Citroen displays sporting hystory and spercar future at 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Citroën will be displaying two very special vehicles at this year’s Festival of Speed at Goodwood, exhibiting both the rich racing pedigree and forward thinking, environmentally considerate design of the marque.

A replica of the Citroën Xsara WRC, as driven by Colin McRae in the 2003 World Rally Championship will be showcased at the event’s Forest Rally Stage paddock, alongside ten other significant vehicles from the late rally champion’s career. This will form part of a special tribute to the Scottish racing legend.

Over at the circuit’s Technology Pavillion, Citroën’s stunning concept supercar, the C-Métisse, will also be on display, making its first ever appearance in the UK.

With its aviation-inspired cockpit, gull-wing doors and ‘fighter jet’ style roof controls, the C-Métisse, which debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, proved that a high performance car could also be green. Capable of a top speed of 155mph, the exceptionally stylish and super-futuristic Citroën has the ability to cover 45 miles per gallon on the combined cycle and emits just 174g/km of CO2 thanks to its three drive trains – an economical 208bhp V6 HDi diesel engine, plus two separate electric motors on the rear wheels to develop an additional 400Nm of torque and allow the car to run in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mode.

The specially designed carbon fibre body reduces the car’s total weight to just 1,400kg including the batteries, enabling the C-Métisse to hit 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds. A ‘boost’ function activated under heavy acceleration, engages the electric motors to combine with the combustion engine, enhancing the power and performance without increasing the fuel consumption.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed runs from the 11th to the 13th of July. For more information visit: http://www.goodwood.co.uk/fos