World RX – Peugeot unveils the 208 2017 WRX from Loeb and Hansen

Peugeot and Team Peugeot-Hansen intends to reclaim its throne in 2017, after abandoning the Teams title last year to Mattias Ekström's EKS RX structure. The new 208WRX must therefore compete with the Audi S1, Ford Focus RS RX and other Volkswagen Polo GTi RX which will be among the favorites for this new World RX campaign.

The new Lioness appears with new bodywork and revised aerodynamics, and is now at the maximum width permitted by the regulations. The developments are not limited to the visual aspect, since a new lower engine appears.

Longer shock absorbers and reworked suspensions are also part of the new package of the 208 WRX 2017, which will be entrusted to Sébastien Loeb and Timmy Hansen, when Kevin Hansen will have a 208 2016 plus version.

“After the last test at Lydden Hill, I have the feeling that the car has progressed in almost all areas: engine, chassis, shock absorbers, gear ratios… comments Sébastien Loeb.

Overall, we are better everywhere. It should be more versatile and more efficient on slippery circuits. Barcelona is not the track that will really allow us to judge this last point but it will still be very interesting since it will be our first confrontation with reinforced competition. »

“The tests we conducted with the 2017 version of the 208 WRX went very well, continues Timmy Hansen. We have resolved the few points that caused us problems last year. The new car is one that can be pushed to the limit and driven in a very incisive manner. »

The first round of the season will take place this weekend in Catalonia.

>>>>> Peugeot 208 WRX 2017 photos <<<<

>>>>> Sébastien Loeb's top 15 racing cars <<<<

Discover our presentation of the 2017 World Championship season Rallycross in AUTO n°2107hebdo, available now in digital version and on newsstands.