New WRC cars set for unveiling

[Francis44]

The three manufacturers involved in next year's World Rally Championship will all unveil their next generation World Rally Cars at the Paris Motor Show tomorrow. Ford will be the first to take the wraps off the Fiesta RS WRC. Citroen will then show the DS3 WRC to the world for the first time, before Mini's Countryman WRC is unwrapped just weeks after it started testing ahead of a limited programme of world championship events next year.
All the cars will feature the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and new specification mechanical transmission in accordance with the FIA's revised regulations for World Rally Cars.
The Citroen is believed to be the car closest to the form in which it will be homologated and run in next year, both the Ford and Mini are likely to be interim set-ups with aerodynamic revisions to the bodywork possible before the cars compete for the first time in Sweden next February.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/87065

Instead of posting pics and news about those cars in different threads, I thought it would be much better to have a new and dedicated thread.

So today is the day, lets wait for the first pics.

[eppel]

http://twitpic.com/2ta4u1/

[urabus-denoS2000]

Much like a S2000 but with a big wing :)

[Viking]

http://twitpic.com/2ta8l0

[rbatista82]

http://www.supermotores.net/images/noticias/170114041-759498a9bcb82596324cba70e050e04f_4ca45898-scaled.jpg

[JAM]

http://s3.postimage.org/p2bBS.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1eu0f98jo/)

http://s3.postimage.org/p3pWi.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1evfowzus/)

http://s3.postimage.org/p3sqr.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1evhcgcck/)

[JAM]

http://www.citroen-presse.com/WPC/WDPPresse/FR/sport/ds3wrc/default/default/photos/480-320/CL%2010.094.014.jpg
http://www.citroen-presse.com/WPC/WDPPresse/FR/sport/ds3wrc/default/default/photos/480-320/CL%2010.094.024.jpg

[rbatista82]

Photos from the Ford Fiesta RS WRC

http://www.supermotores.net/sm/fotos.asp?id=194

[6789]

Ford has the best looking car, hopefully it's the fastest!

[grugsticles]

Ewww... not a huge fan of the Citroen.

[JAM]

The Citroen is uglly. To small for that livery.

The Ford Fiesta has the same problema as the S2000, only a certain type of livery looks good, all the others are ugly.

[mm1]

IMHO Fiesta looks much better than the DS3, hope it`s a match performance wise aswell.

[Viking]

Ewww... not a huge fan of the Citroen.

looks ok from this angle :)

http://images.pistonheads.com/nimg/22561/ds3_2-L.jpg

[6789]

looks ok from this angle :)

http://images.pistonheads.com/nimg/22561/ds3_2-L.jpg

Nice skirt :D

[Mirek]

I can see that Ford removed controversial wheel guards used as spoilers in S2000 cars.

[noel157]

No word on Prodrive Mini yet?

[manta400]

Peugeot UK have just revealed on Twitter that Kris has officially been announced as driver! No pictures just yet

[Mirek]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs709.snc4/62903_157659957597319_110767835619865_380845_83203 41_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs338.ash2/61846_157659940930654_110767835619865_380844_53308 77_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs335.ash2/61515_157659924263989_110767835619865_380843_16808 98_n.jpg

[Viking]

I say.... :up: love the "retro" livery

http://www.netcarshow.com/mini/2011-wrc/

[I am evil Homer]

Shame the car is so ugly...but then I love the DS3 - in the flesh it's a great looking machine

[Hartusvuori]

Hirvonen comments via Finnish news agancy STT that he'll test the new Fiesta WRC for the first time next week. Tests will last four days. According to Hirvonen, he thinks the gear shift will change back to the way it's now in 2012, by the steering wheel.

[Karukera]

looks ok from this angle :)

http://images.pistonheads.com/nimg/22561/ds3_2-L.jpg


Yeah but way too thin for my liking, lacks real shape.

Hence may go off on the very first corner of the very first drive test... :s tare:

[OldF]

http://www.citroen-wrc.com/spip.php?page=homeflash&langue=uk

[urabus-denoS2000]

The Mini is the ugliest rally car I have ever seen ;)

[Brother John]

The Mini is the ugliest rally car I have ever seen ;)

For me the Citroën was always the ugliest car, in rally and the normal cars. :p

[bt52b]

http://www.citroen-wrc.com/spip.php?page=homeflash&langue=uk

Citroen win the WRC launch PR battle, hands down. Full livery car and even proper PR video. Will Ford or Mini ever catch up

[Karukera]

The Mini looks ok although i don't get the sticker on the windshield, should be a german flag instead.

[Roy]

The Mini looks ok although i don't get the sticker on the windshield, should be a german flag instead.

German flag? It is like the Union Jack (on the front).

[Dr. Krogshöj]

The Mini looks ok although i don't get the sticker on the windshield, should be a german flag instead.

The brand may be owned by foreigners (like most British marqes) but road Minis are produced in Britain, Prodrive is based in Britain and the heritage is British too. I think the flag is all right.

[I am evil Homer]

Yes excpet that Mini is owned by BMW who definitely aren't british.

[OldF]

MINI:

http://yfrog.com/6cu7brj

http://yfrog.com/mwifooj

[N.O.T]

the ford looks very aggressive and nice, so does the min...the citroen has a more civilized look and i think it stays behind so far as looks go.

[OldF]

Fiesta:

http://www.youtube.com/user/FordWRC#p/a/u/0/5RwZUW0g84I

[MikeD]

I really like the MINI and the look of it, but I don't understand why they are using a 4-door version for WRC. And I for sure don't understand why they have signed with Krap Meeke. He's simply not good enough for a top-seat in WRC. There are at least 10 other drivers i would have chosen before him.

[Karukera]

The brand may be owned by foreigners (like most British marqes) but road Minis are produced in Britain, Prodrive is based in Britain and the heritage is British too.

I was being sarcastic for the very good reason of your response : "owned by foreigners" :)

The Ford (USA) is the best looking car to me, hands down. :up:

[Mirek]

I really like the MINI and the look of it, but I don't understand why they are using a 4-door version for WRC.

Clubman is too short for regulations.


And I for sure don't understand why they have signed with Krap Meeke. He's simply not good enough for a top-seat in WRC. There are at least 10 other drivers i would have chosen before him.

Give us a list of those ten?

[dimviii]

fiesta is most aggresive from all
ds3 is ''ok''
mini deserves the ugliest trophy from his so many years holder ( bx4tc). :D


ps redbull on ds3 makes sure Kimi for 2011 with citroen?

[Allyc85]

The Fiesta looks great while the DS3 is just a squashed C4! The "Mini" isnt a looker but cant really complain about a new manufacturer coming in!

[Brother John]

only the Ford Fiesta still look like a rallycar. :s mokin:

[MikeD]

]Clubman is too short for regulations.

Ok, thanks :)




]Give us a list of those ten?

1.) Atkinson
2.) PG
3.) Aava
4.) Duval
5.) Ketomaa
6.) Mikkelsen
7.) Østberg
8.) Haninnen
9.) Kopecky (He did very well in that Skoda WRC car)
10.) Novikov

[Nenukknak]

The Mini looks like a fifties truck, from the front, and like a mini-schoolbus from the side. Shame they couldn't use the normal mini. Others look ok, in as far as current cars can look ok.

[I am evil Homer]

Bare in mind the Mini is a brand ne wproject and needs ddvelopment from people use to similar cars. Therefore:

1.) Atkinson - hasn't driven in anger for a long time, Prodive maybe don't think much of his ability to develop cars given the last time they worked together
2.) PG - Maybe but as the second driver
3.) Aava - see now I know you're not even trying! Why not say Duv....
4.) Duval - ooohh....had his chance, blew it multiple times
5.) Ketomaa - Perhaps for second seat
6.) Mikkelsen - See above
7.) Østberg - No way
8.) Haninnen - Meeke beat him to IRC title
9.) Kopecky (He did very well in that Skoda WRC car) - See above
10.) Novikov - no experience to develop a new car

So really Meeke isn't as bad a choice as you'd like to think.

[koko0703]

Fiesta looks awsome but the front half of DS3 looks very similar to C4, especially with the RedBull livery. I prefer completely white DS3 test machine over the RedBull livery. Oh and Mini..... hopefully its appearance doesn't affect its performance ;)

[RICARDO75]

Mini

http://www.autohebdo.fr/photos.php?u=26&d=1&id=604&id_photo=6677&pg=&p=1

[Sulland]

Sceptic to the Mini spoiler or Water-plow in the front. Looks like it will drink all the watersplashes, and Prodrive have had issues with that in the past.

[Mirek]

Bare in mind the Mini is a brand ne wproject and needs ddvelopment from people use to similar cars. Therefore:

1.) Atkinson - hasn't driven in anger for a long time, Prodive maybe don't think much of his ability to develop cars given the last time they worked together
2.) PG - Maybe but as the second driver
3.) Aava - see now I know you're not even trying! Why not say Duv....
4.) Duval - ooohh....had his chance, blew it multiple times
5.) Ketomaa - Perhaps for second seat
6.) Mikkelsen - See above
7.) Østberg - No way
8.) Haninnen - Meeke beat him to IRC title
9.) Kopecky (He did very well in that Skoda WRC car) - See above
10.) Novikov - no experience to develop a new car

So really Meeke isn't as bad a choice as you'd like to think.


A lot of these have valid contracts for 2011...

[Sulland]

]Clubman is too short for regulations.

Was it not 3900 mm that was minimum ?
Clubman is 3960, so should be good.

[Mirek]

Yes, sorry, I meant normal Mini ;)

[sal]

Shots of the car from the Paris mshow..

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/30092010/36/t/paris-2010-mini-countryman-wrc-0.html

Looks like the car has been styled by the marketing department of Mini who are looking to sell lots of body kits and add ons....

[MikeD]

So really Meeke isn't as bad a choice as you'd like to think.

Yes he is. We just have to agree to disagree ;)

[Sulland]

Lets hope the Mini moves faster than it looks !

[Mirek]

Yes he is. We just have to agree to disagree ;)

Thanks for those ten names...

[manta400]

ok couple of quick questions for ya! How much do you reckon Kris Meeke will be paid for this contract? Also I take it Paul Nagle will be in the car as well?

[dimviii]

Biggest question for me is ....who is going to have the most powerful/torquey/reliable engine.
All 3 of them are going to have direct injection engines.Thats a new era in rallying,and i dlike to see who is going to find the best solutions first.
Ford keeps Pippo as engine builder.

[Rallyper]

Biggest question for me is ....who is going to have the most powerful/torquey/reliable engine.
All 3 of them are going to have direct injection engines.Thats a new era in rallying,and i dlike to see who is going to find the best solutions first.
Ford keeps Pippo as engine builder.

Mini - as BMW always is in front of engine development. :s mokin:

[N.O.T]

meeke is a very good choice especially if the mini follows a solid testing program i think he can deliver some good results. Gronholm should be in the mini as well to see if anyone can beat him and to set the standard.

[navtheace]

So then, where are all the manufacturers who were supposed to jump into the new World Rally Car category?

[COD]

F**ing FIA has destroyed the new WRC by allowing big wings (aerodynamics). We will still not see sideways action. And if they will also permit hydraulics (steering wheel gearshift as Hirvonen the big whiner predicts) then we can say goodbye to any more new manufacturers and the new raising of WRC.

[AndyRAC]

So then, where are all the manufacturers who were supposed to jump into the new World Rally Car category?


Now, now Nav, don't be like that!
But I know what you mean. However, you can't blame them for not wanting to join, yet. So much confusion over the regs......

I still think £340,000 for a SuperProduction car is still too much money.
But, we'll have to wait and see if the rumours come true; Saab, Toyota, VW, etc

[sal]

Toyota arnt coming to the party as they think the regs have gone the wrong way and that it was the European manufacturers who were pushing for 1.6 turbos. Toyota want(ed) to build a car to S2000 regs so that they could use the motor in a touring car as well.

[Sulland]

Toyota arnt coming to the party as they think the regs have gone the wrong way and that it was the European manufacturers who were pushing for 1.6 turbos. Toyota want(ed) to build a car to S2000 regs so that they could use the motor in a touring car as well.

As far as I know the Touring Cars will also use 1600T from 2012.

[bt52b]

As far as I know the Touring Cars will also use 1600T from 2012.

Can use them in WTCC next year, but not mandatory. BTCC gone there own way with a cheaper 2.0l turbo.

[sal]

The story is in this weeks Autosport magazine in the UK. Senior Toyota guy who's name I dont have with me here, is quoted as saying that after their experiences in F1 any future Toyota motorsport programme will have to generate income thru customer sales. He states that it is their view that the European manufacturers pushed for 1.6 turbo engines in the WRC as that suited the situation in their major markets i.e the move the small turbo engines for emmisions reasons but that this requirment was not mirrored in Japan. Toyota wanted to build a car to S2000 regs so that the engine could also be used in a future touring car project The article goes on to mention that a sportscar programme is looking more and more likely.

[dimviii]

Lapworth says that they are going to have limit absolute turbo pressure at 1,5 bar?
How are they going to ''watch'' that???? :dozey:

http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/show.php?id=15160&title=lapworth-nejtezsi-je-vyvoj-motoru

[Mirek]

That article is wrong. Limit is 2,5 bar. There is single FIA controlled Garrett turbocharger with pressure monitor for all cars.

[dimviii]

]That article is wrong. Limit is 2,5 bar. There is single FIA controlled Garrett turbocharger with pressure monitor for all cars.

Thanks Mirek.Hope to be very strictly this method.If not we are going to see very big differences.
will they have rpm limit also?

[Mirek]

I was told that they would have rpm limit but I don't know exact numbers.

[OldF]

And I think the 2,5 bar gauge pressure, not absolute.

Mirek, you have good sources, thanks.

[dimviii]

And I think the 2,5 bar gauge pressure, not absolute.

Mirek, you have good sources, thanks.

yes not absolute, my mistake. :)