Cars Service

2006 Citroën C Métisse Concept Preview

CITROËN - Citroën’s C-Métisse concept is out to prove that an exceptionally stylish fast mover can also be “green” – with a top speed of 155 mph and the economy of a small, low-powered hatch. The super-low, four-seater coupe has four upward opening scissor doors, an amazing leather and aluminum-trimmed “aircraft-style” cockpit, and bucketful of technology.



That includes a hybrid powertrain combining a 208 bhp V6 turbodiesel powering the front wheels with two electric motors to drive the rear ones. With sophisticated control systems it will go into electric-only “silent-running” mode in town, but they also say it’s a real drivers car, with 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds with engine and motors working together.

Hot. Hot. Hot. Thats the only way to describe this four-door, four-seat grand touring coupe concept. Fifteen-and-a-half feet long and barely four feet high, the C-Métisse is certainly visually striking--and thats before you open the four scissor doors. (Yeah, we said its a coupe, but half the "coupes" coming out these days have two sets of doors.) The rest of the exterior is highlighted by adaptive LED headlamps, an aggressive and angular front fascia, and flared wheel arches.

A high-spec passenger compartment

Upholstered in white leather, the space reserved for the three passengers features an uncluttered design that creates an atmosphere of total relaxation.

Through their design, the three independent seats suggest comfort and lightness. This impression is reinforced by the airy shapes and hollowed volumes of the cabin, in which the leather trim and aluminium inserts clearly confirm C-Métisse as belonging to the world of exceptional cars.

For truly exceptional passenger comfort, each seat has independent air conditioning controls – stamped into the leather door panels – along with individual roof lighting. C-Métisse makes full use of its generous wheel base (3 m). The space provided for rear passengers is exceptional for this type of vehicle. Knee room, in particular, corresponds to limousine standards.

Spectacular door design and easy access

C-Métisse implements a number of astonishing technical solutions, particularly in terms of door design.

The first surprise is the presence of rear doors on a vehicle that is nevertheless the embodiment of a well designed coupé. The second lies in the ballet that takes place when the doors open, extending an impressive welcome to passengers: the front doors open gull-wing style while the rear doors spin round.

Looking beyond the stunning visual effect, this is actually an efficient solution for easy access. The doors rise up slightly on the roof – a major obstacle when getting into extremely low vehicles – to provide outstanding accessibility. The parallelogram boot opening also contributes to the overall looks of the car.

A coupé of elegant design

Looking at C-Métisse is a visual shock in itself. Long (4.74 m), wide (2 m) and low (1.24 m), the car is sculptural and almost intimidating. It demands immediate respect. However, far from creating a sense of distance between the onlooker and the car, this respect is mingled with an irresistible appeal, an absolute attraction. Whether were looking at the rear wheel arches, the bonnet or even the boot, an astonishing sensuality is reflected in the cars curving, sleekly muscled volumes. The seduction of C-Métisse is also expressed through a sense of latent power. Even when stationary, the body suggests movement. With its very long bonnet and virtually inexistent rear overhang, C-Métisse brings to mind the design balance of vehicles seen during the golden age of Grand Touring.

The design lines of C-Métisse also reflect the quest for outstanding aerodynamics, delivering improved fuel economy and lower pollutant emissions while also integrating the latest technological developments. Positioned either side of the double chevron badge on the radiator grille, the headlamps are equipped with a row of LEDs that light up progressively, depending on the steering-wheel angle and vehicle speed. This feature ensures excellent lighting when driving on winding roads by night. At the same time, the Michelin tyres with their central wheel nuts contribute to the sporting character of the coupé. More specifically, the development of these tyres was integrated with the vehicle design process, in order to optimise resistance to air and thus contribute to the vehicles excellent drag coefficient (Cd of 0.30).

News

Paris Preview: Citroëns C-Métisse Concept

PARIS — Citroën may claim that its new C-Métisse sports car proves performance can be green. But at the Paris Motor Show, the green may come from the envy of competitors who watch the crowd-drawing ability of this gullwing concept.

With a drag coefficient of just 0.30, the C-Métisse is as sleek as it is sexy. It also looks menacing and edgy — a nice combination. Its biggest virtue, though, is a fuel consumption rate of 45 mpg, achieved courtesy of an HDi V6 diesel engine and two separate electric motors on the rear wheels, capable of developing 295 pound-feet of additional torque. Around town, the concept car can run in Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mode.

The C-Métisse is only 48.8 inches tall, but at 186.6 inches, it is also quite long. Inside the "aircraft-style cockpit," passengers are pampered by individual white leather seats. Other luxury touches include leather trim, aluminum inserts and independent air-conditioning for each passenger.