Citroen C-Elysee WTCC
Citroen C-Elysee was the winning car of World Touring Cars Championship in 2014 taking both Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles making 17 victories at 23 races. It was developed in a few months, thanks to the experience of the Citroen World Rally team and WRC champion Sebastien Loeb, and was presented in September 2013 at Frankfurt International Moto Show.
The model is based on the 2013 C-Elysee and has been the first vehicle designed in accordance with new FIA regulations. The model is powered by the same 1.6-liter direct-injected, turbocharged engine found in the the DS3 WRC. It delivers a total of approximately 380 horsepower and will send its power to the front wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. Transmission is six sequential Sadev, suspension has adjustable shock abosrbers, fuel tank capacity is 50 litres and maximum weight of the car is 1100 kilograms with driver.
Firmly anchored to the tarmac on its 18 inch wheels the C-Elysee WTCC is quite simply formidable. Featuring an integrated aerodynamic splitter, the front bumper accentuates the radiator grille with its prominent double chevron. The widened front and rear wings lend the car’s bodywork a decidedly racing feel. At the rear, the stylish rear wing will ensure that the car hugs the track at WTCC races.
“From a strictly technical perspective, the choice of a three-volume saloon body was perfect in terms of aerodynamics. C-Elysee was therefore a perfect choice. We were able to install the various components fairly easily. As this is our first track car, we had constantly had to ask ourselves questions about the relevance of our choices, but that is what makes this a particulary exciting challenge”, said Xavier Estelan-Pinon, Citroen Racing’s Technical Director.
Citroen’s choice to pick C-Elysee for the WTCC very clearly reflected their determination to use racing as an active means of supporting their commercial development at global market and after triumphant debut season, French manufacturer must be more than happy with outcome.
