Tuning classic: the Citroën Sbarro Picasso Cup Widebody!

Thomas Wachsmuth 26 April 2024 -> Cars from AZ, -> Tuner from AZ, Citroën, Premium vehicles

Reading time 3 Min.

Yes, it really exists! Into the segment of one Renault Space F1 or BMW X5 Le Mans definitely belongs to that too Citroën Sbarro Picasso Cup, which some who even know him probably only as Toy car from Ottomobile. But there is a “real“Vehicle of it! Imagine being able to convert your normal family van into one rally car transform without sacrificing comfort in terms of space for the family. That's exactly what it has Sbarro with the Citroën Xsara Picasso Cup done back then. What at first glance seems like an ordinary one MPV appears is full of surprises. There is no extreme engine under the hood of the Xsara Picasso Cup like in the aforementioned Espace or X5 175 kW (238 hp) 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a sophisticated version of the standard 1.8 liter petrol engine, but is also a nice engine.

Citroën Sbarro Picasso Cup

The lively four-cylinder is coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission, which confidently brings power to the road. But the real changes are not just mechanical, but clearly visual. Because the design of the Picasso was radically changed. The biggest eye-catchers are of course these two huge double doors, which not only look spectacular, but also strengthen the body to withstand the higher loads Rally use to withstand. In addition, the Frenchman was extremely powerful at the time 19-inch alloy wheels and tires of dimension 255/40 which, together with a lowered sports suspension, not only improve driving behavior, but also make the look significantly sportier.

brutally widened body

In addition, the body has been massively widened all around and the aprons no longer have anything to do with the series. Regardless of whether it's the sills, roof wings or hood, the components hardly have anything in common with the production vehicle. And safety was also taken into consideration at the time: the Xsara Picasso Cup was included Racing seats and sports belts equipped, and even a cage is installed. Of course they can too huge 370 mm disc brakes Don't go unmentioned, which bring the unique car to a safe and controlled halt even at higher speeds. The conversion is a perfect example of how a practical family carriage can be turned into a crazy one Rally vehicle can be transformed.

Citroën Sbarro Picasso Cup:

Motor: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, upgraded from a 1.8 liter petrol engine
Performance: 175 kW (238 PS)
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission
Suspension: lowered
bicycles: 19-inch alloy wheels, tires in dimension 255/40
Brakes: Front and back 370mm disc brakes
Body:
- Significant widening of the body
- Radical changes to the aprons, sills, roof wings and hood
- Replacing the four standard doors with two large double doors
inner space:
- Equipped with Racing seats and sports belts
- Installation of one safety cage
Special Features:
- No central door pillar, maximum opening through butterfly doors
- Visually striking design with wide sills and large air inlets
Comprehensive reinforcement of the body to cope with higher loads in rally use
Visually and functionally designed for performance and racing