If the shape looks a little unfamiliar, this is the new Citroën C-Elysée – a saloon produced primarily for the Chinese market based on the Peugeot 301 – but the underpinnings are pure DS3 WRC, something Monsieur Loeb is already familiar with.

The C-Elysée WTCC is the first entry designed in accordance with the FIA’s new 2014 regulations and is powered by the same 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged engine as the DS3 WRC. With a wider booster flange, power is now close to 380bhp with 295 lb-ft (400Nm) of torque.

Unlike its WRC sibling the C-Elysée WTCC puts all this power through its front-wheels, mated to a Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox.

Citroen-C-Elysee-WTCC-Loeb_G1Sébastien Loeb will drive for Citroën in next year’s World Touring Car Championship.

“Choosing C-Elysée as the basis for our WTCC car reflects very clearly our determination to use racing as an active means of supporting our commercial development,” said Citroën’s CEO, Frédéric Banzet.

“With rounds in Latin America, Morocco, China and Russia, the WTCC race calendar is genuinely global, and it will be a real advantage to run a C-Elysée, a key driver of our growth, in front of large crowds of enthusiastic motorsport fans.”

Sébastien Loeb was confirmed last month as Citroën’s first WTCC driver, with further drivers due to be confirmed over the next few months.

SEE ALSO: Citroën enters World Touring Cars with Sébastien Loeb.

After making its first track outing a few days ago (see video teaser above), the C-Elysée WTCC will make its public debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.

citroen frankfurt motor show sebastien loeb wtcc