh, and the curious cats amongst you may like to know those yellow carbon wing mirrors represent an available paint finish on the new C3. So, yeah…phew!
[Not a valid template]And now, onto the stats. Since 2012, Citroen has been a force to be reckoned with on the World Touring Car Championship: already the C-Elysée has secured two titles on the bounce with José María López and is now gunning for a third. Citroen’s motorsport hall of fame video package though will likely cover its record 96 victories, eight manufacturer championships, and nine drivers’ titles it scored between 2004 and 2012 with the Xsara WRC, the C4 WRC, the DS3 WRC, and, well, Sébastien Loeb. In succession.
