These are the first images of the Citroen DS3 rally challenger, the car that could eventually become Sebastien Loeb's weapon for the 2011 WRC season.
These spy photos, first published by Spanish motorsport site Racingpasión, show Citroen's new DS3 undergoing testing in France with junior driver Sebastien Ogier at the wheel.
The car is actually homologated for Group R3 regulations, meaning two-wheel drive and only limited modifications for the basic drivetrain and chassis. The basic shell and full rollcage will form the basis of Citroen's 2011 WRC car if planned changes to the regulations go ahead, although that car would get four-wheel drive and more power.
The 1600cc turbocharged engine would remain, although that would be likely to put it at a torque disadvantage from potential 2.0-litre rivals.
The biggest competition for the DS3 is likely to come from a new WRC Ford Fiesta, currently being developed by Malcolm Wilson's M-Sport team under S2000 regulations.
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