Citroen has revealed the luxury new Metropolis concept car that will be formally unveiled in the French Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo next month.
Created by Citroen’s international design team – based in Shanghai since 2008 – the Metropolis concept reinforces just how important China is to the firm.
Incorporating a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and Hydractive suspension, Metropolis produces CO2 emissions of just 70g/km – approximately one fifth that of a conventional engine with equivalent performance.
Metropolis’ distinctive silhouette is a vision of creative and sophisticated luxury with an imposing stature (5.3m long, 2m wide & 1.4m high), reflecting the dynamism and ambition of China in the 21st Century. It builds on the themes established by the Hypnos concept, using a full-width Citroen double chevron in the grille, the same upright intakes ahead of the front wheels and even near-identical door mirrors. The complex turbine-style wheels are 21-inchers, with 265/35 tires.
Metropolis blends taut lines with smooth surfaces, evidenced particularly at the front where the sculpted, incisive wings and kite-shaped grille merge with the harmonious contours of the bonnet. The streamlined headlamps have an imperious and steely look, giving Metropolis a natural air of authority.
At the rear, Metropolis carefully balances width and stability with flowing aerodynamic lines – incorporating an active spoiler – and signature Citroen design flourishes, such as a concave rear window. Chrome touches around the side windows visually elongate the cabin, while ‘origami’ quarter-lights appear to float in the air – and also house a light source.
Metropolis’ powerful hybrid drivetrain utilizes an optimized 2-liter 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-liter 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 Citroen’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 Citroen’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 character and to show, once again, the importance it places on the needs and expectations of this rapidly developing market.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
