Citroën at the Paris Motor Show 2008

Citroën at the Paris Motor Show 2008
New trends, new technologies Innovation, ecology and creativity are the key words on the Citroën stand at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The Marque's line-up includes no fewer than 34 vehicles, of which eleven new vehicles and eight concept cars, all featuring new trends and technologies. A leader on environmental issues Thirty percent of the vehicles sold by Citroën in Europe emit no more than 120 g of CO₂/km. Restating its commitment and leadership in environmental technologies, the Marque is turning the spotlight on its: clean vehicles, emitting less than 120 g of CO₂/km; proven technologies, such as the particulate filter, Stop & Start and the clutchless gearbox; hybrid vehicle strategy, with four concept cars HYmotion: Hypnos, illustrating the latest breakthroughs in this field with the hybrid technology HYmotion4; the C4 HYmotion2 and C-Cactus, reflecting Citroën's plans to integrate this promising solution in affordable mass-market vehicles; and the C4 WRC HYmotion4, extending ecological principles to sports cars.
A richer and even more modern range Citroën aims to meet the needs of an increasingly diversified and demanding customer base, as illustrated by its wide and innovative range. With the C3 Picasso, Citroën is premiering a new-generation MPV of bold, ingenious design, suitable for all situations European leaders in the compact MPV and leisure-activity vehicle segments, the C4 Picasso and new Berlingo deliver an exceptional travelling experience with enhanced driveability, light and modularity. The C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso are expanding their line-up of driving aids and engines, while the new Berlingo is now available in a seven-seater version. Restyled and with new engines, the new C4 delivers even higher standards of performance with increased economy. Also premiered at the show, the C3 Pluriel Charleston borrows the two-tone black and burgundy colour scheme of its predecessor, the 2CV, which is celebrating its 60^th birthday on October 7. Concepts shaping new trends and innovations Five new concept cars give Citroën an opportunity to showcase its expertise and to establish its credibility in a number of areas: the environment, with Hypnos, a new take on an ecological executive vehicle, and C-Cactus, an ecological and attractive expression of the essential car; creativity with GTbyCITROËN. This concept car makes Citroën the first vehicle manufacturer to cross the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds with a life-sized concept car created specially for the Gran Turismo 5 driving simulator; fashion and luxury, with the 2 CV ‘Hermès’ and two C3 Picasso concept cars with unique colours and materials. 100% useful technologies Citroën is also synonymous with technology. The Marque is continuously rolling out new innovations to enhance passenger comfort and safety, such as: Snow Motion, a world first in traction technology, and Hydractive III+ for superlative road manners; the clutchless gearbox, for its sheer driveability, Stop & Start, a system that cuts fuel consumption by putting the engine in standby, for a quiet, comfortable journey; the active bonnet system, the lane departure warning system, and Xenon dual-function directional headlamps for high standards of safety; the fixed-centred controls steering wheel, the head-up display, the USB Box and a telematics range with the recent addition of MyWay, a system for relaxed travelling. A leader on environmental issues Citroën has an active stance on the environment: almost 30% of the vehicles sold by the Marque in Europe emit no more than 120 g of CO₂ per km (market share of 15%); almost 50% emit no more than 140 g of CO₂ per km (market share of 10%); with European market share of more than 25% for cars emitting no more than 110 g CO₂/km, the C1 is the leading economical/ecological vehicle. Citroën vehicles combine respect for the environment with functional efficiency, at an affordable price. At end-2007, Citroën introduced the Airdream^® eco-label for the most ecological vehicles in its range. EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR LOWER FUEL CONSUMPTION AND LESS POLLUTION Citroën has initiated new technologies that cut fuel consumption and limit emissions of CO₂ and particulates. The HDi engines and particulate filter consume between 20% and 35% less fuel than a comparable petrol engine, as well as doing away with particulates and smoke. Other systems have also been developed and brought to market: A high-performance micro-hybrid system: Stop & Start Citroën was one of the first manufacturers to market the Stop & Start system, shipping it with the C2 and C3. This micro-hybrid technology cuts fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions in the city by around 10% – and up to 15% in heavy traffic. A new-generation Stop & Start system will arrive on the market in 2010. The aim for Citroën is to make the system available across the entire range, on both petrol and diesel vehicles. The new-generation system, which will cut fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions still further, will continue to use alternator/starter technology. This is the best solution for instant start-ups that are transparent to users. For enhanced performance, the new Stop & Start will also recover energy during deceleration and braking, in order to recharge the vehicle battery without increasing consumption. New petrol engines for greater driveability and economy Citroën is marketing a new family of high-tech petrol engines developed jointly with the BMW Group. More economical, more ecological and with higher standards of performance, they also deliver enhanced driveability. The new C4 was the first Citroën model to reap the benefits of these VTi 120 and THP 150 engines, followed by the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso. The C3 Picasso will also be available with the VTi 95 engine. Lower consumption with the clutchless gearbox Citroën is European leader in the field of smart gearboxes. The 5- or 6-speed clutchless gearbox is a real alternative to conventional manual and automatic transmissions, not only in terms of driveability and comfort, but also in terms of fuel consumption, which is between 3 and 5% lower than with a manual gearbox. Today, this gearbox is available on many vehicles in the range: from the C1 to the C4 hatchbacks, not forgetting Nemo, C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso. An efficient line-up in biofuels All the HDi engines in the range can run on a fuel blend containing up to 30% biodiesel. This technology reduces CO₂ emissions and promotes the use of renewable energy. BioFlex versions of the C3, C4 and Xsara Picasso running on superethanol E85 (85% ethanol and 15% petrol) are also available in some countries such as Brazil. These models also have strong environmental credentials, with CO₂ emissions from field to wheel being reduced by up to 40%. Dual fuel petrol-CNG versions Citroën is also marketing dual-fuel petrol-CNG versions of the C3, Berlingo First and C4 Picasso in some countries. These vehicles run primarily on natural gas, which produces around 18% less CO₂ emissions than petrol, while emitting no particulates, sulphur, benzene lead or other harmful by-products. HYBRID technology AT THE HEART OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY HYmotion4 technology: thrills and efficiency The architecture of HYmotion 4, a diesel hybrid drivetrain, presented at the Paris Motor Show on the Hypnos concept car, is unique for its rear axle-mounted electric motor. This simple and innovative layout optimises the dynamic performance and traction of the vehicle, while keeping down fuel consumption and emissions (4.5 l/100 km and 120 g/km of CO₂ for Hypnos). It also features an "extended" completely silent all-electric mode. If the driver keeps his foot down on the accelerator pedal, the boost function kicks in to provide the immediate torque required. This function combines the torque of the combustion engine with that of the electric motors to deliver outstanding performance without increasing fuel consumption. In conditions of low grip or strong acceleration, the car goes into four-wheel drive mode, with the electric motor powering the back wheels and the combustion engine the front wheels. This four-wheel drive configuration provides greater traction. The new HYmotion 4 technology will be used on future Citroën vehicles. C-Cactus: a new attractive and ecological take on the essential car C-Cactus is an ingenious take on vehicle design, centred on essential values. The Marque's ambitious aim was to develop an ecological hatchback with cheerful, attractive styling, sold at the same price as an entry-level C4. With its HDi hybrid drivetrain, it consumes just 2.9 litres /100 km for 78 g/km of CO₂. To square this complex equation, Citroën is exploring new forms of design. It has decided to abandon features that are not essential to comfort and to focus instead on technology, styling and equipment that are positive, ecological and valued by users.








C4 HYmotion2: hybrid technology for all Presented at the Paris Motor Show, the C4 HYmotion2 concept car reflects Citroën's continuous and focused research into hybrid vehicles. This research, which produced the HYmotion technology, symbolise the Marque's ambitions to make this technology affordable to the greatest number when production costs have fallen. The C4 HDi boasts low fuel consumption (3.4 l/100 km) and low CO₂ emissions (90 g/km). At the same time, it maintains the renowned driveability of HDi engines, backed up by the specific advantages of the hybrid powertrain, such as all-electric mode at low speeds. C4 WRC HYmotion4: an ecological sports car Last, the C4 WRC Hybrid, a concept car aimed at all those looking to combine, styling, ecology and sport. Ecological principles are also relevant for high-performance vehicles The C4 WRC is always a length ahead, in both its stage times and its technology. Following the drivers' and co-drivers' titles clinched by Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena in 2007 at the wheel of the C4 WRC, Citroën has innovated with a high-performance vehicle that also respects the environment. The C4 WRC concept car combines its WRC technology with a battery pack that is recharged by the energy recovered during braking in specials or liaison sections. The C4 WRC HYmotion4 can also be powered by an electric motor on non-timed sections. In this case, the car is particularly quiet and shows real respect for the environment. With the C4 WRC HYmotion4, Citroën aims to go further than just a new sports car concept. Faithful to its ecological policy, it has developed a new rally concept in which the cars adapt to their environment. Citroën is thus contributing to discussions on future developments in motor sports. Motor sport regulations change regularly and the environment is gaining in importance. Depending on future changes required by the FIA, the C4 WRC HYmotion4 would be ready from day one to set new records. A richer and even more modern range The stand features a number of new models: the C3 Picasso new-generation MPV – one of the main premieres at the show – as well as the new C4, the C3 Pluriel Charleston, and the Nemo Combi and Berlingo leisure activity vehicles with new trim. A New model: C3 PICASSO, Citroën’s “magic box” Citroën has skilfully played off the opposing qualities of round vs. square, strength vs. charm, modern vs. retro, and volumes vs. flow to design a vehicle with breakthrough styling and an appealing, impish personality. Featuring particularly innovative architecture, the C3 Picasso combines compact exterior dimensions with a spacious interior. Measuring 4.08 m long, 1.73m wide and 1.62m tall, it provides generous space for all passengers and a vast boot with a capacity of 500 litres VDA under the parcel shelf. Citroën's latest vehicle also boasts an intuitive modular design that lets users optimise interior space in record time. The split-fold rear seats slide independently over 150 mm. They can be folded with one hand in a single movement. Combined with a mobile boot floor, this function provides a completely flat loading space right up to the seatbacks in row one. On board the C3 Picasso, the innovative three-part windscreen and high seating position provide driver and passengers a panoramic view of the world. The total glazed area is an impressive 4.52 m² with the panoramic roof. The car’s compact dimensions and tight turning circle make it incredibly agile and able to dodge obstacles with ease. Designed to cope with all types of road, the C3 Picasso ships with a range of high-performance, economical engines. It is available with two new-generation petrol units – the VTi 95 and VTi 120 – and two diesels, the HDi 90 and HDi 110 DPFS, renowned for their driveability and performance. The C3 Picasso models fitted with HDi engines carry the Airdream® eco-label, given to the vehicles in the range with the best environmental credentials. The spacious dimensions and clever design of the C3 Picasso make it more than just an MPV; a more apt description would be “magic box”. DYNAMIC UPGRADES for the NEW C4 The C4 is on parade, with a new look, a HYmotion2 version, a WRC HYmotion4 variant. The new C4 is the second new vehicle on show. Its new look further emphasises the style acclaimed on its launch. The restyling mainly concerns the front end, which gains a strong, elegant and dynamic look. Inside the car, upgrades concern the upholstery, the graining of several trim parts and a rev counter now positioned in the centre of the dashboard. Above all, the C4 is expanding its petrol engine line-up. Developed in cooperation with the BMW Group, the VTi 120 and THP 150 engines are more economical, more ecological and gain higher standards of performance for enhanced driveability. Also, the 2-litre HDi diesel engine already complies with the future Euro V standard. By using new technologies (such as tyres with very low rolling resistance), Citroën has been able to develop several versions emitting no more than 120g of CO₂ per km, with the HDi 92 and HDi 110 equipped with a manual gearbox or EGS6. The restyled C4 maintains all the features that have made it a benchmark in its segment for driving pleasure and safety, including Xenon dual-function directional headlamps, a lane departure warning system, fixed-centred controls steering wheel and hill start assist. At the same time, it expands its array of telematics and audio equipment with a new radio navigation system, MyWay. C3 PLURIEL CHARLESTON: a nod to an illustrious predecessor For the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Citroën has produced a special version of the C3 Pluriel featuring the livery of the celebrated 2CV Charleston. Because it has the same DNA and values as its illustrious predecessor, the same creativity, optimism, versatility and distinctive style, the C3 Pluriel was the natural choice to celebrate 2CV’s 60^th birthday. The C3 Pluriel Charleston is a contemporary high-quality reinterpretation of the Marque’s history. It will strike a chord with a large swathe of motorists, from nostalgic 2CV fans to style disciples looking for an individual, image-enhancing vehicle. On the outside, the C3 Pluriel Charleston features two-tone black and burgundy bodywork, glossy black door handles and registration plate trim, and 15-inch aluminium wheels, with red embellisher centres. On the inside, the C3 Pluriel Charleston is strong on sophistication. Depending on the country, it combines leather on the seats, steering wheel and door handles with chrome on the air vent surrounds and gearstick. Berlingo AND NEMO: TWO RESOURCEFUL LEISURE-ACTIVITY VEHICLES To reinforce its leadership on the European leisure-activity vehicle market, Citroën is premiering new trim levels on the Berlingo and Nemo Combi, even more closely tailored to family requirements. In a few months time, the new Berlingo will gain a third row of seats to carry seven people in comfort. The seven-seater version will be even more modular, with two removable independent seats in row three as well as in row two. The Nemo Combi already has a version emitting less than 120g of CO₂ in some countries. From early 2009, it will gain a second level of trim, comprising quarter windows, a tailgate and a 60:40 split/fold rear seat. Concepts shaping new trends and innovations HYPNOS, CREATIVITY AND TECHNOLOGY Citroën is revealing its new concept car, Hypnos, at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. An elegant and distinctive cross-over vehicle, Hypnos draws on a range of creative technologies to deliver outstanding performance and environmental efficiency, combined with subtle but powerful motoring sensations. Hypnos features HYmotion4 hybrid technology, highlighting Citroën’s commitment to the environment and showing once again that this strong ecological focus always goes hand-in-hand with driving thrills and efficiency. The initial appeal of the exterior styling is confirmed inside. The cabin, with its original colours, makes the technology more human and approachable, as illustrated by its dreamlike clock, onboard colour therapy and body-moulded seats among other features. A powerful sensory experience awaits passengers, taking them into the realm of pure magic. GTbyCitroën, A UNIQUE SPORTING EXPERIENCE FOR THE VIRTUAL WORLD With GTbyCitroën, a show-car presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Citroën becomes the first vehicle manufacturer to cross over to the virtual worlds: An original take on a road car, GTbyCitroën is a style replica of a vehicle from the digital world. The car is the result of a partnership between Citroën and Polyphony, designer of the driving simulation game Gran Turismo 5 on Playstation 3. Already shipped in more than 50 million units worldwide, Gran Turismo is renowned for its quality, design and realism. The styling of this concept car is geared to the world of motor racing, with an elongated rear end and a colour gradation of white to grey on the side of the body. On board, the low driving position contributes to driving pleasure. In the game, GTbyCitroën features an electric drive train powered by a fuel cell with no pollutant emissions. It is a car designed to square up to the strongest competition. 2CV Hermès, A TASTE OF LUXURY The 2CV celebrates its 60^th birthday during the Paris Motor Show, on 7 October 2008. To celebrate the event, Hermes has designed a made-to-measure outfit that highlights the vehicle's ever-friendly and generous forms. The 1989 2CV 6 Spécial, repainted in brown, gains a natural leather trim on the door facings, interior rearview mirror, gear knob, steering wheel and driver's sun visor. For an even more elegant finish, the two seats are upholstered in Hermès grey-beige cotton canvas and natural leather. As a finishing touch, the bonnet and interior trim at the rear of the vehicle also feature Hermès cotton canvas. An exhibition celebrating the birthday of this legendary car opened at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie in Paris on 15 April and is scheduled to run until 30 November 2008. TWO C3 PICASSO CONCEPT CARS, A CONTEMPORARY ART OF LIVING The C3 Picasso is not just a car. It is an art of living, a car made for pleasure. It is naturally a source of inspiration for Citroën designers who have developed two concepts specially for the Paris Motor Show, on the theme of purity and legend. Two opposing but highly similar concepts. One combines pearlescent white bodywork with touches of orange everywhere, including on the windows, bringing to mind the lenses of sunglasses. The other vehicle blends black and chrome in its own inimitable way. These concept cars confirm the C3 Picasso as a fashionable car with the ability to adapt its outward appearance to suit. And whatever its mode of dress, it remains, elegant, modern and affordable. 100% useful technologies Citroën continuously develops new technologies that set the highest standards in comfort and safety for all passengers. Examples include the active bonnet system, the lane departure warning system, the fixed-centred controls steering wheel, hill start assist, Xenon dual function directional headlamps, the head-up display, Stop & Start or the clutchless gearbox. The latest technological innovations include: SNOW MOTION, intelligent traction control Snow Motion, exclusive to Citroën, is an innovative traction control system with extended functions. It significantly improves traction on snow-and ice-covered surfaces. The new C5, C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso are the first Citroën models to feature this system. A CUSTOMISED NAVIDRIVE SYSTEM FOR THE NEW C5 The NaviDrive navigation system on the new C5 is renowned for its colour screen, hard disk for storing maps and music, Jukebox function, GSM phone and – above all – its link to Citroën Emergency, which calls out the emergency services in the event of an accident. In September 2008, NaviDrive expanded its functions with a video DVD player, a Bluetooth® hands-free kit and – above all – a new user interface and new "Full 3D" maps displaying street names, building names, monuments and relief MYWAY, AN AFFORDABLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH A WIDE RANGE OF FUNCTIONS The new radio navigation system, MyWay, features a comprehensive range of functions at an attractive price. The new audio and multimedia system comprises a navigation system with a built-in colour screen, European maps on an SD-card type medium, an MP3-compatible audio CD player and a Bluetooth^® hands-free kit. USB BOX, TO REMAIN IN TOUCH WITH THE WORLD The USB Box lets users listen to their favourite tunes in the car by connecting an MP3 player or mobile phone to the vehicle’s audio system. This modern equipment comprises a USB port, a jack and a Bluetooth^® hands-free kit. The music is controlled using the functions of the original system, whether located on the central console or steering wheel.
© 2008 Citroënët/Julian Marsh and SA Automobiles Citroën