GT5 Transcripts/Citroën Xsara Rally Car '99

In 1999, the Citroën Xsara accomplished the unimaginable. In the WRC, the Xsara, although it was categorized as an F2 Kit Car, emerged as the overall winner, besting bigger and supposedly faster cars in higher classifications.
The F2 Kit Car's category consisted of 2-wheel-drive cars with naturally aspirated 2-liter powerplants. Engine modification of F2 Kit Cars was practically unrestricted, and the Xsara's was reputed to be producing more than 295 HP. The front tires had trouble hooking up with all this power, so traction control was equipped to the car's electronically-controlled hydraulic differential gearbox. The front and rear track were increased, and downforce-producing bodywork was installed. The rules also allowed for weight reduction of 270 kg below the stock model's.
It was in the 5th-round race of the 1999 season at Catalonia where the Xsara Kit Car, driven by Phillipe Bugalski, achieved its amazing victory. High-powered all-wheel-drive cars had come to dominate the WRC, and this marked the first time since 1988 that an FF car had won. In the 6th round at Tour de Corse, the Xsara achieved a 1-2 finish. These victories prompted the FIA to raise the minimum weight requirements for kit cars, fearing that their excessive speeds would lead to accidents. This immediately made the Xsara Kit Car uncompetitive, and Citroen developed a new all-wheel-drive rally car, one that was based on the Xsara Kit Car.
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