Those of you who are a little bit older than the millennials probably remember the glory days of Citroen in the World Rally Championship with Sebastian Loeb and a plain looking C4. That is why it is always an occasion when Citoren announces a new World Rally car—because it could be the one to revive the golden era.

Granted, the new generation World Rally cars are smaller and tiny turbo engines that feel more at home in a food blender. But still, there is something about a small, wide body Citroen hatchback with a racing livery that gets every car guy excited. Granted, the one here is wearing a camouflage, but that’s because it’s still being tested ahead of its 2017 season debut.

The latest stage of testing focuses on asphalt performance with the main difference in the setup being the suspension tune. Set up for tarmac, the 2017 Citroen World Rally car gets lower ground clearance, 18-inch wheels, and larger brake discs as well as lighter body protection and more substantial aero parts on the front.

Citroen WRC drivers Kris Meeke and Stephane Lefebvre are in charge of testing the new car.  “It’s exciting to be driving the WRC on asphalt for the first time,” said Kris Meeke. “Citroën Racing has always made really good cars for this surface and I think this will be no exception. On tarmac, you can really feel the changes introduced as a result of the new regulations, such as the higher power, the increased width, the power of the brakes. We are continuing the programme as planned and each run teaches us a little bit more. Every phase of the project is just as exciting as the last.”