08/05/2015 16:34
The DS3 WRC rally cars of the Citro�n Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team will be sporting a new livery at Rally de Portugal (21-24 May).
The unveiling of the car's new visual signature coincides with a redesigned front end, which delivers greater aerodynamic efficiency and follows Citro�n Racing's 94th win in the World Rally Championship.
The DS3 WRC cars have undergone some significant changes. The most visible of these modifications is the livery of the cars driven by Kris Meeke and co-driver Paul Nagle, Mads �stberg and co-driver Jonas Andersson, as well as Khalid Al Qassimi and co-driver Chris Patterson.
Visually, this new look DS3 WRC car is more dramatic with touches of fluorescent green below the headlamps, around the bumper-mounted air outlets and on the rear spoiler. In line with the unique style offered to every DS3 customer, the Citro�n Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team drivers were able to customise the roof of their own World Rally Car: white for Meeke, grey for �stberg and red for Al-Qassimi.
Rallye du Portugal will also see the introduction of some significant aerodynamic improvements. An initial series of upgrades were made to the DS3 WRC for Rallye Monte-Carlo, including a new turbocharged 1.6-litre direct injection engine derived from the Citro�n C-Elys�e WTCC, semi-automatic gearbox controls, a rear spoiler with vertical winglets and a redesigned rear suspension.
In Portugal, the next phase of upgrades will be introduced with a new front end, featuring a totally redesigned bumper and wings, which aim to improve the aerodynamic performance of the car by lowering drag and increasing downforce.
Yves Matton, Citro�n Racing team principal, said: "Citro�n Racing hasn't stopped working on the development of DS3 WRC since the current regulations were introduced in 2011. If you take the new features unveiled in January and this second batch, this is the most significant upgrade since the DS3 WRC was first homologated.
"We've already seen that the work of the team is bearing fruit. So to that extent, the recent one-two at Rally Argentina has just made everyone even more motivated. The aerodynamic upgrades introduced here should help us to keep improving."
He added: "For the 60th anniversary of the brand, we also felt it was important to share the values of DS through a new graphic identity. So far, the reactions of the people who have had a sneak preview of the car have been extremely positive. We hope our supporters also like this new signature."