16.4.12
Wheelsology
technology. Just two years after its launch, the DS line - comprising of Citroen DS3, DS4 and DS5 - has already notched up more than 200,000 sales worldwide, with 25,000 in the UK alone.
The DS line will be launched in China this year and, to mark the event, Citroen has designed a new concept car, Numero 9, which will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. The concept signals the styling cues of the next three DS line models - a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-segment executive saloon.
A new take on the shooting brake body style, Numero 9 has elegant, thoroughbred looks enhanced with further radical design elements. Solid, sculpted proportions and subtle lines convey a distinctive and sophisticated character. The sophistication is allied with a high-quality finish for a truly original driving sensation and features that are practical and versatile in everyday use.
The concept is designed with plug-in full-hybrid technology; an ultra-efficient system that boasts remarkable levels of performance - 166 mpg fuel economy, 50 km range in ZEV mode, 295 hp, a ‘boost’ function and 39 g/km of CO2.
Designed in Paris, Numero 9 opens a new chapter in the styling of the DS line.
A fresh take on French-style luxury
Following on from Citroen DS3, DS4 and DS5, concept car Numero 9 takes a fresh look at the DS line with a new take on the prestigious shooting brake design.
Subtly combining the proportions of a coupe with those of an estate, Numero 9 hints at exceptional driving sensations, with its taut lines, long bonnet and ultra-low stance (1.27 m tall) on 21-inch wheels. It also promises unique onboard comfort with its generous proportions (4.93 m long and 1.94 m wide, with a 3 m wheelbase) providing plenty of room for rear occupants. The three glass areas in the roof also create a welcoming, friendly cabin ambience.
Numero 9 evolves the design cues of the current DS line, introducing the new front-end identity of future models, along with an original light signature. The grille is sculpted in 3 dimensions and flows into the full-LED headlights, which end in daytime-running lights. Condensing the distinctive forms of the DS line, the concept also features a floating roof, underlined by chrome trim with discreet DS markings, and glazed side surfaces flowing into the rear window.
A sophisticated use of body colours and materials includes deep black bodywork with subtle hints of violet. The finish, named ‘Whisper’, is a perfect match for the warmer shade of the ‘Californian’ chrome finish.
The ‘Creative Technologie’ used by Numero 9 combines comfort, safety and respect for the environment, while also delivering enjoyable driving sensations for all occupants.
Every detail was designed to contribute to Numero 9’s aerodynamic efficiency (CdA = 0.61) including:
> A rear spoiler, which reinforces the fastback effect
> Windscreen pillars that contribute to efficient air flow around the car
> ‘Turbine’ wheels with integrated fins to increase the air flow around the wheel arches, reducing both turbulence and fuel consumption
With its plug-in full-hybrid technology, concept car Numero 9 is also a perfect fit with Citroën’s environmental commitments.
The advanced drivetrain combines a conventional petrol or diesel engine (depending on the market) with an electric motor on the rear axle that develops 70 hp and torque of 200 nm. The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged in just 3½ hours from a normal domestic socket. The model on display at the Beijing Motor Show is fitted with a 1.6 THP petrol engine developing 225 hp (165 kw) and 275 nm of torque.
With its plug-in hybrid technology, Numero 9 respects the environment. It has a range of 50 km (around 31 miles) in all-electric ZEV (Zero-Emission Vehicle) mode and, on roads demanding successive acceleration and deceleration, the hybrid drivetrain limits consumption by using both sources of energy. On the motorway, the combustion engine takes over to deliver real performance.
Numero 9 features new-generation micro-hybrid technology designed to switch the combustion engine to stand-by whenever it is not required.
When the driver requires speed and torque, a ‘boost’ function combines the power of the combustion engine and electric motor to enable high levels of performance (up to 295 hp). Numero 9 takes just 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62 mph and 25.3 seconds to travel 1,000 m from a standing start.
When grip is lacking, the car switches to four-wheel drive mode with the electric motor driving the rear wheels and the combustion engine powering the front wheels. In particularly difficult driving conditions, such as driving up a sloping, snow-covered road, the driver can manually select 4WD mode. The four-wheel-drive system and hydraulic active suspension then deliver increased traction, making full use of the potential of Numero 9 in complete safety.
Looking beyond on-road performance and environmental benefits, the full-hybrid plug-in technology offers a third advantage - the cabin can be prepared before the car is used. For example, it can be pre-heated to ensure the comfort of all the occupants as soon as they climb onboard.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
Length: 4.93 m
Width: 1.94 m
Height: 1.27 m
Wheelbase: 3 m
Weight
Total laden weight: 1,500 kg
Plug-in hybrid drivetrain
1.6 THP petrol engine developing 225 hp (165 kw)/torque of 275 nm
Electric motor on rear axle: power of 70 hp/torque of 200 nm
ZEV mode: Range of 50 km
Performance and consumption
0 to 1,000 m: 25.3 seconds
0 to 62 mph: 5.4 seconds
Top speed: 152 mph (244 kph)
Consumption: 166 mpg (1.7l/100 km) over a combined cycle MVEG
CO2 emissions: 39 g/km
Aerodynamics
CdA: 0.61
Posted in: Auto China 2012,Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2012,Citroen,Concept,DS Line,Electric Vehicle,EV,Four-Wheel Drive,Hybrid,Numero 9,Plug-in Hybrid,Sedan,Shows/Expo,Zero-Emission Vehicle,ZEV
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