Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing 'concept' (2013) first pictures

Citroen will show a 'concept' version of the DS3 Cabrio Racing at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed – though it looks all but production ready to us.

The DS3R Cabrio uses the same 202bhp 1.6-litre engine as the DS3R hot hatch, but weighs an extra 25kg thanks to the folding rood conversion.

The DS3 R Cabrio is mechanically identical to the hard-top DS3 R, with the same six-speed manual gearbox, Citroen Racing-tuned chassis, and uprated brakes. Citroen Racing is the outfit responsible for setting up the brand's championship-winning WRC rally cars.

Citroen claims that despite the weight penalty, performance doesn't suffer in the DS3R Cabrio. That means 0-62mph is achieved in 6.5sec, and the top speed is 146mph. Meanwhile, the roof can retract fully at speeds of up to 75mph, activated via a switch on the header rail.

Visual upgrades include 19in polished black alloys, a carbonfibre bodykit, and red highlights on the brake calipers, wheels hubs, and badging. Darkened chrome trim is used to pick out the door handles and mirrors. And yes, that is a custom-trimmed child seat you see fitted to the back seat. Hopefully that bit remains just a concept...

By Ollie Kew