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2
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272
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(from Citroen Press
Release) CITROËN METROPOLIS, A CONCEPT CAR FOR CHINA
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 kiteshaped 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
