1990 Citroën ZX Rallye Raid

The 1990 Citroën ZX Rallye Raid is one of the most legendary rally raid cars ever built. Designed to conquer the world’s toughest endurance races, including the Paris-Dakar Rally, the ZX Rallye Raid cemented Citroën’s dominance in off-road motorsport throughout the 1990s.

Origins of the Citroën ZX Rallye Raid

In the late 1980s, Citroën wanted to expand its motorsport presence beyond the World Rally Championship. Building on its experience with the Peugeot 205 T16, the company developed the ZX Rallye Raid to tackle the grueling rally raid events that demanded both speed and endurance.

Introduced in 1990, the ZX Rallye Raid quickly became a reference point in long-distance rally competition.

Technical Specifications

The 1990 Citroën ZX Rallye Raid was engineered for extreme durability and performance. Key specs include:

Engine: Mid-mounted 4-cylinder turbocharged, ~300 hp
Drivetrain: Permanent four-wheel drive (4WD)
Suspension: Long-travel system for rough terrain
Weight: Approx. 1,300 kg (light for its category)
Top Speed: Around 200 km/h (off-road tuned)

Its mid-engine layout and advanced suspension system gave it a significant advantage over rivals in the harsh desert environment.

Rally Achievements

The ZX Rallye Raid became a dominant force in rally raid racing:

Paris-Dakar Rally victories: 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996
FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rally: Multiple titles in the early to mid-1990s
Driven by legendary rally drivers such as Ari Vatanen, Pierre Lartigue, and Hubert Auriol

These successes made the ZX Rallye Raid one of the most successful and respected rally raid cars of all time.

Design and Legacy

The ZX Rallye Raid shared a name and visual resemblance with the road-going Citroën ZX hatchback, but under the skin it was a pure racing machine. Its wide stance, bold livery, and rugged build made it instantly recognizable.

Today, the 1990 Citroën ZX Rallye Raid is celebrated as a motorsport icon that not only represented Citroën’s engineering brilliance but also paved the way for future dominance in rally competitions.

Conclusion – A Dakar Icon

The 1990 Citroën ZX Rallye Raid is remembered as one of the greatest rally raid cars ever created. With its blend of power, endurance, and iconic victories, it stands as a symbol of Citroën’s adventurous spirit in motorsport.