Citroen DS3 Racing revealed

Citroen's forthcoming DS3 may not have hit showrooms yet, but Citroen has already pulled the wraps off a version that will go head-to-head with the MINI JCW.

The DS3 Racing is set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the hot hatch has been handed over to Citroen Racing who have engineers modified and optimised the powertrain components, tuned the performance of the turbo and adjusted the mapping of the engine control unit. A special tail pipe and muffler were also added. With integrated carbon-trimmed components and specialist motorsports equipment, DS3 Racing's tuned and turbo-charged 1.6-litre THP 150 engine develops 200hp - a power increase of almost 30% over the standard unit - with a torque increase of 15% from 240Nm to 275Nm.

Just 1000 of these cars will be built and are due to go on sale in the second half of 2010.

Read our review of the Citroen DS3

Below are details from Citroen on the new model:

Allowing DS3 Racing to stick to the road, the car has undergone some significant sporting enhancements. The steering has been made even more precise, with the control system modified for the new tyres. The fitment of stiffer suspension springs, adapted front and rear shock absorbers (to handle the increased power), and the widening of the front and rear tracks by 30mm - plus lowering the car by 15mm - all dramatically change the driving dynamics.

These important developments reinforce both the stability and dynamic control of the car, and enhance the feedback between the road and the driver.

The braking system has also been up-rated to ensure control over the car's additional horsepower. The front wheels get 4-piston racing callipers and special disc-brakes - with drilled discs at the rear. For enhanced control, the ESP has been adapted to complement the sportier handling, but can be disengaged according to the driver's preference.

In addition to the distinctive, radical styling of DS3, the new Racing edition inherits Citroën Racing's expertise in motorsport design to provide advanced technological and stylistic sporting prowess.

The preview model, to be presented at Geneva, is in a special livery and features sporty ‘DS3', ‘Citroën Racing' and chequered flag graphics on the roof, in front of the rear wheel arches, under the side mirrors and next to the fuel cap.

Measuring 3.94m long, DS3 Racing's dark grey body is tastefully contrasted with a vibrant, bright orange-coloured roof, side mirrors and brake callipers. The alloy wheels and front grille surround - with integrated chevrons - are finished in orange chrome.

A sporty carbon finish is used around the front bumper, lower body trim and wing extensions, whilst large 18" alloy wheels, chrome door handles and even a chrome-finished exhaust complete the dynamic styling.

Inside the cabin, smart carbon trim adorns the dashboard, centre console, steering wheel embellisher, armrests and door side mouldings. The vibrant orange bodywork and decals continue into the cabin with the glossy strip of the dash, gear stick and gear stick surround finished in the same bright tone. The sporty, figure-hugging seats are also touched with orange elements and are embossed with ‘Citroën Racing'.

A DS3 Racing signature on the rear tailgate and an individually numbered identification plate fixed to the roof-lining further confirm the model's exclusivity.

On the road, DS3 Racing's WRC pedigree is evident. Benefiting from Citroën's extensive knowledge of racing dynamics, a carbon-finished air diffuser stabilises the car at high speeds, whilst the chassis and suspension have been adapted to provide even more precision, control, sportier handling and swifter cornering.

Based on the existing DSport powered by the THP 150, production Citroën DS3 Racing editions will be finished in a special workshop and fitted with a parts kit developed according to Citroën Racing specifications.