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Citroen has unveiled its C2-R2 MAX homologation package, a move that's not just good news for anyone who's all about race-bred hot-hatches. The car also confirms Citroen's intent to compete in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship in 2008. The C2-R2 MAX is scheduled to be homologated by the FIA on March 1, and will be available as a kit through Citroen Sport.
The C2-R2 MAX fits in between the C2 Super 1600 and C2-R2, offering a performance boost at a more affordable price for rallyists. Changes over the C2-R2 include a 190 horsepower 1599cc engine and brakes, a revised suspension with a wider track and an adjustable rear, and hydraulic steering. Citroen says the upgrades will enable the car to dominate its class as well as challenging cars from higher classes.
To drive the C2-R2 MAX's abilities home, Citroen let 2007 European Rally champion Simon Jean-Joseph and FIA Junior WRC rookie Sébastien Ogier put the cars through their paces at Satory’s Val d’Or circuit. Both drivers will be campaigning Citroen C2s in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship for 2008.
CITROE?N REVEALS C2-R2 MAX
Citroe?n has today revealed the new Citroe?n C2-R2 MAX. The car is aimed at motorsport
customers, and will be sold in kit form by Citroe?n Sport’s customer division. Before taking
to the world’s special stages, Simon Jean-Joseph and Se?bastien Ogier launched the all-new
C2-R2 MAX at Satory’s Val d’Or circuit.
The new car, which will be homologated by the FIA on the 1st March 2008, was designed to the new
FIA ‘Group R’ regulations. Jean-Franc?ois Lie?ne?re?, Citroe?n Sport’s customer competition manager,
explained: « We felt that it was necessary to expand the range of our competition cars, as we saw a
gap between our two best-selling C2 rally variants: the C2 Super 1600 and the C2-R2. This new
‘intermediate’ car can be run to a budget, but it also has more spirited performance than the C2-R2.
The C2-R2 MAX appeals both to the heart and to the head, and it offers the best compromise between
performance, price and driving pleasure available on the market today. »
The modifications over the standard C2-R2 are chiefly to the engine, which gets an increase in power,
more sophisticated suspension, stronger brakes, adjustable rear suspension, and a hydraulic steering
rack. « From the outside, the car looks largely the same, » commented Alexis Avril, Citroe?n Sport’s
customer competition technical manager. « The front and rear track are just a little bit wider. The main
changes are under the bonnet, with a 1599cc engine that puts out 190 horsepower. » Last year, the
C2-R2 proved its performance on the FIA Junior Championship as well as many different European
national championships. Thanks to this latest evolution, drivers of the C2-R2 MAX will be able to fight
for R2 victory and above all they will be able to rival cars from the class above.
Citroe?n united two extremely talented drivers to stage this demonstration: Simon Jean-Joseph, 2007
European Rally Champion with a Citroe?n C2 Super 1600, and Se?bastien Ogier – a member of the
prestigious Equipe de France FFSA (backed by the French national motorsport federation) and
Echappement magazine’s young driver of the year. Citroe?n Sport director Olivier Quesnel said: « Simon
has a great deal of experience in rallying and thanks to his exceptional talent he will be a fantastic
ambassador for the company and for the C2-R2 MAX all over Europe this year. As for Se?bastien Ogier,
he will get the chance to make his debut on the FIA Junior World Rally Championship in an Equipe de
France FFSA-backed Citroe?n C2 Super 1600 – which has been made possible through a joint effort from
Citroe?n Sport and the French Federation. His six-rally programme will start in Mexico at the end of the
month. »
Citroe?n will therefore be present on the FIA Junior World Rally Championship once more, and it will
also reprise the ‘C2 Junior Experience’. « After the promising results we obtained last year, we’re
delighted to continue the scheme in 2008, » added Olivier Quesnel. « We already have six competitors
signed up: four in a C2 Super 1600 and two in a C2-R2. It’s worth remembering that if the winner of
the 2008 Junior World Rally Championship drives a Citroe?n C2, he will earn two rallies with a WRC car
in 2009. For reasons of fairness, Se?bastien Ogier – who is competing on the FIA Junior World
Championship – will not take part in the C2 Junior Experience. Citroe?n will also be present on several
European national championships this year through some of its subsidiaries, distributors and
customers. »
| CITROËN LINKS UP WITH TRIPLE WORLD RALLY CHAMPION, SÉBASTIEN LOEB, TO CREATE THE ‘BY LOEB’ SPECIAL EDITION To honour the world’s most successful rally driver and reigning World Rally Champion, Sébastien Loeb, Citroën is now launching two special edition models. On sale this January, and marking Citroën’s official return to the World Rally Championship in the brand new C4 WRC rally car at this month’s Monte Carlo Rally, the special edition C4 and C2 by LOEB models feature distinctive interior and exterior looks. |  |
| Citroën’s C4 by LOEB combines power and prowess with eye-catching looks, and is available in either Citroën Sport Red or Black. The sleek coupé styling, flared wheel arches and rear spoiler are complemented by 17” white or grey alloys and subtle ‘by LOEB’ badging, together with the vehicle’s individual serial number – there will be 400 C4 by LOEB special edition models available in the UK. On the inside, the seats are dressed in a smart red and black leather/cloth trim, with the famous Citroën chevrons embroidered in the leather front head restraints. The sporty feel is further enhanced by the use of chrome on the gear knob and centre console trim, leather on the steering wheel and central armrest, and the fitting of aluminium drilled pedals. The C4 by LOEB is available with the range-topping 180hp 2.0i 16V engine, capable of hitting 141mph and accelerating from 0 to 62mph in just over 8 seconds, for a winning recommended retail price of £14,995. In addition, the C4 by LOEB line-up also offers 110hp 1.6 litre petrol and diesel versions, with RRPs starting from £12,795. | |
Citroën’s Junior World Rally Championship contender, the C2, also benefits from the
Sébastien Loeb is the most successful rally driver of all time, with a total of 28 World Rally Championship wins to date. Since his debut in the WRC with Citroën in 2002 he has dominated the sport, taking the title three years in a row (2004-2006).
Citroen has unveiled its C2-R2 MAX homologation package, a move that's not just good news for anyone who's all about race-bred hot-hatches. The car also confirms Citroen's intent to compete in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship in 2008. The C2-R2 MAX is scheduled to be homologated by the FIA on March 1, and will be available as a kit through Citroen Sport.
To drive the C2-R2 MAX's abilities home, Citroen let 2007 European Rally champion Simon Jean-Joseph and FIA Junior WRC rookie Sébastien Ogier put the cars through their paces at Satory’s Val d’Or circuit. Both drivers will be campaigning Citroen C2s in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship for 2008.
CITROE?N REVEALS C2-R2 MAX
Citroe?n has today revealed the new Citroe?n C2-R2 MAX. The car is aimed at motorsport
customers, and will be sold in kit form by Citroe?n Sport’s customer division. Before taking
to the world’s special stages, Simon Jean-Joseph and Se?bastien Ogier launched the all-new
C2-R2 MAX at Satory’s Val d’Or circuit.
The new car, which will be homologated by the FIA on the 1st March 2008, was designed to the new
FIA ‘Group R’ regulations. Jean-Franc?ois Lie?ne?re?, Citroe?n Sport’s customer competition manager,
explained: « We felt that it was necessary to expand the range of our competition cars, as we saw a
gap between our two best-selling C2 rally variants: the C2 Super 1600 and the C2-R2. This new
‘intermediate’ car can be run to a budget, but it also has more spirited performance than the C2-R2.
The C2-R2 MAX appeals both to the heart and to the head, and it offers the best compromise between
performance, price and driving pleasure available on the market today. »
The modifications over the standard C2-R2 are chiefly to the engine, which gets an increase in power,
more sophisticated suspension, stronger brakes, adjustable rear suspension, and a hydraulic steering
rack. « From the outside, the car looks largely the same, » commented Alexis Avril, Citroe?n Sport’s
customer competition technical manager. « The front and rear track are just a little bit wider. The main
changes are under the bonnet, with a 1599cc engine that puts out 190 horsepower. » Last year, the
C2-R2 proved its performance on the FIA Junior Championship as well as many different European
national championships. Thanks to this latest evolution, drivers of the C2-R2 MAX will be able to fight
for R2 victory and above all they will be able to rival cars from the class above.
Citroe?n united two extremely talented drivers to stage this demonstration: Simon Jean-Joseph, 2007
European Rally Champion with a Citroe?n C2 Super 1600, and Se?bastien Ogier – a member of the
prestigious Equipe de France FFSA (backed by the French national motorsport federation) and
Echappement magazine’s young driver of the year. Citroe?n Sport director Olivier Quesnel said: « Simon
has a great deal of experience in rallying and thanks to his exceptional talent he will be a fantastic
ambassador for the company and for the C2-R2 MAX all over Europe this year. As for Se?bastien Ogier,
he will get the chance to make his debut on the FIA Junior World Rally Championship in an Equipe de
France FFSA-backed Citroe?n C2 Super 1600 – which has been made possible through a joint effort from
Citroe?n Sport and the French Federation. His six-rally programme will start in Mexico at the end of the
month. »
Citroe?n will therefore be present on the FIA Junior World Rally Championship once more, and it will
also reprise the ‘C2 Junior Experience’. « After the promising results we obtained last year, we’re
delighted to continue the scheme in 2008, » added Olivier Quesnel. « We already have six competitors
signed up: four in a C2 Super 1600 and two in a C2-R2. It’s worth remembering that if the winner of
the 2008 Junior World Rally Championship drives a Citroe?n C2, he will earn two rallies with a WRC car
in 2009. For reasons of fairness, Se?bastien Ogier – who is competing on the FIA Junior World
Championship – will not take part in the C2 Junior Experience. Citroe?n will also be present on several
European national championships this year through some of its subsidiaries, distributors and
customers. »
Programme for Simon Jean-Joseph and Jack Boye?re
(Citroe?n C2-R2 MAX)
Rally Eger (Hungarian Championship): 04 – 06 April 2008
Pirelli Rally (British Championship): 18 – 20 April 2008
Vodafone Rally de Portugal (IRC/Portuguese Championship): 08 – 10 May 2008
South Swedish Rally (Swedish Championship): 23 – 25 May 2008
Rally Russia (IRC/Russian Championship): 11 – 13 July 2008
Barum Rally Zlin (ERC/Czech Championship): 22 – 24 August 2008
Rally Principe de Asturias (IRC/Spanish Championship): 12 – 14 September 2008
Rallye Sanremo (IRC/Italian Championship): 26 – 28 September 2008
Programme for Se?bastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia
(Citroe?n C2 Super 1600)
Corona Rally Mexico (JWRC/Mexico) : 28 February – 03 March 2008
Jordan Rally (JWRC/Jordan): 24 – 27 April 2008
Rally d’Italia Sardegna (JWRC/Sardinia): 15 – 18 May 2008
OMV ADAC Rallye Deutschland (JWRC/Germany): 14 – 17 August 2008
Rally RACC Catalunya – Costa Daurada (JWRC/Spain): 02 – 05 October 2008
Rallye de France – Tour de Corse (JWRC/Corsica): 09 – 12 October 2008
(Subject to change from the FIA or local organisers)
Citroén has decided to enter the already crowded market segment of mini MPVs with a version of the C3 reportedly as the C3 StreetLounge. Scheduled to be released in 2008 this new model will compete directly against the Renault Modus, Opel Meriva, Nissan Note and Ford’s yet to come Fiesta based B-Max. Based on the same platform as Peugeot's 207, the C3 StreetLounge will get most of the engines that we can find under the little lion’s hood today. That means both petrol-engines as well as powerful HDI-engines. Buyers will also have the choice of three gearboxes, a standard manual, the clutchless Sensodrive as well as a fully automatic transmission.
The new car is going to be a real five-seater with a loading area that can be extended by sliding or folding the rear bench. Inside there will be centrally mounted dials as well as higher quality materials. Also, some features of the recently released C4 Picasso will find its way into the new mini-MPV.
Maybe we can expect a concept of this car at Frankfurt’s Car Show in September with the production model being debuted a year later at the Paris Car Show in Paris 2008.
Pictures are showing some prototypes during testing at a secret track in Europe, as well as a artist impression of how the car could look like.
Related entries:
Citroen C2 and C4 "by Loeb" Special Editions
Citroen are to take on a sector increasingly emerging as a popular downsize from the leisure activity segment dominated by Citroen and their Berlingo, recently revealed in second-generation guise. A segment populated by vehicles such as Skoda's Roomster and Opel's Meriva, and soon to be joined by a plethora of upcoming models, the firm are following suit with a C3-derived leisure activity vehicle dubbed 'C3 Minispace', in line with the firm's 'Multispace' branding for the Berlingo. Offering compact exterior dimensions but a spacious and versatile interior for five, expect new innovations for the sector with the experience gained from their award-winning Berlingo leisure activity vehicle.
Spied here undergoing winter testing as a mule, the C3 Minispace reveals few clues as to its styling. Reports suggest the car will be based off the Peugeot 207 platform, inheriting a similar line-up of petrol and HDi engines from 1.1 to 1.6-litres. An introduction in 2009 is likely.
Related entries:
Citroen C3 StreetLounge Spy Photos
Of course, most journalists had flocked to Detroit to witness and report on the biggest North American car show. No wonder that a Brussels Car Show world premiere has gone mostly unnoticed outside of the Benelux.
Two cars received special attention, the new Nemo Combi and the all new C5 saloon, which we had hoped to have seen at Frankfurt in September. The Citroen C5 is hoping to become a long-term leader in the M2 segment of mid-upper range saloons, ie Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna and the upcoming Opel Insignia.
For the first time on the C5, since it uses the Citroen C6 running gear, it will be available with either the comfortable Hydractive 3 Plus suspension system or a metal suspension for a stiffer ride.
The Citroen C5 will be launched in spring 2008 and will be on offer with a wide choice of engines, both gasoline and diesel, uncompromising safety features and fancy technologies.
Two days ago the Citroen Nemo Combi made its world debut. Not at the Detroit Motor Show where the majority of the automotive press was hanging out, but in Belgium at the Brussels Motor Show.
The Citroen Nemo Combi is the new entry level Nemo leisure activity vehicle aka passenger LCV aka light van.
The Nemo is one size smaller than the recently released Citroen Berlingo, measuring just 3.96 meters in length.while being able to carry 356 liters of cargo and if you fold down the rear seats you can store 884 liters.
There will also be a Citroen Nemo Combi XTR on offer which has a raised suspension thus allowing the remote and rough areas to be reached with the light van. The XTR trim also features 15 inch wheels with embellishers, skid plate under the engine, reinforced side protection, fog lamps and roofbars which can carry upto 100 kg.
Power comes from either a diesel or gasoline engine. The 1.4 liter HDi engine producing 50 kW / 70 hp with 160 Nm of torque and needs just 4.6 liters of diesel per 100 km, while the gasoline engine is slightly more powerful at 54 kW / 75 hp with 118 Nm of torque but requires 7.1 liters per 100 km.
Citroën is presenting the Nemo Combi at the Brussels Motor Show from 15 January 2008. The Marque’s new entry-level leisure activity vehicle is scheduled for launch in spring 2008.
Nemo Combi is an innovative vehicle, with modern, friendly and dynamic styling. Compact outside and spacious inside, it is functional, robust and economical, with a range of features designed to ensure the comfort of all five passengers.
For even greater versatility and a stronger focus on leisure, Nemo Combi is also available in an XTR version.
The main features of Nemo Combi, a new arrival in the family of leisure activity vehicles, are:
- two generous seats at the front, enabling tall people to ride in comfort;
- three generous seats at the rear;
- a large boot with stowage of 356 litres under the parcel shelf, and 884 litres up to the back of the front seat when the rear bench is tumbled forward;
- a load volume of almost 2.5 m3 when the rear seat is removed;
- rear asymmetric swing doors.
Nemo Combi was developed to satisfy its users, with features including:
Nemo is 3.96 metres long, 1.72 metres wide and 1.72 metres tall (1.78 metres with the roof bars). This makes it just the right size for getting into car parks and nipping in and out of traffic. In addition, a tight turning circle enables it to carry out manoeuvres that would be impossible for many comparable vehicles.
Sized for easy urban driving, Nemo Combi also features generous interior space.
The passenger compartment is surprisingly large. Nemo Combi boasts space worthy of the next segment up, with elbow room of 1,420 mm at the front and 1,441 mm at the rear, headroom of 1,063 mm at the front and 1,049 mm at the rear, and a total cabin length of 1,680 mm.
The front and rear seats are both welcoming and comfortable. The rear bench, positioned 40 mm higher than the seats at the front, give passengers at the rear a clear view of the road. Boot capacity varies from 356 litres under the parcel shelf to 884 litres up to the back of the front seat when the rear bench is tumbled forward. These remarkable figures illustrate the excellent interior space of Nemo Combi. To take full advantage of the space available, the removable luggage shelf can be stored behind the back of the rear bench.
Removing the rear bench frees up a significant load volume of almost 2.5 m3.
Nemo will also attract young, dynamic customers looking for a practical and economical vehicle that is suitable for sporting and leisure activities. With its special equipment and styling, Nemo XTR further underlines the leisure capacities of Nemo Combi. This XTR version comprises a raised suspension system, 15-inch wheels with embellishers, a skid plate under the engine, and reinforced side protection (broad side mouldings, side guards, front bumper trim) and fog lamps on the bottom part of the bumper. Roof bars complete the list of equipment supplied with the XTR trim. Nemo Combi can thus carry a load of up to 100 kg on the roof, including cumbersome leisure equipment such as surfboards or bikes. Nemo XTR is thus equipped for leisure activities in the city and on the roughest terrain.
Nemo Combi: designed for easy and convenient access in all circumstances
One or two large sliding side doors
Nemo Combi ships with one or two large sliding side doors for easy access to the rear of the vehicle. A wide opening provides easy access, even in the tightest spaces.
Rear asymmetric swing doors
Nemo Combi features a cleverly designed cabin that also provides efficient and easy access to the rear. It is fitted as standard with 60:40 rear asymmetric swing doors. The narrowest door is on the right. This makes it easier to access the back of the vehicle when space is limited. A convenient control function opens the doors to almost180°.
The boot sill, ideally located at a height of 53 cm from the ground, makes loading/unloading easy.
In countries where this is allowed by the highway code, the right-hand door can be left open to carry long loads. The registration plate and the third stop light – positioned on the left-hand swing door – can still be seen.
A host of useful details make Nemo a vehicle with features that make life easier, including:
Alongside power steering – fitted as standard – Nemo Combi is available with rear parking assist, with four sensors integrated in the rear bumper, and an overspeed warning programmed from the dashboard, which emits a visual and audible signal when the driver exceeds the set speed.
A speed limiter/cruise control function will be made available during 2008.
Clean, economical engines
The HDi diesel engine with a capacity of 1,398 cm3 develops 50 kW EEC (68 bhp EEC or 70 bhp DIN) at a speed of 4,000 rpm, for maximum torque of 160 Nm at 1,750 rpm. This diesel engine, tried and tested on other models in the Citroën range, consumes just 4.6 l/100 km over a combined cycle for excellent economy-in-use. At the same time, Nemo Combi respects the environment with CO2 emissions of just 123 g/km, making it the benchmark in the leisure activity vehicle segment.
With this engine, Nemo Combi carries the Airdream eco-label, which is based on three criteria: production in an ISO 14001 certified plant, 95% recoverable at end-of-life and CO2 emissions of less than 130 g/km.
The petrol engine, shared with many other models in the range, has a capacity of 1,360 cm3 and develops 54 kW EEC (73.5 bhp EEC or 75 bhp DIN) at 5,200 rpm. Maximum torque is 118 Nm at the eminently reasonable speed of 2,600 rpm, for an excellent response at low engine speeds.
Average consumption over a combined cycle is 7.1 l/100km with CO2 emissions of 165 g/km.
Both engines are mated to 5-speed manual gearboxes whose ratios are tailored to the characteristics of each one.
A 5-speed clutchless manual gearbox on the HDi engine
A 5-speed clutchless manual gearbox will become available with the HDi 70 engine during 2008. In the same way as for other Citroën models available with this type of transmission (from the C1 city car to the Grand C4 Picasso MPV), Nemo Combi will bring its customers all the benefits of this system in terms of comfort, relaxed driving and economy-in-use. This transmission, which has no clutch pedal, features two operating modes: manual (the driver flicks the gear lever to change speeds) and automated.
Nemo Combi places particular emphasis on active safety in terms of both visibility – with its large windows and generously sized rearview mirrors – and dynamic behaviour.
Concerning safety features, Nemo ships with a driver's airbag as standard, and can also be fitted with a front passenger airbag and front side airbags (standard or optional depending on the country). If a passenger airbag is fitted, it can be disabled for carrying young children.
The seatbelts with force limiters and pyrotechnic pretensioners are adapted to the airbags, and the driver has a seatbelt alarm and warning light if he/she forgets to attach the belt.
Two Isofix anchor points are included on the rear side seats.
The running gear was developed to strike a optimum balance between comfort and ride, regardless of the road surface and load conditions. The suspension is of the McPherson type at the front with a flexible transverse bar at the rear. The 185/65 Michelin tyres are mounted on 14-inch wheels.
For the XTR version, or as part of an option available in some countries, 15-inch wheels are provided with 185/65 tyres.
The braking system, with ABS as standard, comprises vented discs at the front (257 x 22 mm) and drums at the rear.
With low fuel consumption and limited maintenance costs, Nemo Combi also optimises cost-in-use. This quality reflects the expectations of leisure activity vehicle buyers, who place considerable emphasis on the overall cost-in-use of their car.
Nemo Combi boasts a number of advantages in this respect.
Nemo Combi innovates in the leisure activity vehicle market with its striking size, design and balance of volumes. Compact and sturdy, sleekly muscled without being aggressive, Nemo Combi has a new, strong and highly appealing personality.
The styling and personality of Nemo Combi identify it as a Citroën. The modern front end features a protective bumper, clear-lens headlamps and large chevrons. The large windscreen lets the light flood in.
Viewed from the side, the design lines suggest modern styling, robust strength and generous interior space. The flawlessly integrated sliding side doors feature flush-fitting windows whose shape also contributes to the character of Nemo Combi. At the rear end, the harmonious lines underline Nemo Combi's functionality and convenience, while the styling of the lights reflect its personality.
Nemo is available in a choice of ten body colours: four solid (Banquise White, Paganini Ivory, Tiziano Red, Line Blue), and six metallic (Garbato Grey, Graphito Grey, Nocturne Blue, Malizzioso Red), of which two are specific to the Citroën brand (Mativoire and Lucia Blue).
The interior styling of Nemo Combi reflects the compact design and generous space suggested by the exterior styling. The vehicle features:
