Citroen REVOLTe Concept, 2009

Citroen REVOLTe Concept, 2009

 

 

 

A vibrant and sophisticated re-chargeable hybrid, Citroën REVOLTe Concept represents a bold vision of the luxury, compact city car of tomorrow, combining confident styling with environmentally responsible technology to create a unique concept for the future of urban transportation.

Citroën REVOLTe Concept reflects the changing role of small cars with style and elegance becoming as important as economy and practicality. True to Citroën's credentials as a bold and forward-thinking brand, Citroën REVOLTe Concept snubs the traditions of the conventional small urban vehicle, bringing a highly contemporary approach to the segment.

Inspired by the Citroën 2CV, REVOLTe takes the key attributes of Citroën's timeless and iconic classic and turns them on their head - a clear example of Citroën looking to the future by taking inspiration from its cool past. Where the 2CV was plain and neutral, REVOLTe is luxurious and colourful; where the 2CV was basic and simple, Citroën REVOLTe Concept is intelligent and technologically advanced and where the 2CV was slow and bouncy, REVOLTe is lively and spirited.

Compact, with a visually-stunning low stance, Citroën REVOLTe Concept measures just 3.68m long, 1.73m wide and 1.35m tall. The well defined wheel arches, curving bonnet, forceful lines and sculpted sides that match the roof line, all combine to present a sleek and elegant profile.

Rear-hinged doors provide easy access to the multi-coloured cabin, with woven black leather, thick crimson velvet and gleaming aluminium. REVOLTe's bright colours and luxury styling reflects Citroën's bold creativity and the desire to modernise notions of conventional car design. Thanks to iridescent, glossy colours, silky smooth textiles and sophisticated materials, Citroën REVOLTe Concept has a vibrant, dare-to-be-different interior that throws tradition aside. The result is a small urban vehicle much more like a fashionable, glamorous and clearly feminine accessory to the driver's modern lifestyle.

The original and distinctive three-seater layout - driver's seat to one side with two passenger seats behind it - is designed to resemble a lounge, with the rear seats taking the form of a contemporary sofa. The passenger on the opposite side to the driver can stretch out their legs fully into the space where the front passenger seat would have traditionally been. Alternatively, Citroën have made it possible to fit a rear-facing child-seat in the space available. Notably, the rear seats also serve to conceal the concept's battery pack, maximising useable cabin and luggage space.

Citroën REVOLTe Concept also introduces luxury from the application of technology. The touch-sensitive screen that projects forward from the dashboard is encased in a deep-red beam of crystals - that also recycles the air on-board like a respiratory system. On the outside, REVOLTe's folding roof is covered with solar cells, which feed power to systems controlling on-board comfort - and reducing the load on the batteries. At the very front of Citroën REVOLTe Concept, a backlit glass element is incorporated into the grille - this original feature highlights the chevrons above, subtly asserting the concept's identity as true Citroën.

With a design philosophy of sophistication and the use of environmentally responsible technology, Citroën REVOLTe Concept's re-chargeable hybrid power-train features a small-capacity conventional combustion engine combined with an electric motor and a battery re-charging function. Agile and responsive, REVOLTe's advanced drive-train delivers lively performance suited to the urban environment. Citroën REVOLTe Concept also provides the option of CO2-free driving with the ability to run in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode.

Citroen DS Inside Concept, 2009

Citroen DS Inside Concept, 2009

  

The Citroen DS Inside concept car Citroen is launching a new line of products to broaden its current range. The new line will consist of three new cars, positioned in the small, medium and large car segments.

The Citroen DS Inside concept car and vehicle line are characterised by forthright choices on styling, onroad performance and use. These are accessible objects of desire, cars that stand apart by their creativity, intelligent design and build quality, embodying the very best of Citroen. The new product line will perfectly illustrate Citroen's new spirit of "Créative Technologie".

The new line will also have a new naming system. Like the main range vehicles, which carry the letter C and a number, and, like the MPVs, which sport the Picasso signature, the new models will feature a special name: the DS line.

DS stood and continues to stand for a new approach to automobiles and the future. Citroen is taking inspiration from its design DNA to strengthen the positioning of its new product line. The range instills the different spirit, that the name DS inspires. Hence the distinctive model line up will be called DS3, DS4 and DS5. DS: Different Spirit.

Citroen C4, 2009

Citroen C4, 2009

 

Citroën's dynamic C4 range is now more alive with technology than ever before. An exciting new look gives the popular model even more appeal with new exterior and interior styling, updated equipment, body colours and wheel designs, as well as the introduction of two new low CO2, fuel efficient, petrol engines co-developed with BMW. HDi models will also be available with new low-rolling resistance Michelin tyres for improved fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Changes to the exterior focus on restyling the vehicle's front end, bringing the Citroën C4 in line with the prestigious looks of the recently launched Citroën C5. Its new bonnet features a more rounded, curvier design, whilst the grille benefits from restyled integrated chevrons. The front bumper has also been revamped and the number plate repositioned for a stronger, sportier, more dynamic look.

The rear lights of the Citroën C4 Coupe are now finished in transparent crystal and a choice of three new alloy wheel styles - either 16-inch or 17-inch - as well as two new body colours - Bourrasque and Recif blue are now available. For added elegance, chrome inserts are featured on some models.

In the cabin, the Citroën C4 has been improved for enhanced comfort whilst, for greater clarity, the rev counter has been relocated to the innovative translucent central display unit. As with the award-winning Citroën C4 Picasso, a plush grain is now featured on the dashboard and doors for a more upmarket feel. New decors have been designed with an improved quality finish whilst the integrated scented air freshener makes the interior smell as good as it looks.

The Citroën C4 also retains much of the innovative equipment that made it a standard-setter when it was launched. Drivers can benefit from convenient and reassuring technology such as directional headlamps, front and rear parking assist, lane departure warning system, hill start assist, laminated side windows, speed limiter and cruise control.

The new Citroën C4 arrives with all of the safety equipment that made the original Citroën C4 such a reassuring car to drive, including the unique to Citroën torso shaped driver's airbag that can be incorporated because of the fixed-centre steering wheel. The original Citroën C4 achieved some of the highest EuroNCAP ratings in the segment for frontal impact, child protection as well as a 3-star pedestrian safety rating.

Citroën's latest generation navigation system, NaviDrive, has also been introduced, which features a hi-resolution 7-inch colour screen with Europe-wide satellite navigation, real time traffic reports as well as an audio system with built-in 30GB hard drive. The system also offers a video auxiliary socket and a USB connection.

The Citroën C4 is now available with two new petrol engines which have been co-developed with the BMW group - the 1.6 16v VTi 120hp and the 1.6 16v THP 150hp. Both units offer the optimum blend of performance, driving pleasure and fuel economy, with significantly lower consumption and CO2 emissions.

Citroën C4 1.6 16V VTi 120hp (Variable valve lift and Timing Injection)
The VTi 120hp petrol engine, with a manual or automatic gearbox, replaces the 1.6i 16V 110hp unit, offering an economical and responsive driving experience, with fuel efficiency of 42.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 159g/km on the combined cycle (down 6% on the former unit).

The VTi unit is fitted with an aluminium block and cylinder head and features continuously variable valve timing. The intake valves also benefit from a system that allows their maximum travel to be adjusted gradually depending on the force applied to the accelerator pedal. These two features boost engine efficiency and increase responsiveness with some 90% of maximum torque available all the way through the rev range from under 2,000 through to 6,000rpm.

Citroën C4 1.6i 16V THP 150hp (Turbo High Pressure)
The new THP 150hp (Turbo High Pressure) engine provides the perfect blend of higher performance, driving pleasure and economy with significantly lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With its six-speed manual gearbox, the THP 150hp's fuel consumption is 40.9mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 164g/km.

The THP 150hp features engine technology that is new to the Citroën C4 range with the introduction of direct sequential injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger as well as continuously variable inlet valve timing. This gives the engine excellent low-down pulling power with maximum torque of 177lb.ft almost all the way from just 1,400 through to 3,500rpm and continues strongly through the rev range.

Citroën's HDi diesel engine line-up is widely recognised for its frugal, clean and dynamic qualities, and in keeping with the model's upgrade, the Citroën C4's diesel engine range has also been improved.

The 2.0HDi unit with six-speed manual gearbox and particulate filter fitted as standard, boasts fuel efficiency of 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 140g/km. The other diesel powered models - the 1.6HDi 92hp and 1.6HDi 16V 110hp DPFS EGS - are just as dynamic as before and now even greener thanks to a switch to low rolling resistance Michelin Energy Saver® tyres, available on 16-inch wheels, which reduce the fuel consumption and lower the CO2 emissions.

The original Citroën C4 was one of the most environmentally friendly cars in the small family segment with two models returning emissions of 120g/km. Now, with its reduced emissions, the Citroën C4 is even cleaner and even greener.

Citroen C4 Coupe, 2009

Citroen C4 Coupe, 2009

 

 

Citroën has made a number of changes to the Citroën C4 to make it even more:
    * elegant, dynamic and efficient,
    * economical and low on emissions,
    * interactive and communicative.

Citroën has made some judicious styling tweaks to strengthen the car's successful design, which has been a hit with the public right from the start. The restyle focused on the front end, emphasising its elegance, strength and energy.

The interior has also been redesigned. Citroën has added new upholstery and a new grain on several trim parts, and incorporated the rev counter in the middle of the dashboard.

Engine-wise, the Citroën C4 is now available with two new petrol engines co-developed with BMW. The VTi 120 and THP 150 units bring even more on-road pleasure and significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The HDi diesel engine range has been further enhanced, with many powerplants qualifying for the Airdream® eco-signature. The 2-litre HDi diesel engine is the first to comply with the future Euro V standard in this family. Through the use of new technology (such as low-rolling resistance tyres), several versions with the HDi 92 or HDi 110 paired with a manual or EGS6 gearbox can limit their emissions to 120 g/km of CO2.

The new Citroën C4 boasts a richer array of telematics equipment, notably a new-generation navigation system - MyWay - which comes with a Bluetooth® function and can be connected to portable equipment.

The restyled Citroën C4 retains all the features that have made it a trailblazer in the segment on driving pleasure and safety, including Xenon dual function directional headlamps, the lane departure warning system, the fixed-centred controls steering wheel and hill start assist.

Citroen C3 Pluriel Charleston, 2009

Citroen C3 Pluriel Charleston, 2009

The Citroën has released first details of a special edition of its funky convertible supermini, the Citroën C3 Pluriel Charleston. 2009

The Citroën C3 Pluriel Charleston fashions a contemporary reinterpretation of a design theme that once decorated the famous Citroën 2CV 6 Charleston - a stylistic nod to one of the most iconic cars in history, which this year celebrates its 60th birthday.

With a blend of nostalgic and contemporary styling the Citroën C3 Pluriel Charleston should strike a chord with both 2CV fans and buyers looking for a vehicle with individual design flair. With its bold two-tone colour scheme of black and Bordeaux red, the sophisticated Citroën C3 Pluriel Charleston special edition will be positioned at the high-end of the Citroen C3 Pluriel range with premium touches throughout such as gloss-black fittings, leather upholstery and chrome trim. Also fitted as standard are stylish 15” aluminium wheels which feature red embellisher centres that add elegance and definition.

Citroen C3 Picasso, 2009

Citroen C3 Picasso, 2009

 

 

The Citroën C3 Picasso, the new baby-MPV, will be making its first public debut at next month's Paris Motor Show, before a UK launch in 2009. The Citroën C3 Picasso will be the third Citroën to join the Company's award-winning Picasso family.

Far from the average MPV, the Citroën C3 Picasso's 'magic box' charm lies in the way it is both compact and spacious and also brings together many other opposing qualities - strength and comfort, quality and affordability, performance and economy, contemporary and retro design, square shapes and flowing curves and, significantly, style and practicality.

The new Citroën C3 Picasso offers class-leading space, intelligent and quirky design, modular seat layout, intuitive storage solutions, dynamic engines co-developed with BMW, and all the comfort, technology and safety you'd expect of a Citroën MPV. It will also fit comfortably alongside the Citroën Xsara Picasso and Citroën C4 Picasso within Citroën's - 2008's best selling MPV brand in Europe - portfolio.

Bursting forth from the ordinary with its unique, cheeky, character, bubbly personality and charming good looks, the Citroën C3 Picasso benefits from a new direction in body design, blending the roomy, versatile shapes of an MPV with the quality, agility and comfort of an SUV and at the same time, challenging the preconceived notions of the compact MPV segment.

Small outside, big inside
Citroën's celebrated range of family cars is renowned for providing occupants with generous levels of space and the Citroën C3 Picasso is no exception. Measuring 4.08m long, 1.73m wide and 1.62m tall, the car's striking cube-like body shape, with short front end and vertical rear, creates an expansive space in the cabin whilst smooth, rounded curves soften the contours and give the car a happy appearance - an expression further exemplified by the impish grin of its 'smiling headlamps'.

With the Picasso's intuitive modular design, interior space is optimised quickly and simply. To increase either boot volume or rear legroom the split-folding rear seats slide back and forth independently and can also be folded away with one effortless hand movement. This function provides an entirely flat load surface which extends right up to the front seatbacks and can be further extended - to over 2.41m - by folding the back of the front passenger seat completely down.

Innovative storage
There is plenty of rear storage space on offer with 500-litres under the parcel shelf, the Citroën C3 Picasso's boot is one of the biggest in the segment, and with the rear bench down this aperture increases to an expansive 1,506-litres.

The Citroën C3 Picasso also features a removable boot floor, an intelligent addition to the vehicle's overall versatility, which can be positioned at two different levels. In its high position the floor sits level with the boot sill for making loading easier and in the low position, more storage height is available in the rear.

When the rear seats are folded down, a flat loading surface is created right up to the back of the front seats and magnetic flaps fitted to the backs of the rear seats extend the flat surface between the bench and the boot floor. Whatever the positions of the seats, a three-part luggage cover, which can be stored under the boot floor, completely conceals the boot contents.

The Citroën C3 Picasso's cabin also features a number of ingenious and practical storage solutions like nifty cubby holes, pen holders, non-slip surfaces and even a map holder - a place for each object and passenger. The glove box is ventilated on air-conditioned models and aircraft-style trays can also be installed in the rear with reading lights and cup holders.

Light bubble
With one of the largest glazed areas in the segment - up to 4.52m2 - the Citroën C3 Picasso is a bright and spacious place to be. Drivers are afforded a commanding and unobstructed view of the road thanks to the high-set seating position and the car's three-part panoramic windscreen with its slim pillars creating a side vision angle of 29.5° - another best in the segment. A panoramic glass roof is also available which allows even more light to soak into the cabin enhancing the feeling of well being.

Interior innovation
The Citroën C3 Picasso's cabin places special attention on perceived quality, setting the MPV apart from its rivals, with ultra-soft dashboard surface materials, carefully considered decors and the layout of the premium graining.

Providing a portable light-source in case of emergency there is a neat dual-function portable flash light available. Built into the boot where it functions as a boot light, the smart gadget can be removed and used as a hand-held torch which is recharged when placed back in its mounting.

Driving Pleasure
Robust and agile with a remarkably compact design, Citroën's latest MPV is perfect for city driving with its vertical rear end making parking easy. Manoeuvrability and a tight turning circle make the nimble Citroën C3 Picasso an asset in congested areas and saloon car like road holding with an uncompromised driving position, thanks to the 3-part panoramic windscreen, leaves the driver feeling confident.

The designers of the Citroën C3 Picasso also paid special attention to the acoustics resulting in excellent sound insulation for occupants. Soundproofing was focussed at the source of the noise with emphasis on reducing the higher pitched sounds. Citroën also took great care in sealing the vehicle with high performance inflated inserts and double sealing around the body apertures, bringing an immediate perceptible cut in outside noise.

Safety
Citroën's award-winning range of family vehicles has consistently held a strong reputation for being safe and secure and the Citroën C3 Picasso is no exception. With ESP available and all-round protection from up to six airbags (front, side and curtain), active restraint systems, a seatbelt warning system, ABS with EBD and EBA, automatic hazard warning lights, Isofix anchor points, automatic locking on the rear doors and windows and a special child rear-view mirror, the Citroën C3 Picasso is a safe, family friendly environment.

Engines
Meeting the needs of MPV customers looking for agile city performance coupled with long-distance fuel economy, the Citroën C3 Picasso will be available with a choice of two new petrol engines and two HDi diesel units.

The two petrol units - VTi 95 and VTi 120 - are from the new-generation of engines developed in partnership with BMW and combine efficient economy with responsive performance and lowered CO2 emissions - the VTi 120 already complies with future Euro 5 pollution standards. Both diesel units - the HDi 90 and HDi 110 DPFS - are from Citroën's impressive HDi line up and boast low combined-cycle CO2 emissions of 125g/km and 130g/km respectively.

Citroen C2, 2009

Citroen C2, 2009

 

 The Citroën is giving new emphasis and muscle to the thoroughbred lines of the Citroën C2, which has sold in more than 480,000 units across Europe since its launch in 2003.

The front end gains several changes, designed to highlight the dynamic and elegant exterior lines that have contributed to the C2's success. Changes include a more imposing bumper and a new radiator grille with wider and bigger chevrons.

From May 2008, depending on the country, the Citroën C2 diesel range is available with the 110 bhp HDi engine and particulate filter. Allied with a well balanced chassis setting remarkable standards in dynamic behaviour, this powerful but frugal engine consumes just 4.4 l/100 km for CO2 emissions of no more than 119 g/km. As a result, the Citroën C2 HDi 110 DPFS carries the Airdream label identifying Citroën's most ecological models.

The Stop and Start system is still available on the Citroën C2, with the 90 bhp 1.4i 16V engine. This affordable technology delivers real benefits in terms of acoustic comfort and vibration control, economy and environmental protection. With the Stop and Start system, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are around 10% lower over an urban cycle and 15 % lower in heavy traffic.

The Citroën C2 naturally maintains its acknowledged strong points in terms of handling, modular design, onboard comfort and roadholding.

Citroen Survolt Artcar

Citroen and French artist, Francoise Nielly, have teamed up to create this masterpiece. The painting is based on the all-new, all-electric Citroen Survolt concept, first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

The car is quite stunning simply left standing on its own, but with the colourful splashing of pink, green and yellow over the bonnet and other prominent contours, the car presents a fresh vibrant look and a definite step away from the usual ‘boring’ electric cars we’ve become used to.

The Citroen Survolt measures 3.85 meters long, wide and 1.2 1.87.mm high and weighs 1150 kilograms. Comes with a tubular chassis, a flat bottom with a hood and a full carbon body. In terms of features Survolt exclusively powered by electricity and 0-60 mph in just a shade under five seconds to produce a top speed of 162 mph.

The Survolt art car is displayed at C_42, the automotive producer’s “creme de la creme” showroom, which is located on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.




Press Release

Citroen has launched a new season at the Company’s international showcase, C_42, featuring a display of exciting models including a new ‘Art Car’ version of Survolt by Francoise Nielly, and Flavio Melchiorre’s personalised Citroen DS3 – winner of the Citroen Créative Awards competition.

The 14th season at the distinctive landmark building on the world famous Champs-Elysées also celebrates this year’s Paris Motor Show, bringing some of Citroen’s newest models such as the New C4, C-ZERO, DS3 Racing and DS4, to the public’s attention in the centre of Paris.

A specially created LED display on the C_42’s façade welcomes visitors with a multi-screen, digital creation symbolising Citroen’s ‘Créative Technologie’. Inside, the building’s magnificent revolving rotunda presents Citroen’s exciting model and concept ranges across several floors.

In the ground floor atrium, the exhibition opens with DS4, the second model in Citroen’s distinctive DS line. Guests can then experience the latest version of the C5 Tourer, presented in matt-black paintwork; the New C4, featuring Citroen’s innovative new e-HDi micro-hybrid technology; the stylish, hot-blooded special-edition DS3 Racing, displayed in a carbon setting; and the zero noise, zero fuel consumption and zero emission C-ZERO full-electric city car.

Fresh from its exhilarating UK duel against an electric superbike – the first head-to-head of its kind – the stunning all-electric Survolt racecar concept has been recharged with a bold, vivid and brightly contrasting new fluorescent paint scheme by Francoise Nielly. A source of inspiration for the original styling of Survolt, renowned contemporary artist Francoise Nielly worked closely with Citroen’s design team to create the exciting new interpretation of Citroen’s 100% electric racer – the Survolt ‘Art Car’.

On the top floor of C_42 is a display of Flavio Melchiorre’s personalised Citroen DS3 – the creation that won the Italian artist first prize in the Citroen Créative Awards, an international design competition launched in May 2010. The first Citroen Créative Awards received over 700 projects from around the world and the prize-winners were announced at a special evening held at C_42 on 5thOctober. Flavio Melchiorre’s DS3 creation will be launched in 2011 together with other new DS3 personalisation options.

Citroen Survolt vs Agni Z2【Video】

Citroen Survolt, the French electric concept presented this year at Geneva Auto Show,

The Citroen Survolt was driven in the race by Vanina Ickx – Le Mans Series and Touring Car racing driver. Yes, she's the daughter of Formula One driver, Jacky Ickx. The Agni Z2 was ridden by Jenny Tinmouth - the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT course. The Citroen Survolt is powered by an electric motor, juiced by a 62kW battery, that outputs 300 bhp. The top speed of the Citroen Survolt is rated at 162 mph and the manufacturer says it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds.

The Citroen Survolt features a tubular chassis, has a carbon fiber body, weights 1.15 tonnes and its 140 Kg lithium-ion battery pack enables it to reach speeds of 260 Km/h (162 mph). The Citroen Survolt packs a combined power of 300 BHP and need less than 5.0-seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph).

Powered by 80 battery packs and weighing 220kg (485 lbs), the Agni Z2’s 65hp all-electric drivetrain delivers a 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) time of around 3.5 seconds with a top speed of just over 210 km/h (130 mph).

Propelled by two electric motors with a combined power of 300bhp from0 to 5,000rpm, Survolt is capable of exceptional performance with a topspeed of 260kph (162mph) and a 0-100kph (0-62mph) time of under five seconds.  The concept’s twin 140kg lithium-ion batteries each boast a 31kw capacity and can cover 200km (124 miles).






Press Release

Electric racecar faced electric superbike for the very first time as Citroën’s striking Survolt concept and an Agni Z2 went head-to-head at Thruxton race circuit.

In the capable hands of two professional female racers – Vanina Ickx and Jenny Tinmouth – car and bike battled it out to test speed, agility and performance in the all-electric shoot-out of four wheels against two.

Piloting Survolt was Vanina Ickx – Le Mans Series and Touring Car racing driver and daughter of Formula One driver, Jacky Ickx. Riding the Agni Z2 was Jenny Tinmouth, the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT course and championship leader in the 2010 TTXGP.

Vanina Ickx commented; “This was a fantastic experience – the first electric duel of its type. The lack of engine noise made it a very interesting challenge. Normally you have an idea where your opponent is by their sound, but with electric vehicles it’s so much quieter – a new racing dynamic. I had a lot of fun and I’m thrilled to have been part of this unique track event.”

Survolt was fresh from its appearance on Sunday (12/09) as part of The Prince of Wales’ Start Eco Car Spectacular. Held on The Mall in the shadow of Buckingham Palace, Survolt led a parade of ecologically-conscious vehicles, wowing the crowds and attracting much appreciation from attending celebrities including Kevin McCloud, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Lisa Rogers and Quentin Willson. At the event’s prize-giving, Survolt was presented with the ‘Vision Award’ by M&S Chairman Sir Stuart Rose.

Specially developed with compact dimensions and a light-weight frame (1.15 tonnes) to suit the race track, Survolt features a tubular chassis, flat underside with extractor and full carbon bodywork, all combining to make a genuine emissions-free, electric racing car.

Propelled by two electric motors with a combined power of 300bhp from 0 to 5,000rpm, Survolt is capable of exceptional performance with a top speed of 260kph (162mph) and a 0-100kph (0-62mph) time of under five seconds. The concept’s twin 140kg lithium-ion batteries each boast a 31kw capacity and can cover 200km (124 miles).

Powered by 80 battery packs and weighing 220kg, the Agni Z2’s 65hp all-electric drivetrain delivers a 0-60mph time of around 3.5seconds with a top speed of just over 130mph.

2010 Paris Preview: Citroen Lacoste Concept

Citroen has releases photos and details for on its bizarre new concept called the Citroen Lacoste ,which will debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show.

Inspired by the breadth of the Lacoste clothing and accessories ranges, the concept is finished in a range of attractive colours and materials from pearly white and textured blue bodywork to vibrant yellow touches and honeycomb structure wheel hubs.

At 3.45m long, 1.80m wide and 1.52m high with a 2.30m long wheelbase, the concept model is roughly the same size as a Citroën C1 / Toyota Aygo. Power comes from a three-cylinder gasoline engine, with the French firm claiming that it offers "plenty of performance on tap to power a vehicle of this size and weight."

Measuring 3.45 metres long, 1.8m wide and 1.52m tall and riding on a 2.3m wheelbase, the relatively small moonbuggy-like concept is powered not by the hybrid powertrains of most modern motor show concepts.

Inside, the cabin has a pixilated instrument cluster (inspired by early video games), a two-spoke steering wheel, numerous storage compartments, and folding rear seats. Speaking of the latter, they're upholstered in white cotton like Lacoste's polo shirts.

The concept is basically this: Take a bathtub, power it by a 3-cylinder gasoline engine, put a longitudinal roll hoop over its center, add a retractable windshield at the front. Graft on a roll hoop and install an "inflatable hood" to act as a roof in inclement weather. Douse liberally with all the active-lifestyle marketing buzzwords you can think of.

Source: Citroën




Press Release

Two names, Citroën and Lacoste, have come together with a shared vision - to cultivate boldness, creativity and optimism. The result of these common values: the new Citroën Lacoste Concept.

To be unveiled at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, this new model is an emblem for a state-of-mind and a lifestyle. Clearly alluding to leisure and pleasure, it takes a simplified, no-nonsense approach to motoring - without forgetting refinement - and transports passengers to a lighter, fresher world.

The Citroën Lacoste Concept is both resolutely Citroën and typically Lacoste. Positioned at the crossroads of the automotive world, where fashion and sport meet, it makes a number of references to all three sectors. The technology on board also strikes a playful note, underlining the apparent paradox between design expertise and lightness of tone.

With its strong presence and joie de vivre, the high-tech and innovative Citroën Lacoste makes car travel an all-new experience and an incomparable adventure for the senses.

Pure, simple and laid-back, while remaining sophisticated, the Citroën Lacoste takes another step forward towards the car of the future - a vehicle aimed at putting an end to the "always more" mantra that often reigns in the automotive industry. The new model also fuels Citroën's thinking of focusing on the essentials to create original cars that are affordable and economical, while losing none of their ambition or motoring passion, notably through premium styling.


HEIGHTENED SENSATIONS

Sweeping away preconceived ideas on compact cars - with many being supposedly short on character - the new Citroën Lacoste proudly asserts that another way forward is possible.

Stylishly minimalist and elegantly laid-back, the Citroën Lacoste instantly attracts with its off-beat sports aesthetic. It features a high waistline; bulging and textured wings; minimum overhangs front and rear; and golf ball-style alloy wheels, placed in the furthest corners of the body.

After a longer inspection, it is this car's "open" physique that appeals - promising a fulfilling drive, while expressing a wealth of inventiveness and elegance.

Passengers enjoy an open-air experience thanks to the broad cut-outs that replace the front doors and the lack of a hard-top roof. Journeys in the Citroën Lacoste inevitably heighten the senses, much more than in a protective bubble that cuts occupants off from the world. As if these intense sensations weren't enough, the windscreen can also be lowered out of sight, providing a harmonious waistline around the entire cabin, front, back and sides.

The elegance of the Citroën Lacoste is underpinned by the choice of drivetrain. Rather than seeking enhanced driving sensations through flat-out speed, the Citroën Lacoste Concept opts for a 3-cylinder petrol engine with plenty of performance on tap to power a vehicle of this size and weight. With its light timbre, the flexible, economical and ecological powerplant is a perfect match for the car's "back to essentials" nature.

The Citroën Lacoste Concept respects the environment, not only by virtue of its engine, but also its design choices. Even with its large wheels, the Citroën Lacoste seems to "embrace" rather than confront nature. This impression takes concrete form in the subtle, undulating shape of the wheels, in an approach that suggests Citroën Lacoste drivers are playing with the elements for more fun.

SPONTANEOUS APPROACH

Along with its bright and breezy approach to life, the convertible Citroën Lacoste also features taut, muscular and reassuring lines. Compact and robust (at 3.45m long, 1.80m wide, 1.52m high and with a 2.30m wheelbase), the new model expresses faultless expertise in its styling and design.

The car's laid-back personality stems from its purity, as evidenced in the body paint in pearlescent white, which is set off by dark blue design motifs and strips underlining the forms of the vehicle.

Cabin access couldn't be easier, since the doors have been replaced by broad cut-outs that are in perfect harmony with the body styling. Access to the rear seats is just as easy, with passengers simply jumping onto the rear bench. For transporting luggage or sports equipment, the rear bench slides handily into the boot.

The car can also be fitted with specially designed sports equipment, including tennis racquets, golf clubs, skis, a surfboard or a bike, with owners deciding on the theme of their weekends.

At the crossroads of motoring, fashion and sport, the Citroën Lacoste makes a number of references to all three worlds.The cabin contains countless storage areas for enhanced travelling comfort. The compartments are discreetly located under the dashboard and within the two bench seats - with sliding covers that echo the colour of the upholstery. The seats themselves are overstitched in white cotton, with a weave closely resembling that of a polo shirt - an iconic Lacoste design. Building on this theme, the seatbelt anchorage points have "necklines" like a polo shirt, while the seats are covered in robust, rope-like cotton.

Like a wardrobe full of different clothes, accessories and fabrics, the Citroën Lacoste plays with a range of colours and materials. For fun, simplicity and elegance, the emphasis is on bold, traditional colours like white and deep blue. The cabin is then dotted with bright - almost fluorescent - yellow splashes in the storage compartments and on the grab handles, which are finished in soft and tactile rubber, with a tennis ball-like effect.

The fun-loving Citroën Lacoste brings familiar objects to mind. Some details make reference to the sporting world of the Lacoste brand. It boasts square relief designs that resemble sections of a tennis net on several parts of its body. The fairing that rises up from the underbody, at both the front and the rear, recalls the print left by a tennis shoe on a clay court.

CREATIVE & "MAGICAL" TECHNOLOGY

The on-board technology is also of a playful nature, underlining the seeming paradox between design expertise and lightness of tone. Strictly speaking this car has no fixed roof. In its place is a T-shaped structure that extends back to the boot like a "backbone". With several functions, this structure helps when accessing the vehicle and features an ingenious system that provides shelter for passengers. An auto-inflatable hood deploys all the way along the backbone to form a soft-top roof. In the same yellow as the grab handles, the inflatable roof ensures a light-filled cabin, come rain or shine.

Invisible at first glance, the deployment of the system makes for quite a spectacle. By choosing this inflatable hood rather than a conventional structure, the Citroën Lacoste Concept remains faithful to its simple and light-hearted nature.

In much the same spirit, the fascia strip on the dashboard serves as the car's display screen, showing driving information such as speed and the directional indicators. Messages take the form of icons with oversized pixels. This is a clear nod to the very first video games, although behind the naïve appearance lie cutting-edge technologies.

The Citroën Lacoste's two-spoke steering wheel impresses with its minimalist design, simplicity and size. When passengers board, the wheel can be moved from its normal position and located against the upper dashboard - an ingenious way of optimising access to the front bench.

Even the front and rear lights are discreet to the point of being almost invisible. Concealed under the car's dark blue bodywork, they can be seen only when illuminated. As well as providing visual purity, this design choice delivers a unique and almost magical sight.