The Citroen C4 WRC – Citroen Sport’s new weapon was premiered on 5 September. Before making its debut in the 2007 World Rally it was one of the main attractions at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

The C4 Citroen Sport concept car was a vehicle symbolising the renewal of the Marque. It was the result of cooperation between engineers from the styling and sports departments. In the first instance, the project completely disregarded regulatory requirements. A true exercise in style, it met the challenge of developing a futuristic vision of a new car. A car to replace the Xsara WRC, winner of three world manufacturers crowns between 2003 and 2005. In the expert hands of Citroen Sport’s engineers at Versailles Satory, the C4 Citroen Sport concept car became the C4 WRC.

Although the overall styling was maintained, the car had to be adapted to international regulations and performance requirements. This is where the design office of Citroen Sport stepped in. The project working group came up with a first rolling model of the Citroen C4 WRC that was already a long way from the original concept. The roof, for example, was no longer made of glass, since this is banned in rally racing.

The front and rear wings, bumpers and spoiler were modified to satisfy regulations and performance criteria. To save time and money, a number of body parts were studied in wind tunnels on a scale of 1/4 before validation of the full-size parts at the end of the project.

Like the Xsara, its glorious predecessor, the Citroen C4 WRC features four-wheel drive and a 2-litre turbocharged engine mated to a cross-mounted 6-speed gearbox. At 4.20 m, the C4 WRC is longer than the Xsara and, in line with regulations, therefore has a larger width of 1,800 mm, compared with 1,700 mm for the Xsara. This change should provide better stability on bends.

As also laid down in the new regulations, the use of electronic driving aids is limited, in the same way as for the Xsara in its 2006 configuration. Referring again to the regulatory budget cuts, the sub-systems of the C4 WRC – such as the engines, gearboxes, front, central and rear differentials and dampers – must last longer and be more reliable.

75th Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo

This morning’s superspecial on the harbour-front in Monaco put the final seal on an emphatic one-two result on the 2007 Monte Carlo Rally for the Citroen C4 WRC thanks to Sébastien Loeb/Daniel Elena and Dani Sordo/Marc Marti.

Prior to Thursday’s start, the team still faced a long list of unknown factors and was understandably on its guard. The Monte also marked the competition debut of the Citroen C4 WRC, while all the stages were new for both Citroen crews and the question remained about the possibility of encountering snow.

This result gives Citroen Sport its fourth Monte Carlo victory after those secured by Seb, Daniel and the Xsara in 2003, 2004 and 2005. See full 2007 Citroën C4 WRC Image Gallery