New Citroen DS3 revealed – the Citroen DS3 Racing

Citroen has revealed the hot DS3 - the Citroen DS3 Racing

Last month we told you that Citroen were planning on launching a hot version of the new DS3, and we thought they were going to call it the Citroen DS3 R3. Well, the story was right, but the name wasn’t. Not quite. Citroen has revealed their latest DS and it’s to be called the Citroen DS3 Racing. So close, but no T-shirt.

Citroen are keen to make the DS3 something to write home about, and associating it with Citroen’s undoubted success in the WRC – and the fact that Citroen’s future WRC cars are to be DS3 based – makes the DS3 Racing a bit of a no-brainer as a halo model.

Although the DS3 Racing will be up for sale later in 2010, Citroen are only intending building 1,000 cars, so the exclusivity will definitely be there. Powered by a 1.6 litre turbo 4-pot, the DS3 Racing delivers 197bhp and 203lb/ft of torque which Citroen has achieved by fiddling with the turbo, tweaking the ECU and sticking on a new exhaust.

Handling on the DS3 Racing promises to be the right side of good with stiffer springs and shocks, a widened front and rear track (by 30mm) and a drop of 15mm in ride height. Steering has been sharpened and the brakes have been beefed-up, with 4-piston racing callipers and special disc-brakes – with drilled discs at the rear – to handle the extra horses. The ESP has also been recalibrated to aid a sportier drive, and you can turn it off if you want to play.

Cosmetics always play a part on hot-hatches, and the DS3 Racing gets a new lower-body kit with a carbon finish front bumper, lower body trim and wing extensions. There’s a new set of 18″ alloys and chequered flag graphics on the roof. There’s also liberal doses of orange paint in evidence.

Inside you get carbon trim on the dashboard, centre console, steering wheel, armrests and door side mouldings. The orange on the bodywork gets carried over to the inside and splashed on the dash, gear stick and gear stick surround. The seats also get a splash of orange and  ‘Citroën Racing’ logos.

Looks more than credible, and should be a hoot. No word on price yet, although we may get a figure when the DS3 Racing arrives in Geneva next month.

Citroen are probably deciding what they can get away with as we speak.

By Cars UK