- Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Supercars, Citroen, Special/Limited Editions
GTbyCitroen concept at 2008 Paris auto salon - Click above for high-res image gallery
Less than completely psyched about the launch of the new Citroen C3? Granted, the new compact hatchback may not be the most exciting vehicle ever to come from the quirky French automaker, but don't despair - we've got some more exciting news from the other end of the spectrum as reports surface that Citroen has approved a small run of its fantastical GTbyCitroen supercar for production.
You'll recall the GT as the design which Citroen unveiled together with the creators of the Gran Turismo video game franchise last year in Paris. The closest the concept was ever meant to get to reality was the single show car built and the digitized version which gamers would be able to play on PS3, but earlier this month, we reported that the French automaker was receiving enough interest on the car to consider putting it into very limited production.
As if to whet our appetites, Citroen took the concept on a drive around London last week, and has since confirmed that it will make the climb up the hill at Goodwood this month. But if you're looking for a closer approximation of life-imitating-art-imitating-life, a short run of GTs will reportedly see the light of day. Only six are said to be built, at a reported price of £1.1 million ($1.83 million USD). The jury's still out on what will power the mythical beast - gossip suggests an American V8 sourced from either General Motors or Ford and driving in excess of 500 horsepower through a sequential gearbox - but carbon-fiber construction and exotic interior are said to be part of the final package. We could see a production version at the upcoming Frankfurt show in September, so stay tuned.
[Source: Autocar]REPORT: GTbyCitroen gets the green light for limited production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Euro, Hatchbacks, Citroen
2010 Citroen C3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Citroen C3 is old enough in car years that it's getting a re-do before it undergoes a mid-life crisis. The new version is certainly a more mature design, receding hairline and all. Citroen has come up with its own euphemism for it, coining the phrase "Zenith Windscreen" to describe a large windshield that extends further up into the roof than normal to create a panoramic feel to the interior.
The new C3 is a smoother looking supermini than before, with slicker styling keeping it modern and slipping through the air with a Cd of .30. Inside the redone sheetmetal, the interior gets classed up and quieted down. Most notably, there's an integrated air freshener, presumably useful when you're using all 10.5 cubic feet of boot space to haul big dogs or foie gras party platters.
An HDi (Citroenese for "diesel") engine keeps CO2 emissions low, and new powerplants are in the pipeline for 2011. The new engines will use stop/start, the diesel versions of which will drop carbon dioxide emissions further, while gasoline-fueled C3s will also dip below the 100g/km of CO2 emissions level with a new three-cylinder engine. The C3's new duds don't come with the typical generational increase in weight, and the Chevron-emblazoned C-class car will motor onto the small car battlefield ready to earn more accolades with its latest generation. Follow the jump for Citroen's official press releas,e or browse over the C3's new design in the high-res gallery below.
[Source: Citroen] Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Citroen C3 is here
Officially Official: 2010 Citroen C3 is here originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Citroen, Motorcycles
Laverda-based sidecar motorcycle - Click above for high-res image gallery
When most people think of sidecar motorcycles, visions of World War II-era BMWs likely spring to mind. For others, however, "sidecar" may be translated a bit more literally. Take François Knorreck of Italy. After some 10,000 hours of work over a ten-year period and at a cost of 15,000 euros, Knorreck created a unique sidecar motorcycle called the Snaefell - likely named after the tallest peak on the famed Isle of Man. Half the machine is based on the guts of a Laverda motorcycle, while the other half uses bits from a Volkswagen GTI, Audi 80 and a Citroen Xantia.
Equally as interesting is this mashup that combines what appears to be an older British motorcycle with a cut-down Citroen 2CV sidecar. It seems both machines are in fully working order with the older 2CV still sporting what we assume is an inoperative a steering wheel. Check them both out in the gallery below.
[Source: Bikes in the Fast Lane]How to put the 'car' in sidecar motorcycling originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Spy Photos, Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Citroen
The crew from World Car Fans apparently have a mole within the Citroen dealer network who supplied them with a handful of images of the 2010 Citroen C3 before its official reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.
The leaked images show a significant redesign, including a thoroughly revised front fascia with more aggressive headlamps, sunken foglights and a larger air intake. The windshield has been extended further into the roof, creating a pseudo sunroof and eschewing any rumors about a panoramic glass top. New chrome trim surrounds the grille and across the hatch, while the revised rear end features new tail lamps and a more bulbous back side. If you're seeing a few shades of the recently revealed Citroen DS3 concept, you aren't mistaken, as this new C3 takes several cues from the compact concept that debuted in Geneva.
Speaking of the DS3, Autocar is reporting that development of the upcoming DS4 and DS5 is churning along, and both models will supposedly be high-riding crossovers influenced by the C-Sportlounge concept and Hypnos concept, along with a roofline eerily reminiscent of the BMW X6. The allure of coupe-like CUVs obviously isn't lost on the French, and we can expect one of the new crossover concepts to be revealed alongside the production CS3 in Frankfurt.
[Sources: WCF, Autocar]Citroen C3 leaks out, DS4 and DS5 details surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Euro, Supercars, Citroen, UK
GTbyCITROËN concept in London - Click above for high-res image gallery
The almost impossibly long and low GTbyCITROËN, which started life as a concept car for the wildly popular Gran Turismo gaming franchise (part of Polyphony Digital Inc. and Sony's Playstation empire), has made its first real-life foray through London in a recreation of the video game's street circuit.
Though originally designed as nothing more than a model to drum up interest in the quirky French automaker and the oft-delayed next installment of Gran Turismo, there has reportedly been so much interest in the GT that there is actually a very real chance that Citroen will put the supercar into limited production, possibly powered by a rumbling V8 engine from Detroit.
While this thinly-disguised photo opportunity passage through Piccadilly surely took place at a snail's pace, we can only hope the French supercar aqcuits itself well as it storms up the upcoming 1.16-mile Goodwood Hill as part of the Sunday Times Supercar Run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which starts on July 3. Click past the break for the press release and below for a high-res gallery.
[Source: Citroen]Continue reading Stunning GTbyCITROËN concept car runs Gran Turismo London city streets course in real life!
Stunning GTbyCITROËN concept car runs Gran Turismo London city streets course in real life! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Supercars, Citroen, Special/Limited Editions
GTbyCitroen - Click above for a high-res image gallery
When Citroen collaborated with the people behind Sony Playstation's hit Gran Turismo game franchise on the show-stopping - if clumsily named - GTbyCitroen for last year's Paris Motor Show, few thought it would see the light of day. That includes the French automaker itself, but as we reported back in March, demand has picked up enough to prompt Citroen to consider the GT's creation. The latest reports indicate that the Chevron-labeled automaker will have its answer ready, one way or another, within a month's time.
The indication of Citroen's deliberation reportedly comes straight from the mouth of the company's product guru Vincent Besson (think Bob Lutz with a beret and a dangling Gauloise). Apparently Citroen has received a number of prospective orders from potential buyers who'd like to see the supercar drive off their plasmas and into their garages. If the PSA subsidiary does indeed decide to built the GT, it will be in extremely limited numbers and at a price high enough to cover the costs -- 15 examples at a million euros apiece is where it's tipped to be at. Powertrain is another issue altogether, as the concept's conceptual hydrogen electric drivetrain would likely be replaced by a more conventional V8 sourced from Detroit. French style and American muscle? Sounds like a winning combination. We'll just have to wait four weeks to find out if it will come to fruition.
[Source: Autocar]REPORT: PSA to decide on GTbyCitroen production within four weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Euro, Hatchbacks, Citroen
Citroen DS Inside interior - Click above for a high-res image gallery
At the Geneva Motor Show in March, Citroen pushed its DS3 concept into a darkened corner with horrible lighting, making the actual vehicle extremely difficult to see and photograph. Apparently, the quirky French automaker wasn't quite ready to have the motoring public take a good look at its DS revival. That changes today as Citroen has released a bevy of images along with a video of its latest DS Inside concept vehicle, which is likely a thinly veiled demonstration of what's in store for the upcoming DS3 production model.
We can clearly see that Citroen is planning to make the DS3 a premium small car. Leather surfaces with unique textures and graining are the theme inside, and we think it's all highly purposeful and attractive. Unlike recent modern takes on classic vintage designs from Volkswagen, Mini and Fiat, the revived DS shares absolutely nothing in common with its forebear and namesake. Couldn't we at least get a cool single-spoke steering wheel to gaze at? See for yourself in our gallery below and in the video posted after the break.
Continue reading Citroen DS Inside insides revealed
Citroen DS Inside insides revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Economy, Sports/GTs, Etc., Euro, Commercial Trucks, Supercars, Ferrari, Citroen
Team Nimik Citroen 2CV/Ferrari F355 hybrid one-off - Click above for high-res image gallery
This is surely one of the most original/bizarre/impressive/controversial hybrids we've seen in quite some time. In fact, it's likely to be so controversial as to single-handedly effect Franco-Italian relations. After all, how does one explain away the melding of one of Italy's favorite sons (F355) and a variant of France's iconic people's car, the 2CV fourgonnette?
In any case, while we're not sure as to the condition of the Fezza before it received its Tin Snail conversion, we're just going to hope that it was a write-off and enjoy the metalwork madness that has resulted. Far from a cut-n-shut operation, this conversion looks to have taken some serious craftsmanship and man hours, as aside from the basics (four wheels, an engine, headlamps, etc.), there isnt exactly a whole lot of commonality between the two vehicles.
Admittedly, our Italian is on the rusty side, but from what we can gather from the various websites linked below, this is also likely the costliest 2CV ever built, having apparently tallied 180,000 Euros to build (in excess of $250,000 USD). Why a Citroen? Our Italian is a bit shaky, but judging by the car's website, it appears to be some sort of amusement/promotional tool for the Nimik Rally Team, which runs (what else?) Citroen racers.
High-res gallery below, video of the build (complete with a howling Janis Joplin soundtrack) available after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Daniel!
[Sources: Nimik.it; TheAutoUnion.net | Images: SwissCarSightings]Continue reading Franco-Italian Relations: Ferrari F355 - Citroen 2CV hybrid [w/VIDEO]
Franco-Italian Relations: Ferrari F355 - Citroen 2CV hybrid [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Euro, Earnings/Financials, Peugeot, Citroen
Jean-Marc Gales, who has been running Citroën since leaving Mercedes-Benz in February, is aiming make Citroën Europe's third-largest brand. During a recent interview with an Italian newspaper, Gales stressed the importance of collaborating with other automakers and focusing on product, not just volume. "It's not important for us to produce 6 or 7 million cars to survive... We have another strategy, we believe in alliances, we cooperate with Ford and BMW on engines and gears, the most expensive parts to develop in a car," Gales said.
Even with the mentioned alliance with Fiat S.p.A. for commercial vehicles and vans, Gales is going to have his work cut out for him. Citroën is currently ranked seventh in European sales, behind sixth-ranked Peugeot. Far above both brands is Volkswagen, currently holding the spot on the top podium.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]Citroen gunning to be Europe's no. 3 automaker? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Green, PSA, Citroen, Rendered Speculation
Last week, French automaker PSA-Peugeot-Citroen announced the development of the world's first hybrid diesel powertrain. Called HYbrid4, the propulsion system is earmarked for initial implementation on the Peugeot 3008 crossover. But after that, its sister-company Citroen will use the system in an all-new vehicle: the DS5.
Following on the heels of the Citroen DS3 premium hatchback displayed at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the DS5 will be the second vehicle in the company's revived premium line. Styling, as this initial rendering suggests, should follow along the same line, but in a sleeker, more elongated form. But the real party trick will be under the hood, with the option of serial or parallel hybrid propulsion through the front, rear or all four wheels, all the while reducing complicated moving parts in the process. Sources suggest the use of the HYbrid4 system would add less than $3,000 to the car's list price, while returning significant improvement in fuel economy and emitting 35% less CO2 than even its particulate-filtering conventional counterparts. The Citroen DS5 could be on the road as early as 2011.
[Source: Auto Express]Rendered Speculation: Citroen DS5 premium diesel hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Peugeot, Citroen
Peugeot 3008 crossover - Click above for a high-res image gallery
PSA Peugeot Citroën has announced plans to introduce a new diesel hybrid drivetrain that will conveniently do away with the need for a complex system of driveshafts and transaxles. The clever HYbrid4 system - sometimes referred to as a through-the-road hybrid - is contained inside a new rear axle assembly that incorporates an integrated electric motor. This arrangement will allow for any combination of front-, rear- or all-wheel drive, with power coming from the diesel engine alone, the electric motor alone or from the two powerplants combined.
Due to its modular design, the technology can quickly spread across the automaker's entire line. The first model slated for the fuel-saving tech is the Peugeot 3008 crossover, prototypes of which are already in the testing phase. Next down the line will be the Citroën DS5. All told, the automaker expects to see a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions with an attendant improvement in fuel efficiency.
[Source: PSA Peugeot Citroën]Continue reading PSA Peugeot Citroën planning diesel hybrid for 2011
PSA Peugeot Citroën planning diesel hybrid for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Citroen
Follow the jump to watch Sebastien Loeb demonstrate his talents
Sebastien Loeb went to Argentina and did some dancing that wasn't the tango. The WRC champion performed a demonstration with his Citroen rally car that was reminiscent of gymkhana. Although it's a little repetitive and nowhere near as mind-blowing as this other guy's gymkhana session, it is clear that Seb knows his way around the barriers and over the jumps. Follow the jump to check out the vid.
[Source: 0-60 magazine]Continue reading VIDEO: Sebastien Loeb does the Gymkhana dance
VIDEO: Sebastien Loeb does the Gymkhana dance originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Peugeot, Citroen
Christian Streiff, CEO of PSA Peuget/Citroen since early 2007, has been pushed out by Peugeot's board, controlled by members of the Peugeot family. Streiff took the position after a short, turbulent stint as CEO of Airbus, and his time at Peugeot wasn't much more relaxing. Upon taking the position he stirred things up, changing how models were developed and manufactured. The company earned profits of €885 million in 2007, and while Streiff was controversial to some, he was safe.
Last summer Streiff suffered a stroke and was off work for a couple of months. He returned to work just as things were caving and everyone was wondering whether Peugeot was going to merge with another automaker. When the final numbers were tallied for 2008, Peugeot had lost €343 million ($433 million) for the year. But the real issue appeared to be that Streiff was never clear about what he was going to do about turning things around. The board finally lost faith and let him go, saying that a change was needed to "reveal the potential" of Peugeot/Citroen.
Streiff has been replaced by Phillipe Varin, the ex-CEO of Corus Steel who was also in the running for the position when Peugeot chose Streiff. Varin will begin meeting his team April 15 and take up his post on June 1. In the meantime, a Peugeot board member will run the operations.
[Source: Reuters]Peugeot ousts CEO Christian Streiff originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Green, Citroen
Citroen C-Cactus Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery
According to an unnamed "insider," Citroen is considering launching a separate brand just for eco-friendly vehicles. Earlier this year, the quirky French automaker announced a new high-end brand that would bring premium features to its existing vehicle platforms. Similarly, the first production vehicle under the green brand would echo the C-Cactus concept from the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007 but be built atop the automaker's C4 platform.
Expect some innovative uses of materials, as previewed on the C-Cactus project, along with a fuel-saving powertrain of some sort. Options include going fully electric, using a hybrid powertrain or using a small three-cylinder diesel engine that would put out less than 100 g/km of carbon emissions. Sounds great, but let's just hope they don't keep too much of the melted-candle look of the concept.
[Source: iMotor]Citroen to launch green sub-brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Citroen
Click above for high-res gallery of the Citroen DS3 concept
A few weeks back, Citroen announced that it would bring the DS appellation to a line of premium models based on several of its existing cars. The first example will evidently be the DS3 coming next year. In spite of bringing the car to the Geneva Motor Show in concept form this week, Citroen is apparently not too keen on people actually seeing the car itself. A styling buck of the DS3 is tucked away in a tiny dark alcove off the back of the main Citroen display at the PalExpo. Once you step inside there is a narrow walkway around the car and the lighting is mostly dim with occasional flashes.
It's truly a shame because the DS3 is actually a pretty decent looking three-door hatchback with some interesting styling elements, aside from the hot pink roof over the gray body. Aside from the dual chevrons, though, there is nothing about this car that is reminiscent of an original DS. Hopefully next time Citroen will exhibit some confidence and show this car out in the open.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2009: Citroen DS3 concept hiding in the dark originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'CITROEN' Category
Friday, October 10th, 2008
Paris 2008: Citroen Hypnos concept
Concept Cars, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Citroen
Someone over at Citroen has been hitting the absinthe. Well, why not, because Citroen is celebrating its birthday and had the semi-annual Paris auto salon in town to coincide. We’d say they should have stuck with the champagne, but we kinda like 
this car. Called the Hypnos, it’s all business on the outside, and all trippy on the inside.
The exterior looks something like a darker, more versatile version of the GT concept developed by the same company. The interior is something else altogether, and is likely to seem familiar only to those who have gone diving in coral reefs or spent some time in Amsterdam. (If anyone’s asking, we fall into the former.) Power is provided by the the HYmotion4 hybrid diesel powertrain PSA rolled out on several show cars, including sister-company Peugeot’s Prologue and RC HYmotion4 concepts, which gives the Hypnos green credentials to go with the hippie-inspired design theme. Of course, this falls squarely in the design study category of concept cars (as opposed to the production preview sort), but if this is an indication of where Citroen is headed, overseas customers could be in for a wild ride. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the images in the gallery below.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, CITROEN | No Comments »
Saturday, September 8th, 2007
Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Citroen
Citroën can always be counted upon to show off interesting concept cars at the major European automobile shows, and when the IAA in Frankfurt kicks off in the coming days, the French marque will live up to those expectations. We’ve already seen the attractive, open-topped C5 Airscape, and the second Frankfurt show car is the green-minded C-Cactus concept.
Named after the desert-dwelling plants that survive while consuming very little, the C-Cactus is a green concept that minimizes both the amount of materials that go into its construction and the amount of fuel it needs to operate. The latter half of that equation comes from its hybrid HDi diesel-electric powertrain equipped with a ZEV mode. Like sister company’s Peugeot 308 Hybride HDi, the C-Cactus also delivers 70 mpg in the combined cycle, and it actually beats the Peugeot show car’s C02 output, emitting a paltry 78 g/km. But the car’s ecological approach doesn’t end there.
[Source: Citroën]
Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Citroën C-Cactus Concept
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, CITROEN, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Sunday, September 2nd, 2007
Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Convertibles, Euro, Green, Citroen
Citroën has officially released everything its got on the C5 Airscape Concept that leaked out a few days ago, and it turns out our guess that it incorporated a soft top beneath its tonneau cover was wrong. The C5 Airscape will actually shade its occupants with a folding hard top made out of lightweight, strong and certainly expensive carbon fiber.
Billed as an “executive cabriolet”, the C5 Airscape is a four-seat hard-top convertible with expressive styling that looks less like a concept and more like a production ready prototype. Its length is accentuated by a sharp crease running the vehicle’s length that also incorporates a strip of chrome acting as a door handle for both sets of doors. The cabin is covered in rich looking Chocolate Brown leather and reportedly features just as many chrome accents as the exterior, though Citroën didn’t provide any interior shots.
The concept rides on unique 19-inch alloy wheels that are turned by a 2.7LHDi V6 engine producing 208bhp and augmented by what Citroen calls an ‘UrbanHybrid’ system. Much like the mild hybrid system used by GM, Citroën’s set up incorporates a reversible alternator-starter and super capacitors that can both power accessory systems like the A/C and stereo, as well as give the diesel engine a shot of extra torque when needed.
The C5 Airscape will officially debut in Frankfurt next month and gives us a preview of the new C5 sedan, which we expect to meet next March in Geneva.
[Source: Citroën]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, CITROEN | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 30th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Hatchback 5d
(2001 - )
Citroën C3 Hatchback 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.1
1.4 aut.
1.4
1.4 16v SensoDrive
1.4 CNG
1.6 16v SensoDrive
1.6 16v
HDi 70 - 1.4 HDi SensoDrive
HDi 70 - 1.4 HDi
HDi 90 - 1.4 HDi 16v
Previous version:
Variation:
Citroën (France) C3 Pluriel
Info:
Chic looks, high-equipment level, a touch of 2CV in the styling are the major highlights of the new C3.
Assembly Plants:
PSA (Brazil)
PSA (Spain)
Donors:
Posted in CITROEN | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 29th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Citroën C2 Hatchback 3d
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.1
1.4
1.4 SensoDrive
1.6 16v SensoDrive - 80kW
HDi 70 - 1.4 HDi
HDi 70 SensoDrive - 1.4 HDi SensoDrive
VTS - 1.6 16v - 90kW
Previous version:
Variation:
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in CITROEN | No Comments »
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