WRC Car Profiles PartI: CITROEN DS3

 

 

Known as ‘le petit bolide’ – the little racer – the DS3 WRC is the latest in a trio of title-winning world rally cars developed by Citroen. Launched in 2011 to comply with new FIA technical regulations, the DS3 delivered the French firm the manufacturers’ title that year and in 2012.

Engine type	In-line four cylinder, 1.6 litre, turbocharged
Bore / stroke	82.0 mm / 75.5 mm
Power (max)	300 hp (223 kW) at 6,000 rpm
Torque (max)	350 Nm at 3,250 rpm
Transmission type	Four-wheel drive
Gearbox	Sequential shift, six forward gears and one reverse
Differentials	Mechanical front and rear, auto-locking
Clutch	Cerametallic twin-disk
Suspension	MacPherson struts with adjustable dampers
Steering	Power-assisted rack and pinion
Brakes	Ventilated discs. Front diameter 355mm (tarmac) 300mm (gravel). Rear diameter 300mm. Four-piston calipers (water-cooled on tarmac)
Wheels	8 x 18 inch for tarmac, 7 x 15 inch for gravel
Length	3,948 mm
Width	1,820 mm
1,820 mm	2,461 mm
Weight	FIA regulation 1,200 kg minimum (1,360 kg with driver and co-driver)