HYBRID TIME // CITROEN C4 WRC HYmotion4

It is a well known fact, that here at ColdTrackDays, we are all for alternative fuels. Bio-diesel, CNG, E85 (ok, maybe not ethanol, but we’ll talk about that later), hybrid/synergy drive, etc... So, when we heard that Citroen was releasing their C4 WRC HYmotion4, the first ever hybrid powered WRC rally car, we all got a little excited. Adopting the HYmotion4 AWD hybrid system found in a number of recent Peugeot and Citroen releases, the new rally beast will feature a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four cylinder, good for somewhere around 320bhp. Running in conjunction with the four pot will be a parallel electric motor, capable of delivering 167bhp through the rear axle. Four driver selected modes are available, and will be used dependent upon terrain and stage layout. The driver will be able to select from an internal combustion only mode for typical rally stages, internal combustion plus regenerative braking for increased stopping power, electric only for transport and around the paddock use and finally boost mode, enabling the driver to tap an additional 222bhp via the electric motor. All in all, we are sure Citroen isn’t reducing their carbon footprint as much as the conscious crowd might want, but remember, the fuel saving automotive technologies of tomorrow will come from the engineering and racing efforts of today // 10.03.2008