Known for the way they manage to transform small townspeople (in particular, those of the Volkswagen Group) into true racing machines, it is worth saying that, also in this “revolutionary” Skoda Citigo, the technicians from Darkside Developments again did not look for ways to build a real tar-eating machine!
Basically maintaining the original bodywork, Darkside's new city car, which was renamed Citigo-Go, stands out, however, for the fact that it boasts larger wheels (17”, imported from Octavia), tires from lower profile, plus acrylic side windows and a roll cage built to FIA specifications for greater driver safety.
Already under the bonnet, the exchange of the tiny 1.0 MPI of 75 hp for a more substantial 2.0 TDI, which was coupled to a six-speed manual transmission imported from a Seat Ibiza Cupra TDI, as well as a Haldex all-wheel drive system and differentials front and rear Quaife, both with limited slip.
TDI?!…
And if you're already wondering why all-wheel drive and differentials, the answer is simple: the 2.0 TDI installed in this Citigo-Go doesn't deliver a mere 150, or even 184 hp of power; thanks to a series of modifications, including the placement of ceramic-coated pistons, polished cylinder head pipes, new connecting rods, larger valves with new springs, more aggressive valve timing and a new Garrett GTD2872VR turbo, the two liters now offer, yes, 280 fiery horses!
Moreover, and also helping, a custom-made intercooler, an aluminum radiator and an upgrade in the power system, with the placement of high pressure injectors, contribute to the tiny Citigo-Go also providing a maximum torque of 542 Nm . And, for those moments when power is truly needed, the technicians from Darkside Developments installed a nitrous oxide injection system, in order to raise “a little” the acceleration capacity to 360 hp and 610 Nm! This, in a car weighing just 1160 kg!
Stripped of any superficiality inside, even as a way to reduce weight, the Citigo-Go also has adjustable coilover shock absorbers, Brembo brake discs with Porsche calipers on the front, hydraulic handbrake and Hilton pedals. Plus a 330 mm OMP Corsica steering wheel and SSS gearshift lever.
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE Subscribe to our channel
The first "accelerates"
Although surprising, the truth is that this Citigo-Go is not the first demonstration of skills displayed by Darkside. Before the Skoda, the British preparer had already unveiled a very special Seat Arosa — also equipped with a 2.0 TDI engine, but delivering an even more impressive 500 hp!
Designed for acceleration events, this little “yellow devil”, whose weight does not exceed 800 kg, can, among other things, accelerate up to 234.9 km/h, in just a quarter of a mile, or 400 meters .
As for Darkside's Skoda Citigo, it was designed with track-days in mind, and although it hasn't even been filmed in progress (it should happen soon), the British preparer's idea is to put it to the test as many as possible. times as possible.
We await the results...
Designed for track-days, the Citigo-Go promises to surprise larger models when on track