Review Spec Price and Manual

In addition to Citroën Racings official participation in WRC, where it has won five FIA World Championship Constructors titles, Citroën Racing has always offered products designed for customers. The champion team has now furthered this rich tradition with Citroën DS3 R3, a model set to make its rallying debut at the end of 2010. Versatile, high performance and yet affordably-priced, Citroën DS3 R3 is set to become the new leader in its category.

Based on the FIAs new Group R3T regulations, Citroën DS3 R3 features the same structural design and appearance as the production model, with the production steel body shell reinforced by a welded, multi-point roll cage, improving the resilience of the chassis and safety for the driver pairing.

Under the bonnet lies a four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP (high pressure turbo) engine, which has been developed using the PSA production engine. Specific racing parts (air box, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods, exhaust and turbo systems, electronic unit, etc.) have been deployed to boost the cars power to 210bhp. In addition to its overall power, special attention has been given to increasing the engines torque to improve traction, one of the key factors in delivering efficient driving performance. With 350Nm, the Citroën DS3 R3 engine offers unrivalled flexibility on the road.

Citroën DS3 R3 has benefitted from the extensive expertise acquired by Citroën Racing through its involvement in the World Rally Championship. As with the C4 WRC, the six-speed gearbox features semi-automatic sequential control, enabling gear changes to be made twice as quickly as with a manual gearbox, whilst also improving the reliability of the cars powertrain.

The suspension system uses the very latest technologies and has been designed for all road surfaces, from rough gravel to smooth tarmac. A wide variety of setup options are available, allowing Citroën DS3 R3 to be adapted to all driving styles. Citroën Racing recommends the use of BFGoodrich tyres.

Built using production-derived components and specific racing parts, Citroën DS3 R3 is available at an affordable price and will be marketed by Citroën Racing in kit and ready-to-race versions.

CHASSIS: CITROËN RACING, EXPERTS WHEN IT CsayaES TO SAFETY
Citroën Racing has deployed its extensive expertise in passive safety and chassis rigidity on Citroën DS3 R3. The standard monocoque chassis is lighter because it does not have the supports used on the production model. It has been re-welded and fitted with a multi-point roll cage made of over 45 metres of steel tubing. The industrially designed roll cage is pre-assembled outside the car, which means the welding is of a higher quality. Various details of the chassis design, such as the harness cross-member and the door crossbars, help to improve safety for the driver pairing. The monocoque chassis is delivered with all the brackets and mountings required to assemble the car, which reduces the construction time and cost.

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 also helps to lower the cars centre of gravity. The flexible, FIA-homologated fuel tank remains in its original position.

GROUND LINK SYSTEMS: ADAPTABLE AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION
Citroën DS3 R3s efficiency on all road surfaces stems from the quality of its suspension system, designed to make full use of the Group R regulations. At the front, the production sub-frame has been altered so that tubular wishbones can be fitted. The axle is both lighter and stronger than on the production model. Developed in conjunction with BOS, the shock absorbers boast several innovative features:

In order to adapt its road handling to all driving styles, Citroën DS3 R3 offers a variety of setup options: three track shock absorbers (low and high-speed compression and rebound, adjustable hydraulic bump stop), camber and toe (front and rear), track width and castor (front).

At the rear, the production cross-member has been reinforced and altered to make it easier to fit the anti-roll bar. The removable rear wheel hubs allow the camber and toe settings to be adjusted independently.

The braking system features a pedal box assembly with two master cylinders. The discs are held in place by four-calliper pistons at the front and two-calliper pistons at the rear. The handbrake is hydraulic.

ENGINE: A 1.6-LITRE HIGH-PRESSURE TURBO WITH INCREDIBLE TORQUE
For the first time ever, Citroën Racing has produced a customer-racing product fitted with a turbocharged engine. The experience acquired by the brand in WRC for almost ten years has been put to good use in its design. The 1.6-litre THP (high pressure turbo) engine is very closely related to the production model used throughout the PSA Group. Fitted with a regulation-compliant 29mm turbo flange, it develops 210bhp of power and generates a torque of 350Nm (with commercially available fuel). This second value improves traction and delivers excellent versatility at all engine speeds.

In accordance with the regulations, many parts have been taken or derived from the production model. For example, the intake and exhaust manifolds, turbocharger, injectors and injection pumps are identical to those used on production models. The air filter, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods and engine flywheel are, however, specific racing parts. To avoid oil surges during long corners and to increase ground clearance, the oil sump has been altered and fitted with a composite partition. The exhaust and turbocharger system is also specific; the catalytic converter is similar to the one used on C4 WRC. Citroën DS3 R3s engine ECU also includes a data acquisition system that is able to check a large number of parameters.

GEARBOX: A MAJOR FIRST WITH SEMI-AUTsayaATIC CONTROL
One of the main innovations on Citroën DS3 R3 concerns its gearbox. For the first time, a customer-racing product has been fitted with a semi-automatic gearbox, which reduces the time spent changing gears and increases reliability. The electronic management system only authorises gear changes when the engine parameters allow it. Once again, the expertise developed by Citroën Racing in WRC enabled this cutting-edge technology to be adapted to Citroën DS3 R3.

Inside the cabin, the composite fibre steering wheel-mounted paddles are just as ergonomic as on C4 WRC: the driver flicks the paddle backwards to move up the gears and flicks it forwards to move down the gears. The clutch pedal is still present, but is only used to drive off. During subsequent gear changes, the clutch is automatically controlled.

Under the bonnet, the specific elements of the semi-automatic control (solenoid valves, actuators and pressure unit) have all been taken from the production model and adapted to the six-speed gearbox. The housing for the twin-disc clutch has been cast in aluminium, whilst the gearing casing has been cut from the block.

DEVELOPMENT: OVER 10,000KM OF TESTING
After twelve months spent in Citroën Racings design office, Citroën DS3 R3 made its first outing at the end of August 2009. To check the sturdiness of the various components, initial testing was carried out on rough gravel test tracks, typical of the road surfaces seen in Mediterranean rallies. Development testing continued on tarmac, the ideal surface to test performance, and on flowing gravel roads. In total, Citroën DS3 R3 covered over 10,000km in development testing, split evenly among the different types of road surfaces.

Several drivers took part in the tests. They all had varying levels of experience, different preferences and driving styles, which meant that the engineers could accumulate data that will benefit future Citroën DS3 R3 owners. 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. Citroën DS3 R3 offers impressive performance levels and looks set to become the new leader in its category in rallying.

Modification

Citroën has sold more than 180,000 DS line models worldwide since launch. The adventure continues at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with the reveal of the Citroën DS4 Racing Concept. As with the DS3 Racing, the engineers at Citroën Racing and the styling team have firmly stamped the DS4 with the image of the Brands racing department.

Making its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the Citroën DS4 Racing Concept features "100% Racing" attributes. The chassis is 35 mm lower than the regular model and track is 55 mm wider at the front and 75 mm wider at the back. The concept car also sports an air diffuser, a front bumper panel, a lower-body belt line and wing extensions. Citroën Racing has tweaked the 1.6-litre turbo engine to develop 256 bhp, or 160 bhp per litre - a record for a series-production car. This spectacular performance comes hand in hand with controlled CO2 emissions of 155 g/km.

The Citroën Racing engineers have also redeveloped the running gear with the utmost precision. The concept car is equipped with four-pot, fixed calliper brakes at the front, with special discs widened to 380 mm in diameter, and shod with larger, 19-inch wheels (235/40).

Other stand-out feature of the Citroën DS4 Racing Concept is its matte grey, textured-effect paint - a first in the automotive sector. The grain of the paint catches the light differently and further enhances the body styling, while the colour is sober, modern and robust and ideally suited to a sports car. To refine the exterior aesthetic, the concept car gets a two-tone roof and specially-designed, twotone wheel rims.

More than 100,000 new Citroën C4 vehicles have rolled of the assembly line since the model was launched one year ago. Following on from this commercial success, the Marque is now extending its C4 range with an original model: the Citroën C4 Aircross. This new vehicle reviews the conventional cues of compact SUV design. By combining style and technological innovation in a single car, the Citroën C4 Aircross is ideally suited to modern lifestyles that introduce a sense of escape into everyday activities. The new body style draws upon the Marques technological excellence, combining the grip of an off-roader with the ride and driveability of a saloon. Available in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive versions, depending on the engine, the Citroën C4 Aircross will be launched in the first half of 2012 and will be one of the front-runners in its segment in terms of CO2 emissions.

The styling of the Citroën C4 Aircross draws upon the Marques DNA, combining the vitality of the other models in the range with the powerful styling of an off-roader.

The distinctive styling includes a front end of horizontal lines with aerodynamic vents at the extremities, accentuating the vehicles compact appearance. The contours of the bonnet, which is visible from the drivers seat, the wide wheel arches and the reduced overhang all enhance the impression of robustness produced by this unique silhouette.

Close attention went into every detail and each part is designed to combine style and performance. The Citroën C4 Aircross light signature, visible by day and at night, is formed by the LEDs at the front, which are vertically aligned in the aerodynamic vents. The shape of the large 18-inch wheels and the rear lights, directly inspired by the Hypnos concept car, has been reworked for optimal air flow and reduced CO2 emissions.

The sophisticated design of the Citroën C4 Aircross includes repeater lights in the door mirrors, light guides in the rear lights and a rearview camera built into the chrome trim on the tailgate.

The expressive style draws upon Citroëns distinctive design cues. Seen from the side, the inverted shark fin wing, which also hints at the glass side surfaces of the Hypnos concept car, is decorated with a chrome compass to show that the model is a member of the brands SUV family.

A smart vehicle with transmission to suit all needs
With its latest-generation four-wheel transmission system, Citroën C4 Aircross boasts perfect roadholding under all conditions. This technology allows the car to be driven permanently in four-wheel drive mode, while the torque is optimally distributed between the front and rear wheels.

Using the single control positioned behind the gear lever, drivers can manually select one of the three transmission modes to meet their needs and their wishes: 2WD for optimal fuel consumption, 4WD,

which automatically distributes the torque between the front and rear axles, or lock mode, which increases the torque transmitted to the rear wheels for more grip under severe conditions.

Standard-setting CO2 emissions
Citroën C4 Aircross fulfils the brands commitments to environmental protection with its HDi 110 engine, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, making this model is one of the front-runners in its segment in terms of CO2 emissions. And the HDi 110 engine will be available with 2WD and 4WD, so that everyone can choose the version that is best suited to their lifestyle.

Right from launch, the Citroën C4 Aircross will also benefit from the performance of the HDi 150 engine (also available with 2WD and 4WD with a 6-speed manual gearbox) and a 115 bhp 1.6i petrol engine (available in a 2WD version with a 5-speed manual gearbox).

Compact, manoeuvrable and a pleasure to drive
With its compact dimensions (4.34m long, 1.79m wide, 1.63m high), the outstandingly manoeuvrable (10.6m turning circle) Citroën C4 Aircross is at home in towns and cities. The comfort of this 5-seater is worthy of a saloon in the next segment up, while the 442-l boot comfortably meets the demands of modern life. The chassis and suspension were specially developed for a drive that is faithful to Citroëns values, offering the ideal compromise between comfort and roadholding.

Escape to a new mindset
Take to the road with complete peace of mind. The raised drivers position in the Citroën C4 Aircross offers a clear view of the road and surroundings.

Occupants of the Citroën C4 Aircross can enjoy blue skies even in the city, thanks to the large panoramic glass, which bathes the cab in light, contributing to the passengers sense of well-being. At night, the atmosphere is cosier, and the panoramic roof is lit up by the LED light guides built into the roof.

The ergonomics of the highly functional drive station are designed so that drivers can get to know the car quickly and for easy everyday use. To make the drive and the ride even more comfortable, the Citroën C4 Aircross is crammed with equipment, from the hands-free access and starter, to the GPS navigation system with its touch-sensitive screen, rearview camera, transmission mode selector, USB port and Bluetooth connection for portable audio players.