The Citroen DS Wild Rubis concept car was unveiled this weekend at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.
With a life-like hypnotic gaze, the Citroen DS Wild Rubis features full-hybrid plug-in technology delivering unparalleled performance with a 50km (31mile) range in all-electric mode, 295bhp with the boost and emissions of just 43 g/km CO2.
The DS Wild Rubis concept car is fitted with ground-breaking full-LED headlights, made up of three mobile lighting modules. These are surrounded by scrolling indicator lights at the base and a diapason-shaped light signature on the edge to bring Wild Rubis’ bold, unique and hi-tech glaze to life. Every time the concept car starts, the three lighting modules in the headlights and special sound effects combine to create a unique feature.
Stimulating the imagination further, DS Wild Rubis concept car makes crystal-like whispering sounds that have been specially developed to amplify the various lighting configurations (headlights and indicators). The movement of the three lighting modules is accompanied by a mechatronic sound effect; effective, high-tech sounds that highlight the concept’s advanced technology.
The full-hybrid plug-in technology of DS Wild Rubis is perfectly in line with Citroen’s commitment to environmentally considerate motoring. The drivetrain comprises a 225bhp (165 kW) 1.6-litre THP petrol internal combustion engine. This is the engine that won the prestigious prize for the ‘international engine of the year’, awarded by a jury of 65 international motoring journalists. The 1.6 THP internal combustion engine is combined with a 70hp electric motor positioned on the rear axle. The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged from a domestic socket.
With its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, Wild Rubis can run in full-electric mode, with zero emissions, over a range of 50km (31miles). When the driver accelerates hard, a boost function combines the torque of the internal combustion engine with that of the electric motor, allowing Wild Rubis to reach exceptional levels of performance (295hp) without compromising fuel consumption (43g/km of CO2).
Suited to all driving conditions, when accelerating sharply or when grip is poor, the concept automatically switches to 4WD mode with the electric motor driving the rear wheels and the internal combustion engine the front wheels. When driving in particularly difficult conditions, the driver can select forced 4WD mode. Activating 4WD mode increases grip and makes complete and safe use of the full potential of DS Wild Rubis.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
dimensions
| Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase |
| 4.70m | 1.95m | 1.59m | 2.9m |
plug-in hybrid drivetrain
| 1.6-Litre THP petrol engine | Electric motor on the rear axle | ZEV Range | CO2 emissions |
| 225hp (165kW) | 70hp | 50km/31miles | 43g/km |
