Designed by the Citroen style centre in partnership with Citroen Racing, the concept car is an extreme version of the new Citroen C3 - muscular and chiseled, with a striking visual design. The concept car heralds the arrival of the new rally car that will compete for the first time at the Monte Carlo Rally in January 2017.

Very close to the finished WRC challenger, the C3 WRC concept car hints at the intentions of the Citroen style centre without giving away its final form. Based on the new C3, it retains all of its curves and fresh appeal.

This ultra sporty, brawny, and chiseled version incorporates the stylistic elements of the production model with its two-level light signature, two-tone body/roof, and accents matching the colours of the roof.

The C3 WRC's exterior has been adapted for the racing world with bumpers that accentuate the car's look, as do the dual chrome chevrons that extend across towards the LED daytime running lights.

Decorative touches have also been enhanced - the roof is adorned with a gel capsule and a yellow border. The wing mirrors have been sculpted from carbon fibre for a real racing look, and come in yellow to echo one of the colours available on the C3.

While the final version that will compete in the WRC will be fully compliant with Federal Internationale de l’Automobile World Rally Championship regulations, the C3 WRC concept car is already almost there. Its width has been designed with these new regulations in mind, as have the front and rear aerodynamic spoilers.

The final racing version will take all of these changes into account - an enhanced engine power of around 380bhp, made possible by enlarging the diameter of the turbo flange to 36mm; greater freedom with aerodynamics with a maximum width of 1,875mm, a protruding front bumper and a rear bumper fitted with a diffuser; an enlarged rear spoiler moved further back for even greater aerodynamic support; a 25kg reduction in weight; and a recently permitted electronic differential control.