General Motors’ new French partner Citroën wants a stake in the highly competitive hot hatch segment and it plans to do so with the new DS4 Racing that was revealed as a thinly disguised concept model at the 82nd Geneva International Auto Salon.
Citroën’s answer to the Focus ST and RenaultSport Megane is based on the five-door DS4 hatchback but features a more aggressive look thanks to a textured-effect matt grey paint and new carbon fibre components that include an air diffuser, front splitter and wheel arch extensions.
The DS4 R concept is also fitted with larger diameter 19-inch wheels and 235/40 performance tires.
Under the hood, you’ll find a heavily modified version of the same 1.6-liter turbocharged-four used by MINI on its JCW models prepared by Citroën Racing. It churns out 256-horsepower, which should be enough for zero to 100km/h sprint time in less than six seconds.
The front-wheel drive sports hatch also benefits from a sports suspension and a 35mm lower ride height while the front and rear tracks have been widened by 55mm and 75mm respectively.
Stopping power is provided by an uprated braking system with fixed four-piston callipers at the front together with 380mm diameter discs.
Look for the final production model at this year’s Paris Motor Show in September
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