|
NUMÉRO 9 IN DETAIL: A FRESH TAKE ON
FRENCH-STYLE LUXURY
Following on from Citroën DS3, DS4 and DS5, concept car Numéro
9 takes a fresh look at the DS line with a new take on the
prestigious
shooting brake design.
Subtly combining the proportions of a coupé with those of an
estate, Numéro 9 hints at exceptional driving sensations, with its
taut
lines, long bonnet and ultra-low stance (1.27m tall) on 21-inch
wheels.
It also promises unique onboard comfort with its generous
proportions
(4.93m long and 1.94m wide, with a 3m wheelbase) providing plenty
of
room for rear occupants. The three glass areas in the roof also
create
a welcoming, friendly cabin ambience.
Numéro 9 evolves the design cues of the current DS line,
introducing the new front-end identity of future models, along
with an
original light signature. The grille is sculpted in 3 dimensions
and
flows into the full-LED headlights, which end in daytime-running
lights. Condensing the distinctive forms of the DS line, the
concept
also features a floating roof, underlined by chrome trim with
discreet
DS markings, and glazed side surfaces flowing into the rear
window.
A sophisticated use of body colours and materials includes
deep black bodywork with subtle hints of violet. The finish, named
‘Whisper’, is a perfect match for the warmer shade of the
‘Californian’
chrome finish.
The ‘Créative Technologie’ used by Numéro 9 combines comfort,
safety and respect for the environment, while also delivering
enjoyable
driving sensations for all occupants.
Every detail was designed to contribute to Numéro 9’s
aerodynamic efficiency (CdA = 0.61) including:
-
a rear spoiler, which reinforces the fastback effect
-
windscreen pillars that contribute to efficient air flow
around the car
-
‘Turbine’ wheels with
integrated fins to increase the air flow around the wheel
arches,
reducing both turbulence and fuel consumption.
With its plug-in full-hybrid technology, concept car Numéro 9
is also a perfect fit with Citroën’s environmental commitments.
The advanced drivetrain combines a conventional petrol or
diesel engine (depending on the market) with an electric motor on
the
rear axle that develops 70hp and torque of 200Nm. The electric
motor is
powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged in just 3½
hours
from a normal domestic socket. The model on display at the Beijing
Motor Show is fitted with a 1.6 THP petrol engine developing 225hp
(165kW) and 275Nm of torque.
With its plug-in hybrid technology, Numéro 9 respects the
environment. It has a range of 50km (around 31miles) in
all-electric
ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode and, on roads demanding
successive
acceleration and deceleration, the hybrid drivetrain limits
consumption
by using both sources of energy. On the motorway, the combustion
engine
takes over to deliver real performance.
Numéro 9 features new-generation micro-hybrid technology
designed to switch the combustion engine to stand-by whenever it
is not
required.
When the driver requires speed and torque, a ‘boost’ function
combines the power of the combustion engine and electric motor to
enable high levels of performance (up to 295hp). Numéro 9 takes
just
5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph and 25.3 seconds to travel
1,000m
from a standing start.
When grip is lacking, the car switches to four-wheel drive
mode with the electric motor driving the rear wheels and the
combustion
engine powering the front wheels. In particularly difficult
driving
conditions, such as driving up a sloping, snow-covered road, the
driver
can manually select 4WD mode. The four-wheel drive system and
hydraulic
active suspension then deliver increased traction, making full use
of
the potential of Numéro 9 in complete safety.
Looking beyond on-road performance and environmental benefits,
the full-hybrid plug-in technology offers a third advantage: the
cabin
can be prepared before the car is used. For example, it can be
pre-heated to ensure the comfort of all the occupants as soon as
they
climb onboard.
|
