Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta

Citroen DS3

Citroen C4

Mini Cooper S Countryman

Mini Cooper S Countryman

Mini Cooper S Countryman

Dacia Duster

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The WRC's new rules, coming into effect for 2011, make the Fiesta the logical choice for Ford's entrant. Ford is trying out two engines, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder developed by tuner Pipo Moteur and Ford's own EcoBoost four-cylinder.

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The Ford Fiesta will see its first challenge during the Swedish Rally in February 2011. In 2010, this rally was won by a Ford Focus, but that car is no longer eligible to compete because of its engine displacement.

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Facing the Fiesta at the Swedish Rally will be the new Citroen competitor, the DS3. Following WRC regulations, the DS3 also uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, this one built by Citroen Racing and generating 300 horsepower, the maximum allowed.

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Citroen also displayed its outgoing C4 WRC car at the Paris show. This car proved highly successful for driver Sebastian Loeb. Like the Ford Focus, the C4 is no longer eligible to compete.

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The new WRC rules seem made for Mini, which has perfected its own direct-injection turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. The production of the all-wheel-drive Mini Countryman seemed perfectly timed with the new WRC rules, giving Mini an easy entry.

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Mini showed off this contender as a concept at the Paris Motor Show, and only intends to enter select events in 2011 while preparing for a full 2012 season.

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Caption by / Photo by Wayne Cunningham/CNET
Although based on inexpensive car platforms, these WRC competitors undergo extensive modification. Witness the cabin of the Mini, which replaces all the luxury bits in favor of metal panels and a roll cage.

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Caption by / Photo by Wayne Cunningham/CNET
No, Dacia is not a WRC contender. Rather, this Duster competes in the Trophee Andros, an ice-racing series.

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World Rally Cars at the Paris Motor Show (photos)

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