Citroën reveals new 256 bhp DS4 Racing concept

Making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the DS4 Racing Concept is Citroën’s answer to the Renault Megane Trophy, with a chassis 35 mm lower than the regular DS4, a 55 mm wider track at the front and 75 mm wider at the rear.

The headline news though is the DS4 Racing’s engine, which is based on the same 1.6-litre turbo unit in the DS3 Racing, but tweaked to deliver 256 bhp, or a whopping 160 bhp per litre – a record for a Citroën production car. CO2 emissions remain a modest 155g/km

In addition to being lower and wider than the standard car, Citroën Racing’s engineers have uprated the braking system, which now boasts fixed four-piston callipers at the front together with special 380mm diameter discs. The concept is also fitted with larger diameter 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tyres.

Unlike the bright extrovert paint scheme on the DS3 Racing, the DS4 Racing concept sports a more subtle textured-effect matt grey paint, which catches the light to further enhance the lines of the car. Further exterior refinements include a two-tone roof and two-tone wheels with a special DS4 Racing design.

Whilst Citroën currently describe the DS4 Racing as a ‘concept’, it’s likely to reach production later in the year. If it follows the approach taken with the DS3 Racing, it will be a limited edition model with around 200 cars brought into the UK. Price should be around £27,000, putting it head-to-head with Renault’s Megane RS 265 Trophy.