Citroën is officially the first automaker competing in the World Rally Championship to announce a hybrid drive WRC race car, according to AutoblogGreen. The C4 WRC HYmotion4 is similar to the C4 WRC that preceded it, except that the new version adds a 125kW electric motor generator as part of an electric kinetic energy recovery system.

The report said that the motor-generator reduces brake wear and fade by providing regenerative braking capability, while a lithium-ion battery pack above the fuel tank stores charge.

One button inside the car enables an electric-only mode for quiet city driving, while another button kicks in more electric boost for extra passing power. Citroën said in a statement that at a constant speed in electric mode, the vehicle achieves a 25 mile-longer rang and a 30% reduction in fuel consumption.