Citroen has revealed its most intriguing concept yet- a plug-in hybrid limousine that looks to combine ultra-low environmental impact with absolute luxury.
The new concept model called Metropolis is designed to pay homage to China’s extraordinary development in recent years and will be on show in the French Pavilion at the Shanghai World Fair from 1st May to 31st October, 2010.
Created by the carmaker’s international design team-based in Shanghai since 2008- the Metropolis is designed to embody China’s new avante-garde place in the world. It incorporates a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and Hydractive suspension, meaning that it is expected to produce CO2 emissions of just 70g/km – approximately one fifth that of a conventional engine with equivalent performance.
With an imposing stature (at 5.3m long, 2m wide & 1.4m high), the Metropolis uses a powerful hybrid drivetrain which utilises an optimised 2-litre V6 petrol engine and a 7-speed, dual-clutch electronic gearbox. At low speeds, Metropolis runs in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode, with its electric motor developing a continuous 55bhp (40kW), peaking at 95bhp (70kW). At steady speeds on main roads and motorways, the petrol powerplant efficiently provides 272bhp (200kW) and 375Nm of torque. When additional performance is required, such as during overtaking, the car uses both the electric motor and the combustion engine to deliver a maximum power output of 460bhp (345kW) and 430Nm of torque – equivalent to a 4-litre V8 petrol engine. There’s also a four-wheel drive mode for when extra grip is needed.
Delivering a smooth and cosseting ride experience, Metropolis is specified with Citroën’s renowned Hydractive suspension, which dampens even the roughest of road surfaces and improves the car’s aerodynamic performance – further helping to reduce CO2 emissions.
China is the world’s largest automotive market and Citroën’s second largest outside Europe – having been established there for 20 years. The Shanghai World Fair is the perfect opportunity for the brand to reassert its international presence there and to show, once again, the importance it places on the needs and expectations of this rapidly developing market. With Metropolis, the carmaker hopes to demonstrate that a blend of Chinese and French sensibilities can create a beautiful and environmentally aware vision for the future.
