Audacity, Creativity & Technology: Citroën 2011

Citroën is showcasing an impressive product line up at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show (1-13 March 2011).

Featuring the very best of the brand’s ‘Créative Technologie’, Citroen’s show highlights include the eagerly anticipated DS4 in its final production form; the European debut for the spectacular Metropolis concept; three brand new concept cars; new models with environmentally-considerate technologies; and Citroën’s new world rally challenger - DS3 WRC.

NEW CITROËN DS4

Following the successful launch of DS3, the DS4, which will arrive in Australia and New Zealand towards the end of the year, is further proof of Citroën’s ‘Créative Technologie’ Fitting perfectly into the DS line - with its bold styling, intelligent architecture and sophisticated refinement - DS4 is a high-stance five-door coupé combining vitality and versatility for an unrivalled driving experience.

Already winning the hearts and minds of the public, DS4 was recently voted ‘Most Beautiful Car of the Year’ by 60,000 internet users from 62 countries.

The DS signature on DS4’s bonnet is complemented by striking light guides around the front fog lights - which are illuminated day and night. The car’s eye-catching profile is enhanced by muscular wheel arches that emphasise the large wheels (up to 19”) and is crowned by a tautly drawn roofline with a spoiler for added vitality. The lower part of the rear bumper is finished in chrome and the horizontal detailing on the rear light clusters highlights their innovative boomerang design.

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Allowing owners to personalise the interior, DS4 is available with a choice of leather upholsteries, including two-tone options. The ‘Bracelet’ design on the seats evokes the links of a watch strap and range-topping models are equipped with high quality leather on the dashboard and door panels.

DS4 effortlessly responds to a broad range of customer needs, enhancing the appeal and joie de vivre of the motoring experience. Blending dynamic coupé styling with a practical day-to-day design, DS4 offers a large boot, a host of clever storage solutions and three spacious rear seats, accessed by rear doors with seamlessly integrated hidden handles.

DS4 comes with a choice of five refined and efficient engines - two HDi diesels and three BMW co-developed petrol powerplants, including a THP 200 petrol unit. Citroën’s e-HDi drivetrain is also available for improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

DS4 PURPLE

The final production version of DS4 is shown alongside a new concept car, DS4 Purple, an elegant version of the model that reinterprets and takes inspiration from the techniques of luxury jewellery makers. Sporting a vibrant plum body colour with a matt finish, DS4 Purple is enhanced with champagne-coloured brushed chrome and various special finishes in the same tones on the headlamps, wheels and badges.

METROPOLIS

Making its debut in Europe, Citroën is presenting the spectacular Metropolis concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Metropolis was previously exhibited at Expo 2010 in Shanghai where it was seen by more than 10 million visitors to the French Pavilion - the most visited attraction at this global event

Developed entirely by Citroën’s international design team in Shanghai, Metropolis reflects China’s avant-garde status, grandeur and vitality. A vision of creative and sophisticated luxury, Metropolis’ imposing stature (5.3m long, 2m wide & 1.4m high) reflects the dynamism and ambition of China in the 21st Century.

Metropolis blends taut lines with smooth surfaces, evidenced particularly at the front where the sculpted, incisive wings and kite-shaped grille merge with the harmonious contours of the bonnet. The streamlined headlamps have an imperious and steely look, giving Metropolis a natural air of authority. The concept’s subtle ‘Pearl Silk’ body colour changes under different light conditions, enhancing the model’s generous curves and ultra-honed detailing.

At the rear, Metropolis carefully balances width and stability with flowing aerodynamic lines - incorporating an active spoiler - and signature Citroën design flourishes, such as a concave rear window. Chrome touches around the side windows visually elongate the cabin, while ‘origami’ quarter-lights appear to float in the air and also house a light source.

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This sleek limousine immerses itself in ‘Créative Technologie’, balancing environmental responsibility with luxurious comfort and driving pleasure. Featuring plug-in hybrid technology, Metropolis achieves exceptional fuel economy and produces CO2 emissions of just 70g/km - less than a fifth than that of a conventional engine with equivalent performance.

Metropolis’ powerful hybrid drivetrain utilises an optimised 2-litre V6 petrol engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch electronic gearbox. At low speeds, Metropolis runs in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode powered by its electric motor. At steady speeds on main roads and motorways, the petrol engine powers the car. When additional performance is required, such as during overtaking, the car uses both the electric motor and the combustion engine to deliver a maximum power output of 460bhp (345kW) and 430Nm of torque - equivalent to a 4-litre V8 petrol engine. There is also a four wheel drive mode when extra grip is needed.

Delivering a smooth and cosseting ride experience, Metropolis’ Hydractive suspension dampens even the roughest of road surfaces and improves the car’s aerodynamic performance - further helping to reduce CO2 emissions.

C3 RED BLOCK

The muscular C3 Red Block concept is a rebellious and extroverted take on the New Citroën C3. Assertive and bold, this concept car sits 15mm lower than the production model and is finished in a matt grey body colour with red trim and two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the eye-catching red colour scheme continues with the smart seat upholstery and door panels. The dashboard also features an attention-grabbing design in the form of a contoured 3D fascia incorporating the image of a Bulldog.

C6 ‘NOIR ET BLANC’

Citroën’s flagship model, the C6, is presented in the form of a new ‘Noir et Blanc’ concept with a dynamic, modern livery developed by the Colours and Materials team at Citroën’s Design Centre.

Featuring a satin pearlescent white body and a lightly embossed two-tone black lacquer roof, the C6 ‘Noir et Blanc’ boasts 18-inch diamond-effect wheels, glossy chrome window trim and shiny black fittings. The concept’s sophisticated interior is upholstered in black club leather, offset by white leather and pearlescent white lacquer trim on the dashboard. As another premium ‘touch’, selected interior surfaces are covered in a micro-fibre fabric with a soft ‘peach skin’ feel.

C-ZERO

With zero fuel consumption, zero CO2 emissions and zero engine noise - the aptly named C-Zero is Citroën’s full-electric solution to meet the demands of modern day urban driving. With compact dimensions, rapid charge capability, low running costs and generous range for day-to-day car journeys, C-Zero is the perfect urban companion.

Despite measuring just 3.48m long, 1.48m wide & 1.60m high, C-Zero offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with a high level of specification, comfort enhancing features, four real seats and a 166-litre boot. On the road, C-Zero has a top speed of 80mph and has a range of up to 93 miles per charge. The 9m turning circle and nimble handling also make it easy to navigate through city traffic.

e-HDI

Already available in the UK on New C4 and C5 models, Citroën is introducing its innovative e-HDi micro-hybrid technology to more models across the range. Showcasing the Berlingo e-HDi to the public for the first time at the Geneva show, thesystem helps to improve fuel efficiency by up to 15% in city driving conditions, with CO2 emissions reduced by around 5g/km.

The e-HDi powertrain consists of a refined and efficient HDi diesel engine fitted with a second generation Stop & Start system that puts the engine into standby mode when the car is stationary. Featuring a reversible alternator and an e-booster function, the system allows instantaneous and whisper silent engine restarts. The electronically controlled alternator also uses regenerative braking to recover energy. The system even stops the engine before the vehicle comes to a complete halt and operates effectively in temperatures as low as -5°C.

DS3 WRC

Recently debuting on the icy terrain of Rally Sweden, Citroën’s DS3 WRC has charged into the 2011 World Rally Championship. Complying with this year’s new regulations, DS3 WRC is aiming for a seventh Manufacturer’s title win for Citroën. More compact than its predecessor, the Citroën DS3 WRC boasts the same powerful lines as the production DS3, emphasised by the cooling vents and aerodynamic parts designed to improve road holding at high speeds.

Under the bonnet, the 300hp 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine was conceived from start to finish by Citroën Racing. The four-wheel-drive transmission incorporates a six-gear sequential gearbox and front and rear mechanical differentials.

ENDS

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