CITROEN DS3 CABRIO RACING CONCEPT PULSATES

At the 65th Frankfurt Motor Show this September, we’ll get to see this really interesting Citroën DS3 Cabrio Racing Concept. It was recently shown at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Citroën has obviously based it on the DS3 Cabrio but added a nice list of spicy condiments to make it not just stand out, but literally run out.

Firstly the best news (ranking just below an announcement to the effect that Mzansi will get copies too), is that it keeps the highly acclaimed 1.6-litre THP turbo engine we’ve come to know and love. In here it develops a very promising 150kW of power, sent to the front wheels through a short-shift 6-speed manual ‘box. Heaven!

Secondly, the car looks really good. I know I had my reservations about whether the newly-launched DS3 Cabrio really can qualify to be called a cabriolet, but in this instance I zip my big mouth. Just look at this thing. It’s got something called “moondark” matt textured grey exterior paintwork with matching black chrome inserts on the handles, boot trim and side mirrors, as well as an athletic foursome of 19-inch wheels covered in glossy black.

But that’s not all. There’s also the Carmin coloured brake callipers, wheel hubs, doors with the wide side strips, and parts of the lettering and badge. Inside passengers are welcomed by some really cool bucket seats in DS watch strap design of three types of fabric (Napa full-grain leather, DS-embossed leather and Alcantara). Meticulous stitching puts together some of the pieces, such as the seats.

Hopefully Citroën South Africa surprises all of us by showcasing this DS3 Cabrio Racing Concept at the 2013 Johannesburg International Show in October. Fingers crossed.