|
Citroën is today revealing the style lines of
Metropolis, a new concept car that pays homage to China’s
extraordinary development. Metropolis will be on show at
the French pavilion at the Shanghai World’s Fair from 1
May to 31 October 2010.
A sleek limousine with harmonious lines, Metropolis is a
reference to the grandeur, avant-gardism and vitality of
the country’s great megalopolises with their undeniable
magnetic attraction. To better address the local needs in
this full-growth market, the concept car was designed 100%
by Citroën’s international design team based in Shanghai
since 2008.
A true artistic creation, Metropolis resituates the
codes of luxury and attraction in the Marque’s universe of
Créative Technologie. Citroën’s history is studded with
high-end vehicles that have made their mark on automotive
progress over the last 90 years. World’s Fair visitors
will thus be treated to an “automotive work of art”, one
that fits in perfectly with the “Sensual City” theme of
the French pavilion. Metropolis is the result of the
highest creative standards and technological smarts,
evidenced in the Hydractive suspension system and plug-in
hybrid drivetrain.
The Shanghai World Fair is an opportunity for the brand
to reassert its international character and show once
again, after 20 years in China, the importance it gives to
the needs and expectations of this market. China has
become the world’s largest automotive market and Citroën’s
second biggest market. The Marque enjoyed a record year in
the country in 2009, with deliveries up by more than 57%.
Metropolis, the ultimate in luxury
With its three-volume body styling – essential in the
Chinese market – Metropolis expresses a vision of creative
and sophisticated luxury through its imposing stature
(5.30 m long, 2 m wide and 1.40 m high), which also serves
to reflect the ambition and scale of the country to which
it pays homage.
The spectacular and muscular body styling is draped in a
flowing robe in a subtle “Pearl Silk” hue, the intensity
of which changes according to the light to reveal generous
curves and ultra-honed detailing. Like a “Chinese vestal”
such as Xian Nu, the styling language of Metropolis blends
smooth surfaces, taut lines and sensual curves, together
with special touches like the beautifully shaped front
wing that emphasises the powerful, tapering silhouette.
Extending far back along the body, the chromed detailing
on the upper part of the side windows serves to stretch
the cabin lengthwise while safeguarding the intimacy of
the rear passengers. The “origami” quarter-light appears
to float in the air and, in a nod to the DS, also houses a
light source.
The front end of Metropolis clearly expresses the store
of power lurking behind the consummately wrought kite-
shaped grille. The streamlined headlamps on either side
have an imperious and steely regard, lending the whole a
natural air of authority.
At the back, Metropolis artfully balances width and
stability while boasting a taut and aerodynamic shape. The
flowing lines are enhanced by the concave rear window
combined with the shape of the boot, which features an
active spoiler. The innovative “slatted boomerang” lights
composed of layered segments add the crowning touch to the
rear of the vehicle.
The interior design is inspired by fans and Chinese
string instruments like the gu-zheng. In China, these are
the attributes of a cultivated and refined person. The
cabin is made up of superposed strata, creating a setting
in which luxury is expressed in a new, “orientalised”
approach. Luxury onboard the concept car is of the
expressive kind.
Metropolis combines grandeur, stability and refinement
with creativity, technology and quality. These words
accurately express a blend of Chinese and French
sensibilities. And Citroën’s new concept car is an
expression of China’s ambition.
Metropolis and avant-garde technology
Metropolis balances urban responsibility and driving
pleasure with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. And to get
the most out of these on-road capabilities, it is also
fitted with Hydractive suspension – a Citroën hallmark
that meets expectations on ride comfort worldwide, and in
China in particular. This system maintains a constant
vehicle attitude for better aerodynamics and, hence, fewer
CO2 emissions.
With its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, Metropolis can run in
several modes:
- full electric: at start-up, in town at low speeds and
when decelerating, with an electric motor developing a
continuous 55 bhp (40 kW) and peaking at 95 bhp (70 kW);
- in thermal combustion mode: at steady speeds on roads
and motorways when the engine achieves maximum
efficiency, with a V6 2-litre petrol engine developing a
continuous 272 bhp (200 kW) and 375 Nm.
- with the two engines combined:
• during acceleration for extra power (“overboost”
function), with the car developing maximum power of 460
bhp (345 kW) and 430 Nm of torque.
- in four-wheel drive mode for extra grip when needed.
The drivetrain combines driving pleasure, with impressive
on-road performance, and environmental respect, with a
considerable reduction of emissions. At 70 g/km, CO2
emissions are just one fifth those of a conventional
drivetrain with equivalent performance (4-litre V8
engine).
This was achieved through:
- optimisation of the petrol engine
- a 7-speed, dual-clutch electronic gearbox
- hybridisation
- hybrid drivertrain operating strategies that work to
continuously reduce CO2 emissions
|
