Following their recent announcement about entering the World Touring Car Championship in 2014, Citroen now reveals the first images of the car they have specifically designed for the job. It is called the Citroen C-Elysee, and it is built based on the new regulations.

There is more to this car, and Citroen’s decision to enter touring car racing, than just the love of motorsport. Citroen is looking at WTCC as an ideal platform to showcase the  C-Elysee to key markets. It is a C-segment global model aimed principally at high-growth, international markets such as those in Latin America, the Mediterranean region, China and Russia.

Nothing wrong with that, of course. If anything, the marketing incentive will make them race harder and better in order to put the car in a more prominent position. That is why they are handpicking a team of expert drivers, led by the rally legend and one of the greatest drivers that has ever lived, Sebastian Loeb.

Compared to a normal saloon car, the WTCC racing version of the C-Elysee features an integrated aerodynamic splitter, the front bumper accentuates the radiator grille with its prominent double chevron, as well as wide fenders and a big rear wing. It is powered by the same 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged engine as the DS3 WRC, but in this it makes close to 380bhp. Transmission is a six-speed sequential gearbox, and the power goes to the front wheels.