This is the Citroen DS3 Racing, a hot version of the forthcoming Mini John Cooper Works rival. It has been revealed at today's Geneva motor show.
The car is lower and has higher-performance brakes than the standard car after an extensive makeover from Citroen's Racing department. It will go on sale later this year limited to just 1000 units. and its designer Mark Lloyd has confirmed almost all of its design and decals are feasible for production.
See the Citroen DS3 Racing pics
It is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, which produces 197bhp and 203lb ft. Citroen Racing has achieved these gains by tuning the turbocharger, remapping the ECU and adding a new sports exhaust system.
Citroen Racing has also fitted stiffer suspension springs, new front and rear shock absorbers, widened the rear tracks by 30mm and lowered the car by 15mm. Special brakes have also been fitted, while the ESP and steering have also both been tuned to improve the car's handling.
Styling upgrades include a new lower body trim and wing extensions, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim on the door handles and exhaust tip, and special chequered graphics on the roof.
Inside, it gets carbon trim on the dashboard, centre console and steering wheel, while the vibrant orange theme from the outside features on the dash and gearknob.
Citroen is known to want to leverage its success in the World Rally Championship more effectively, and with its future World rally Car set to be based on the DS3, a hot model is logical. Citroen Racing is currently responsible for providing the cars for Citroen's WRC effort.
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