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Citroen DS3 Racing Launched

Originally displayed as a concept car based on the recently launched Citroen DS3, the French car maker has bowed to intense pressure from enthusiasts and launched the Citroen DS3 Racing in Europe as a limited production model.

With power boosted from the 115 kW offered in the New Zealand range-topping DS3 DSport to 152 kW, the 0-100 kmh time drops to 6.5 seconds, yet despite the leap in performance, fuel consumption remains a very reasonable, given the performance, 6.4 litres on the combined test cycle.

But Citroen have done much more than just drop a more powerful engine under the bonnet. With its strong styling, uncompromising choice of materials and extensive equipment, this Racing version enhances the distinctive values of the Citroen DS3 to create a concentrated dose of driving pleasure for the most demanding customers. The engineers behind the world-dominating Citroen C4 WRC at CITROËN RACING have boosted the efficiency and performance of the CITROËN DS3 Racing while maintaining day-to-day driveability The new vehicle delivers a promise of quality and reliability, based on the fact that Citroën has claimed six titles in the Manufacturers’ category of the WRC, and seven titles in the Drivers/Co-drivers category with Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena.

The Citroen DS3 Racing is, initially, available only to European customers in limited numbers, but New Zealand Citroen importer, Ateco Automotive, has made it clear that they would like to bring the ultimate DS3 to New Zealand.

“The DS3 Racing is everything that the DS3 stands for taken to the ultimate level,” says Lawrie Malatios, General Manager for Citroen New Zealand. “Like the DS3 already in New Zealand, it offers a unique level of chic style combined with real-world practicality and usability, mixed with a strong dose of driving excitement. Citroen Racing has turned all of this up maximum and, therefore, of course we want to see the DS3 Racing in New Zealand! Why should the Europeans have all the fun?”

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A design inspired by sport
The CITROËN DS3 Racing is a concentrate of dynamic performance, 3.96m long with assertive, prestige design lines. Taking the styling cues of the CITROËN DS3, it expresses its own thoroughbred personality with specially developed parts including a twin tailpipe. It also uses carbon on many body parts, such as the air diffuser, front bumper spoiler, side rubbing strips, lower body trim, and wing extensions.

The CITROËN DS3 Racing is available in two new colours, specific to this model. The first combines an orange roof with Obsidian Black for a highly expressive effect. The wheels, radiator grille and mirror housings are also orange, as are the fascia strip and gear lever base. The second version, opting for a modern, sober effect, combines a grey roof with Banquise White. The grey is coordinated with the wheels, mirror housing and fascia strip. This version features a carbon radiator grille.

Reflecting the spirit of the DS line, the CITROËN DS3 Racing can be personalised by a special sticker on the body and fascia strip, coordinated with the interior mats. A detail that further underlines its dynamic character.

The CITROËN DS3 Racing boasts an impressive level of equipment, based on the Sport Chic finish, along with bucket seats to provide optimum support while ensuring passenger comfort. This version also ships with rear parking sensors, an electrochromic interior mirror, automatic headlamps and an automatic windscreen wiper.

In terms of styling, the interior receives the same special treatment as the outside. Carbon is present around the cabin along with colour-keyed detailing in the same shade as the roof: on the central dashboard fascia, steering wheel trim, door handle surround and binnacle hood mountings. The special materials and design details associated with the CITROËN RACING signature – on the backs of the bucket seats and on an identification plate fixed to the roof lining – clearly state the distinctive character of the CITROËN DS3 Racing.

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An engine with even more character
Performance is key to the CITROËN DS3 Racing. The engine, developed by CITROËN RACING, reaps the full benefits of the expertise gained by the Marque with its six WRC titles, Manufacturers’ category.

Engineers took the 1.6 litre THP 150 engine and boosted horsepower to 207 bhp. Torque has been increased from 240 Nm to 275 Nm, almost 15% higher than for the THP 150 version. Maximum torque is available over a range of 2,500 rpm. The main upgrades concern the remapped engine control unit, and the turbocharger, whose absolute pressure has been increased to 2.2 bars. The exhaust has also been modified to reflect the car’s sporting personality.

As a result, the CITROËN DS3 Racing covers 1,000m from a standing start in under 27 seconds, while delivering a smooth, enjoyable drive from the lowest engine speeds. These spectacular results go hand-in-hand with moderate fuel consumption (6.4 l/100 km over a combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km.

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Running gear placing the emphasis on driving pleasure
Engineers carried out development studies on the running gear of the CITROËN DS3 to deliver intense driving thrills and promote an ongoing dialogue between the driver and the road. In consequence, the CITROËN DS3 Racing has what it takes to set the standard for road manners in its class.

To hug the road, and to use every kW of the power delivered by the engine, the shock absorbers and dampers have been recalibrated to take account of the changes to the suspension. At the same time, the front and rear tracks have been widened by 20 m and the body height lowered by 15 mm. The recalibrated ESP can be fully disengaged.

The steering has also been modified to reflect the car’s dynamic nature. It has been remapped to provide a better perception of the road while still making it easy to manoeuvre at low speed.

The braking system comprises four-piston Brembo® callipers at the front and special disc brakes whose diameter has been increased to 323 mm. This endows the DS3 Racing with a level of performance, endurance and driveability that is sure to satisfy all drivers.

The CITROËN DS3 Racing is fitted with large 18-inch wheels of original design that are both high-tech and dynamic. The wheels feature so-called “reverse rim” technology – a world first on a production vehicle – in which the well is moved from the outside to the inside. From a visual standpoint, this makes the wheels look bigger. At the same time, since the weight of the wheels is distributed more effectively and they are around 5% lighter, they enhance the ride delivered by the CITROËN DS3 Racing.

Main characteristics
Dimensions (l x w x h) (mm) 3,962 x 1,717 x 1,443
Wheelbase (mm) 2,464
Engine THP 200, 6-spd gearbox
CO2 emissions 149 g/km
Combined consumption 6.4 l/100km
Type 4 cylinders / 16 valves petrol + turbo
Capacity (cm3) 1,598
Max power bhp/kW at rpm 207/153 at 6,000
Max torque (Nm) at rpm 275 between 2,000 and 4,500
Tyres 215 / 40 R 18
1,000 m from standing start 26.5 seconds
0 to 100 kph 6.5 seconds

Main equipment complementing the CITROËN DS3 Sport Chic base
Exterior and interior carbon parts
18-inch alloy wheels with “reverse rim” technology
Electrochromic interior door mirror
Automatic headlamps
Automatic windscreen wiper
Rear parking sensors
Power folding exterior door mirrors

Colours available
Obsidien Black / orange roof
=> with orange wheels, and orange mirror housings, insert and front chevrons
Banquise White / grey roof
=> with matt grey wheels, grey mirror housings, and a carbon insert and front chevrons

Upholstery
Sports seats (reinforced support) embossed with the Citroën Racing signature
Trami Mistral cloth/ Alcantara upholstery
Specially designed protective mats and plip-control trim

ENDS

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