Nemo Makes Splash at 2007 Bologna Motor Show

December 5, 2007.  

Citroën will roll out a concept people carrier version of the company's soon to be released new compact van at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy (7-16 December). Taking its name and its styling cues from the popular Disney animation "Finding Nemo", the Citroën Nemo Concetto sports the distinctive orange, black and white clownfish color scheme with the theme continuing into the vehicle's interior.

The Concept is based on the soon to be released compact economy van developed jointly by Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroën and Tofas. Built by Tofas, the new vans are pitched as a totally new addition to the small panel van segment. At just 3.86 meters (12.7 feet) long, the vehicles boast a loading space length of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) and a load volume of 2.5 m3 with a stowable passenger seat enabling this to be increased to 2.8 m3. Large side-hinged rear doors and sliding side doors maximize accessibility with parking sensors and a separate cab locking system standard. The diesel-equipped versions have an emissions rating of 119g of CO2/km.

Marketed as the Fiat Fiorino, the Citroën Nemo and the Peugeot Bipper the new vehicles will be gradually introduced as from the end of 2007. There's no word yet on whether the Concetto version will reach the market.

CITROEN C2 TRANSFORMER

November 2007

Three Transformers fans in China have taken three months to build their own robot out of a Citroen C2 car.  Sui Lulu, Zhang Yiming and Li Wei, from Nanjing city, have named the 15ft Transformer X2, reports the Jinling Evening Post.  "We are huge Transformers fans, and grew up with them on TV and in comic books. We always wanted to have our own transformer, a real one," says graphic designer Sui Lulu.  He says they picked the Citroen C2 because it's small: "We originally wanted to make the figure of Optimus Prime, who is transformed from a truck. "But we calculated that the final figure would be around seven storeys high, and we couldn't find room for it. So we went with the Citroen C2."  X2 is loosely based on the Bumblebee and Jazz Transformers in the movie. But Sui added: "We added a lot of our things, like some Chinese elements. The head of X2 is like an ancient Chinese war helmet, simple but beautiful."  He admits that, because of financial constraints, their Transformer can't actually do much transforming.  "The legs bend, since we installed two hydraulic pressure rods, and the finger joints move. Also, we added a pedrail to his feet," he said.  The youngsters are now planning to fulfill their original ambition to make a giant Transformer based on Optimus Prime.

CITROEN C-CACTUS CONCEPT

September 2007: Citroën is unveiling C-Cactus at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. This ingenious concept is a new take on vehicle design, centered on essential values. The Marque's ambitious aim is to market an ecological hatchback with cheerful, attractive styling, equipped with a hybrid HDi drivetrain and sold at the same price as an entry-level C4.

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.

Essential, intelligent and ecologically aware

C-Cactus is an ecological car. It includes a significant proportion of recycled or recyclable materials and, like the plant it is named after, it is low on consumption. Weighing just 1,306 kg and featuring a hybrid HDi drivetrain, C-Cactus consumes 3.4 l/100 km for CO2 emissions of 78 g/km. At the same time, C-Cactus is no more expensive than a mid-range family car. Its low production cost can be attributed to the use of new materials and to a rational design process using a smaller number of parts. The cabin is made up of just over 200 parts, i.e. almost half the number used by a conventional hatchback of identical size.

An attractive and modern vehicle

C-Cactus is an essential car, with sharp styling and attractive features. Its curves give it a fun look and strong appeal, while the angles and rounded lines of the bodywork underline its dynamic character. C-Cactus sets high standards of onboard comfort with a roomy interior that is worthy of a family car. It is 4.2 metres long and 1.8 metres wide with a wide range of equipment including air conditioning with automatic temperature control, a high-quality audio system, a panoramic glass sunroof, cruise control and a speed limiter.

C5 Convertible Concept 

August 2007

PARIS — Citroën will unveil a convertible concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show in September called the C5 Airscape. The drop top provides a hint about what the second-generation C5 sedan will look like.

Pronounced Citroën chevrons at the front, deep air intakes and a curvaceous roof line are notable features of the open-top prototype. The concept's front-end treatment and parts of the rear will appear on the next C5 sedan, which had originally been scheduled for a Frankfurt preview. The automatically folding top has a sunroof; the automaker has not announced any plans for a convertible C5 production model.

The C5 Airscape is powered by a direct-injection, particulate-filter-equipped 2.7-liter V6 diesel engine, capable of 208 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. Environmental consciousness gets a nod with the concept's UrbanHybrid system, which uses regenerative energy to power the air-conditioning and sound systems. The automaker says an advanced traction system provides four-wheel-drive-like handling.

There are no interior shots yet, but the company says Citroën 's hallmark steering wheel with fixed-center controls will be in there. Dark-brown leather upholstery will be joined by chrome accents.

What this means to you: As is often the case with concepts, this sleek drop top is surely more attractive than the forthcoming family-sedan version.

NEW CITROEN DS???

August, 2007:

Fellow Citroenist Huub in t' Zandt send us these pictures of a futurristic Citroen DS - no indication if this is a retro-design study by Citroen or a possible production car with a DS retro-flavor.

RETURN OF THE 2CV?

Wednesday 2nd May 2007, 11:00 AM Yahoo Cars
The legendary tin snail is set to return - and we have full details

Here's proof that Citroen is set to come out of its shell when it comes to car design - because the 'tin snail' is back! These pictures show how a successor to the 2CV is shaping up. Boasting a thoroughly modern interpretation of the classic design, it has its eyes on the lucrative family car market.

As Fiat has done with the 500 and VW with the Beetle, Citroen has followed the current trend for reinventing classic models. By cashing in on the charm of the original 2CV, the French firm is set to launch into uncharted territory - going up against prestige models such as BMW's MINI. With the same curved bonnet, slab sides and covered rear wheels, it looks just like the original 2CV, which first appeared in 1948. 

Trademark details such as the slatted bonnet and double chevron grille remain intact. But with flush-fitting windows and faired-in lights, the shape has been given a modern update. It promises to be extremely eco-friendly, too.

With car firms ever more concerned about their impact on the environment, the 2CV will be a showcase for Citroen's green technology. It's likely to be made from plastic body panels, and with power coming from a hybrid diesel engine (see below), it should boast low fuel consumption and emissions.

As with the exterior, the cabin will draw on its famous predecessor with a minimalist look. A large, thin-rimmed steering wheel dominates the interior, while the fixed central hub contains controls for the stereo. There will also be a retro speedometer, and as with the original car, the gearlever will be mounted in the centre of the dashboard.

However, while the 2CV was designed to be cheap and cheerful, the newcomer will feature lots of hi-tech kit as standard, including a navigation system and connectivity for the latest handheld gadgets.

As with the MINI, personalization will be a big part of the 2CV's appeal, with contrasting body panel colours, seat trims and the option of a full-length sunroof. It's possible the Citroen could feature panoramic glass, as well as a removable canvas top.

Under the skin, the 2CV is likely to use platform architecture from the C3 supermini and C4 hatch, featuring a front-wheel-drive layout and a comfortable driving experience.

The new model will be positioned be positioned above the C3 in Citroen's range, and will carry a premium price. Although the firm is tight-lipped about production, our sources indicate that a concept version could appear in 2009.

SBARRO'S 6-WHEELED CITROEN

Citroen, together with the Espera Sbarro auto school, introduced  the Cruise Crosser concept car at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show..

The Citroen Cruise Crosser is capable of taking on the hardest roads, in extreme weather conditions. Based on the Citroen SUV, the Cruiser Crosser is a six wheel car. The Citroen Cruise Crosser embodies the adventurous spirit of the beginning of the 20th century, when the founder of the french company, Andre Citroen was captivating the entire world with a series of expeditions in Africa and Asia, including the first engine that went across Sahara in 1922.
Despite the imposing look, the prototype benefits from some adjustments that give it a powerful green character. Its got both an electrical and a diesel engine. The interior is conceived to offer a huge space with the chairs that can be taken out for a larger volume.

RESTORATION OF 1970 RALLYE DU MAROC WINNER ALMOST COMPLETE

Citroen won the 1970 Rallye Du Maroc (Morrocon Rallye) with this heavily modified 1969 Citroen DS21.  Citroen Team drivers Neyret & Terramorsi won the Rallye ahead of Consten & Todt, also in a Citroen DS21.  The historical Rallye car was recently acquired and an extensive restoration was started by a French garage to bring the car back to its original condition.  The restroration should be completed sometime in 2007 and will probably be featured in some the larger upcoming Citroen Club events.

2CV IN BEST BOND CHASE

THE modest Citroen 2CV has beat flashier cars such as the Aston Martin DB5 and Lotus Esprit to the title of top vehicle in chase sequences in James Bond films.

The pursuit in For Your Eyes Only, starring Roger Moore as Bond and featuring the 2CV, was voted the best in a poll by motoring website 4Car.co.uk.

It beat the chase in Goldfinger in which Sean Connery's 007 drove an Aston Martin DB5.

CITROEN CONSIDERING NORTH AMERICA

October 2006 - Condensed from an article by By William Diem from WardsAuto.com

PARIS – Automobiles Citroen may use Canada as its beachhead into North America.“If we homologate our cars in Canada, it’s a potential,” says Frederic Banzet, vice-president-international sales. “We’re looking at it.”

The Canadian market absorbs about 1.6 million light vehicles per year, of which a little more than half are passenger cars, the sector in which Citroen would compete. The French auto maker won’t have a cross/utility vehicle to sell until next year.

Citroen has been expanding rapidly overseas. Last year, it sold 1,395,000 vehicles, including 244,000, or 17.5%, outside Europe. In the first half of this year, Citroen sales were down 2.2% in Europe but up 19.2% elsewhere.

Canada’s conservative government is developing new rules for automotive emissions for 2010 called “Green Plan Two” that could make Canada more attractive for Citroen, thanks to its diesel engines.

If the new rules favor greenhouse gas emission reductions, it will boost the case for diesels. If the rules penalize nitrogen-oxide production, it could hurt Citroen’s chances.

“North America is talking about diesels,” Citroen’s Banzet says. “In Canada they are a good move for the environment. With the particulate filter, the diesel is the best answer today.”

Banzet says that in the U.S. “there is a gap between the character of our products and what is needed,” but in Canada, Citroen has a special advantage.

“There is a Francophile attitude, at least in Quebec,” he says, which would help Citroen sell cars there. Quebec accounts for about 23% of the total Canadian market

Are some of these Citroens in our future?

Citroën ID19 Hot Rod To Be Showcased at Las Vegas 2006 SEMA

October 2006 Jeffrey Meyer's 1964 ID19 Hot Rod is approaching completion and should be a featured Hot Rod at this year's SEMA in Las Vegas.  Built by Kevin Bradley of Kreations, up in Humboldt County California, the ID19 Hot Rod utilizes very little of the Citroen's original mechanicals.  A custom frame was built to accomodate American mechanicals and a conventional shock and spring suspension.  We hope to get more info and photos for future updates.

© Automobiles CITROËN  

May 2006. Concept cars are always fun to gawk at even if you know full well that they will never make it into dealerships in their current form. One of the latest in this line of funky concepts comes from our friends over at Citroen, their new C-Buggy concept is set to be showcased at the Madrid Motor Show later this month.

With a go-anywhere attitude, the C-Buggy is based on the C-Airplay concept and has room for the driver and a single passenger. Somehow, I can imagine folks like Lindsay Lohan rolling around in one these carefree-mobiles. Interestingly, though, there seem to be a few key elements missing from this car that, as a result, make it not so viable for everyday use. There’s no roof, no windshield, and no windows, but this all seems intentional as company reps say that this “adds to the C-Buggy’s carefree charm.”

Rolling down the streets near the beaches of Miami or going off-road, this looks like it could be a blast to drive when (and if) it ever makes it market, at which point, they’ll probably throw a roof and stuff on it too. Personally, I think the car looks like it’s going backwards.

© Automobiles CITROËN

2006 Los Angeles Auto Show - January 2006. Word reached us that a Citroen C4 was featured at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Paul, armed with his digital camera, attended the last day of the show to investigate - possibly an early showing of a Citroen in the company's quest for a return to the USA?? No such luck - the C4 was being shown by a glass/sunroof company, Solutia Automotive, to demonstrate their latest glass technology named Vanceva. The C4 was built with a Vanceva security-glass (unbreakable) full-roof glass panel, complete with the Citroen Chevrons (see above pic).

C-Sportlounge Showcar Debuts At 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show

Frankfurt Motor Show 2005, Citroën is presenting a new interpretation of the grand touring car, in phase with new trends in automotive pleasure. The new C-SportLounge concept car, which stands out with its evocative name and distinctive body style, features powerful, aerodynamic exterior lines and a cockpit-inspired interior designed for the pleasure of the driver and the well-being of the three passengers. The C-SportLounge combines dynamic character with high levels of onboard quality.

The wide tracks and curved flanks of the C-SportLounge convey a sense of power, while the flowing lines and elongated roof optimise aerodynamics, a Citroën speciality. Special care was taken with the air flow, resulting in a drag coefficient of just 0.26. The determined look of the front end is emphasised by the broadened air intake and elongated, clearcut headlamps. The large windscreen placed well to the front rises high and melds into the sunroof in a single unbroken line, offering a broad glass surface, enhancing visibility and letting in maximum light.

The luxurious interior of the C-SportLounge, designed to seat four adults comfortably, expresses the grand touring spirit of this concept car. The on-board ambience is a harmonious mix of noble, dense, worked materials and more mechanical styling for the driving position. With reverse-opening doors at the rear, the C-SportLounge offers unexpected accessibility for a vehicle of this type. Long-distance journeys can be approached serenely thanks to more than generous boot space

The driving position was inspired by aviation design and dictated by driving pleasure. Driver and passengers alike will feel like they are in an aeroplane cockpit. This impression is heightened by the special treatment and location of the analogue instruments. The semi-raised driving position boosts driving sensations while enhancing comfort and safety. The driver's seat and central console are all of one piece, so that the automatic gearbox and climate controls remain within reach, regardless of the driver's chosen seat length adjustment. The interior has been designed to let the driver concentrate on the road: the steering wheel has fixed central controls and gear-changing paddles.

© Automobiles CITROËN

Funky Citroen C-Airplay Debuts at Bologna Motor Show

Bologna Motor Show December 2005: Citroen is set to surprise the world and premiere its brand new, funky-looking two-seater concept car, the C-AirPlay, at this year’s Bologna Motor Show (1-11 December).

Masterminded by Citroen’s award-winning British car designer, Mark Lloyd, this fresh and futuristic urban run-around features a bold, dynamic exterior look, as well as plenty of ultra-modern styling cues.

Inside and out the C-AirPlay introduces striking design touches, including see-through ‘portholes’ in the lower sections of the doors to increase the sensation of speed. Discreet, touch-sensitive controls for the gears, electric windows and rearview mirror are moulded into the single-piece silicone front seat, whilst the eye-catching steering wheel incorporates two spherical driver information displays.

Even the colour scheme is ultra modern with the iridescent white bodywork contrasting neatly with the bright red cabin. But it’s the massive expanse of glass that creates the bright and airy interior that helps give rise to the C-AirPlay’s name.

Shorter than the Citroen C2, the C-AirPlay is powered by a 110hp petrol engine while, thanks to the SensoDrive gearbox, gearchanges can be made via the steering wheel-mounted paddles. Fittingly, for a futuristic interpretation of a supermini, this versatile concept car also features fuel-saving, emission-reducing Stop & Start technology.

© Automobiles CITROËN