Franco SBARRO, a well known French construction designer obtained a chance to modify and tune vehicles for Citroen and its best-seller Xsara Picasso. Conditions were clear: it should be a fully functional racing version meeting all necessary requirements of the motor sport. Except of one condition – it should be for four passengers.
The Citroen Xsara Picasso Cup has intestines as the engine or transmission from the Peugeot 306 S16. The engine is a 2.0 liter producing 175kw and it replaced its stock 1.8 liter gasoline aggregate. Also there’s a 6-speed transmission that come from the Peugeot model. The vehicle is proud of its beautiful massive 19“ rims with 255/40 tires. Of course, that its original suspension was replaced with a racing, fully adjustable version from the Citroen Xsara Kit Car. This is also the case of braking system where we can find 8-piston brake calipers and 370mm brake discs.
Besides these drastic changes of handling and performance, there are other changes all over the car. It was broadened with massive fenders and extreme front and rear bumpers. But the most noticeable changes were made on the central part. Franco Sbarro decided that four doors are too much so now we can enjoy two gull-wing doors. In addition to the unique entrance, the change makes the chassis more stabile and stronger to avoid torsional distortion.
Franco Sbarro and Citroen show that isn’t impossible to create the beast like this from an ordinary family car. One of the Citroen spokesman said: “This Picasso has same genetics as our Xsara Coupe VTS and unbeatable champion Xsara Coupe WRC. “ So we hope that this study will be pleasure not only for all Xsara owners but also for all enthusiasts and tuning fans.
Stop talking; let’s take a look at this total beast:
Technical parameters:
| Engine: | 2,0 l, 4-cylinder (original from Peugeot 306 S16) |
| Transmission: | 6-speed manual |
| Output: | 175 kW / 250HP |
| Brakes: | TAROX, 8- piston calipers, 370mm discs (Citroen Xsara Kit Car) |
| Wheels: | 19“ OZ Superlegera, three-parts |
| Tires: | Michelin Pilot Sport 255 / 40 ZR 19 |
| Weight: | 1.400kg |
| Top speed: | over 250 km/h |