The new C3 WRC symbolizes Citroën's official return to a competition in which it holds 96 wins and 8 world titles.
The 2017 WRC season hasn't even started yet, but it's safe to say it will be marked by the arrival on the scene of a new generation of cars, designed to be the most efficient and most spectacular ever seen at the World Rally Championship. After the Hyundai i20, Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta, it's time for the Citroën C3 WRC join the party, making the most of the new regulations.
Regarding the prototype presented in Paris, little or nothing changes in the Citroën C3 WRC that will be featured next season. The weight/power ratio is 3.1 kg/hp, against the 3.8 kg/hp of its predecessor. According to the brand, this gain in efficiency is not merely a matter of numbers, as the wider tracks, the aerodynamic appendages and the integral transmission, now equipped with a piloted central differential, are some of the elements that contribute to this change. technological.
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Throughout this year, the Citroën C3 WRC has accumulated test sessions in a total of 9,500 kilometers covered.
“As usual in motorsport, we worked to very tight deadlines both in the design and development of the car. Right from the first tests we had the satisfaction of seeing that it was a well-born car. There were no major problems and the pilots were delighted with his behavior. When the time comes for the verdict, which is the entry into the competition, we go with the feeling that we have done a good job, but it is not possible to have all the certainty. Any change to the regulations implies a complete redefinition of plans, and we are also humble in the face of our competitors.”
Laurent Fregosi, Technical Director
For those responsible for Citroën Racing, the 1.6 liter four-cylinder block that equips the C3 WRC is the “best engine ever designed by the brand's engineers”, benefiting the most from changing regulations. The greater performance expected for 2017 is explained by the change in the turbocharger's air intake restrictor, which goes from 33 to 36 mm. The power increase is about 20%, now reaching 380 hp . On the other hand, limiting the turbo pressure to 2.5 bar does not allow for an increase in torque, which remains at around 400 Nm.
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Among the most significant new features of the C3 WRC is also the suspension, which has been the subject of a thorough overhaul. The spring/damper sets are now tilted to increase their travel – the suspension geometry is also different between the asphalt and earth versions.Driving the new Citroën C3 WRC will be riders Kris Meeke, Craig Breen, Stéphane Lefebvre and Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi. The 2017 season of World Rally Championship kicks off on January 19th with the Monte-Carlo Rally.