Oddball race car: Citroën Xantia 4×4 Turbo

But first, a little about the underlying car— the Citroën Xantia:

From an engineering perspective, the Xantia’s biggest advance was the suspension. From launch, the more expensive models were available with an enhanced version of the XM’s Hydractive, Hydractive II or H2, computer-controlled version of the hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension. This used extra suspension spheres to allow a soft ride in normal conditions, but taut body control during hard braking, acceleration or cornering. These models feature an innovation first seen on the CX and then subsequently fitted to the facelifted XM – a programmed self-steer rear axle. On sweeping curves and tight bends alike, the rear wheels turn in line with the front wheels, sharpening responses and adding to driver pleasure.

In 1994, the Activa technology was introduced, which is an extension to the Hydractive II suspension, where two additional spheres and two hydraulic cylinders are used together with computer control to eliminate body roll completely. This technology is more broadly known as active suspension, and the Xantia Activa has exceptional road holding comparable to true sports cars. In the Swedish magazine Teknikens Värld’s moose test the 1999 model of Xantia V6 Activa still holds the record speed through the manoeuvre – faster than the Porsche 996 GT2.

UK Models of the Activa came fitted with a XU10 2 litre turbocharged engine also fitted to the Citroën XM 2.0CT and Peugeot 605 SRi. It produced 150 bhp and 171 lb ft of torque and was a ‘low-blow’ type for smooth power delivery rather than outright bhp. When modified Its performance can be improved to get close to the output of V6 models for very little outlay whilst retaining the smoothness and excellent torque characteristics.

The Xantia was the last Citroën to use a common hydraulic circuit for suspension, brakes and steering like the pioneering Citroën DS (source).

And here’s said Xantia on steroids:

In 1993 Jean Luc Pailler and Citroën developed a Xantia turbo 4×4 to replace his successful BX turbo 4×4 which he had driven in the European and French RallyCross championships. This car had evolved through the years and will be driven by Jean Luc until at least the year 2000. He won the European championship with the Xantia in 1993 and became French champion in 1993, 1994 and 1995 and has subsequently won even more races (source).