Geneva

2012 Citroën DS3 Racing Sebastien Loeb Edition is the darkest of horses

Among the numerous renditions of its DS line unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, Citroën went a step further with the introduction of the DS3 Racing S. Loeb. Taking advantage of the ridiculous success it has had with the DS4 WRC piloted by Sebastien Loeb, the DS3 Racing S. Loeb is for those who want a cuter brute than the DS4 Racing Concept.

Even better, you can actually buy this one: Citroën is making 200 examples, all of them numbered and signed. Citroën was mum on any power upgrade, but we do know the hatch comes "cloaked" in a textured matte black hue with red accents and will come standard with the company's MyWay nav system.

Citroën was also mum on the price, but we're sure there'll be a premium. Look below for more info on the models it showed off at Geneva, and there's a high-res gallery from the show floor plus a couple of stock images of the car with the man himself, and his DS3 WRC car.
Show full PR text
CITROËN AT THE 2012 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

- World Premiere: New C4 Aircross
- Citroën to showcase DS3, DS4 & DS5, including a new concept & special editions: DS4 Racing concept, DS4 & DS5 Paris Rendez-Vous limited editions, DS3 Racing S. Loeb limited edition
- Restyled C1 & Berlingo Multispace
- Production version of C3 Red Block


Citroën is showcasing its bold creativity at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with a range of stylish and innovative new models. The New Citroën C4 Aircross makes its world debut and will be shown alongside the newly restyled C1 and Berlingo Multispace. A production version of the C3 Red Block, which made its debut in concept form at Geneva in 2011, will also be on display.

Visitors to the Citroën show stand will be able to view the complete DS line, along with a new DS4 Racing concept and new special editions - DS4 and DS5 Paris Rendez-Vous and DS3 Racing S. Loeb.

Committed to improving the ecological performance of its vehicles, Citroën will also highlight the reduced average CO2 emissions of its range - by 5g/km in a year - thanks to the use of e-HDi micro-hybrid, full electric and full hybrid diesel technology, amongst other innovations.

THE DS LINE: FRENCH STYLE & LUXURY
Citroën is proud to display all three models in the DS line at the 2012 Geneva show, with New DS5 taking centre stage. The DS line instantly stands out from the crowd, offering bold and creative design, premium quality and innovative technologies.

In just two years, DS3 has sold over 140,000 units worldwide. DS4 has attracted nearly 30,000 orders since its launch in 2011. And DS5, an outstanding model with sophisticated, original styling and intelligent design, sold nearly 4,000 units in France in just two months following its launch at the end of last year.

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Citroën is showcasing the most luxurious and prestigious versions in the DS line, boasting even more premium materials and unprecedented manufacturing processes for the automotive sector. A corner of the Citroën stand will also be dedicated to the fine craftsmanship of the DS line's upholsterers.

DS4 RACING CONCEPT
As with DS3 Racing, Citroën Racing's engineers have taken their multi WRC winning expertise and put their unique stamp on Citroën DS4 to create this hot blooded new concept.

Making its debut at Geneva, the DS4 Racing concept features new carbon fibre components including an air diffuser, front splitter and wheel arch extensions. The 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, developed by Citroën Racing, provides up to 256bhp (160bhp per litre), which is a record for a Citroën series production car. This spectacular performance is accompanied by CO2 emissions of just 155g/km.

Citroën Racing's engineers have modified the chassis and running gear with the utmost precision. The chassis has been lowered by 35mm and the track widened by 55mm at the front and 75mm at the rear. The braking system 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.

Another stand out feature of the DS4 Racing concept is the textured-effect matt grey paint, which catches the light to further enhance the lines of the car. The colour is stylish and modern, ideal for a sports car. Further exterior refinements include a two-tone roof and two-tone wheels with a special DS4 Racing design.

DS3 ULTRA PRESTIGE
DS3 Ultra Prestige is a confident foray into the world of luxury, combining sophisticated style, premium specification and all the distinctive personality of the DS line. Recently launched in the UK and powered by a punchy THP 155 petrol engine or a fuel and CO2 efficient e-HDi 110 diesel with Stop & Start, prices start from £20,700.

DS4 & DS5 PARIS RENDEZ-VOUS LIMITED EDITIONS
Citroën is introducing two sophisticated new Paris Rendez-Vous limited edition versions of DS4 and DS5. The models feature pearlescent white paint, chrome-finished door mirrors, chrome trim and black diamond-effect 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the club leather interior is finished with the DS line's signature 'watchstrap' design in a warm brown colour with striking blue overstitching. The leather upholstery is of a quality generally reserved for made to measure products. The club leather finish on the dashboard of the DS4 Paris Rendez-Vous is available in the same brown colour to match the seat upholstery.

DS3 RACING S. LOEB
Another Geneva debut, Citroën is launching DS3 Racing S. Loeb, a signed and numbered series of just 200 examples based on DS3 Racing. The model is fitted with Citroën's MyWay navigation system and features a distinctive use of colours and materials. The body is cloaked in a unique matt black colour with a textured effect. Citroën is the first manufacturer to launch a car with this type of paint. The special finish is not only robust, but also highlights the lines of the car. The roof, door mirrors, grille, dashboard fascia and gearstick base all feature a contrasting shade of red. The new model also features special decals and, as an exclusive limited series, sports a numbered identification plate on the roof lining.

DS5 HYBRID4
DS5 is the first Citroën with a full hybrid drivetrain, combining an HDi diesel engine with electric power. Hybrid4 technology successfully blends performance - up to 200bhp, four wheel drive, zero emissions for urban use and an acceleration boost function in the 'Sport' setting - with low CO2 emissions from just 99 g/km. The Citroën DS5 Hybrid4 is a major technological advance, with savings of up to 35% during urban driving.

THE C RANGE: CONTINUING THE MOVE UP MARKET

NEW C4 AIRCROSS
Making its world premiere at the Geneva show 2012, the New Citroën C4 Aircross is a fresh take on the compact SUV, bringing together contemporary styling and technological innovation. Ideally suited to motorists who like a touch of adventure in their day to day activities, C4 Aircross offers the following features:
- strong & elegant styling, which clearly draws on Citroën's design DNA
- a flexible transmission system with three manually selected settings; 2WD, 4WD & LOCK
- just 119g/km of CO2 with the HDi 115 version in two-wheel drive form - the best in its segment
- compact exterior dimensions (4.34m long), combined with a spacious interior & a 442-litre boot
- all the driving pleasure & serene comfort of a traditional Citroën hatchback
- a raised driving position with a panoramic glass roof
- a wide range of equipment, including NaviDrive satnav with touch screen & reversing camera, hands-free access & ignition, a Rockford Hi-Fi system & an integrated server for storing music.

On display at Geneva is an exclusive version of C4 Aircross with all-new Vapor Gray frosted-texture paint. The roof bars, door mirrors and door handles are all chrome-finished to match the new colour, while the two-tone diamond-effect wheel rims sport the same Vapor Gray tone as the interior.

NEW C1
Having attracted more than 620,000 customers worldwide since its launch in June 2005, Citroën's compact, economical and ecological C1 city car has been refreshed for 2012. New C1 offers CO2 emissions from just 99g/km, LED daytime running lights, a CD audio system with Citroën's integrated Connecting Box (Bluetooth® system with USB socket) and an Electronic Gearbox System with steering-mounted paddles.

NEW C3 RED BLOCK
Citroën is also displaying the production version of C3 Red Block, which debuted in concept form at Geneva in 2011. The model features enhanced dynamics and a more muscular look to reflect its extra performance.

The C3 Red Block comes with more dynamic suspension settings - roughly 50% more stiffness and nearly 25% less roll - with the steering adapted to the new suspension settings for a more defined road feel. The body height has been lowered 25mm and ESP has been fitted as standard for even more verve and control. C3 Red Block is available with three engines, VTi 120 petrol, e-HDi 90 diesel and e-HDi 100 diesel, mated to manual gearboxes.

Outside, the Shark Blue body paint is combined with a bumper strip in the same colour. The other body colours - Banquise White, Aluminium Grey, Manitoba Grey and Obsidian Black - come with a gloss black bumper strip. The door mirrors and door handles are finished in Obsidian black. The 17-inch diamond-effect wheels are fitted with 205/40 tyres.

Inside, C3 Red Block features a gloss black dashboard fascia, while the pedals and front door surrounds are finished in aluminium. The diameter of the steering wheel has been reduced by 20mm to further enhance driving pleasure with a tighter feel. Special red leather seat upholstery is available as an option.

NEW BERLINGO MULTISPACE
Having sold more than 1.4 million examples worldwide since its launch in 1996, the Berlingo Multispace continues to be one of the leaders for practicality in the family car segment.

Updated for 2012, the new Berlingo Multispace features new styling including a wider, more defined grille, a new chevron badge and a new headlight arrangement. The indicators, for example, are now to the side of the main light units and are underlined by blue segments for an even stronger personality. The lower part of the grille can be fitted with static cornering lights integrated with the fog lights and LEDs provide an eye-catching daytime lighting signature.

A 'Black Pack' is introduced, with customised Onyx Black trim on the top of the front bumper, side mirrors, side rubbing strips and rear number plate moulding. Inside the cabin, colours and materials have been revised on all levels of trim for a more contemporary feel. New Berlingo Multispace is also available with two new body colours, Nocciola and Belle Ile Blue.

One of the most robust, practical and spacious models in its segment, Berlingo Multispace can be specified with up to seven independent seats. The model's generous interior dimensions can be fitted with the Modutop®, a Citroën design inspired by the world of aviation, which combines a glazed roof with multiple stowage compartments, a dual access boot, individually controlled ventilation and additional lighting for passengers in the rear. The Modutop® integrated boot is easily accessible, with a rear window that can be opened from the outside for easy loading.

The new Berlingo Multispace is available with a range of efficient engines and gearbox options, including Citroën's e-HDi micro-hybrid powertrain with Stop & Start and a six-speed automated manual gearbox - e-HDi 90 Airdream EGS6 versions deliver CO2 emissions of just 125g/km.

Share This Photo X