Citroen salute Loeb with special edition cars.

Citroen Sport has announced that it will launch two special edition models in 2007, which will 'honour' its number one driver, Sebastien Loeb, who is the most successful in the history of WRC, in terms of event wins.

Ahead of Citroen's official return to the FIA World Rally Championship on the Rallye Monte Carlo next week with the new C4 WRC car and marking its come-back after a one-year sabbatical, the special edition C4 and C2 'by LOEB' models will both go on sale in January.

The following statement from Citroen gives the low-down on each model:

"Citroen's C4 by LOEB combines power and prowess with eye-catching looks, and is available in either Citroen Sport Red or Black. The sleek coupe styling, flared wheel arches and rear spoiler are complemented by 17" white or grey alloys and subtle 'by LOEB' badging, together with the vehicle's individual serial number - there will be 400 C4 by LOEB special edition models available in the UK.

"On the inside, the seats are dressed in a smart red and black leather/cloth trim, with the famous Citroen chevrons embroidered in the leather front head restraints. The sporty feel is further enhanced by the use of chrome on the gear knob and centre console trim, leather on the steering wheel and central armrest, and the fitting of aluminium drilled pedals.

"The C4 by LOEB is available with the range-topping 180hp 2.0i 16V engine, capable of hitting 141mph and accelerating from 0 to 62mph in just over 8 seconds, for a winning recommended retail price of ?14,995. In addition, the C4 by LOEB line-up also offers 110hp 1.6 litre petrol and diesel versions, with RRPs starting from ?12,795.

"Citroen's Junior World Rally Championship contender, the C2, also benefits from the 'by LOEB' treatment. With 310 models available to UK buyers, and with a very competitive RRP of ?9,995, the 125hp 1.6i 16V C2 by LOEB can reach a top speed of 126mph, is equipped with 16" alloys, and comes in either Sport Red or Black. Inside, it features a red and black cloth seating trim with embroidered chevrons on the front head restraints, a leather steering wheel and the use of chrome trim.

"Unlike Sebastien Loeb's C4 WRC, the 'by LOEB' special editions are equipped to make life as comfortable as possible for those on-board.

"All models come with the likes of air conditioning, a CD player, front electric windows and at least four airbags as standard, while the 180hp 2.0i 16V C4 by LOEB adds laminated side windows, an alarm, rear parking sensors and a 5 CD autochanger."