My-Dream-Cars review Citroen Concept Car C-Métisse

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 we’re looking at the rear wheel arches, the bonnet or even the boot, an astonishing sensuality is reflected in the car’s 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 vehicle’s excellent drag coefficient (Cd of 0.30).

Spectacular door design

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 driving position adapted to the driver
The driving position takes full advantage of technological progress to integrate functions that allow the driver to concentrate fully on the road, while also maximising driving pleasure.

The following equipment is provided:

• A fixed-centred controls steering wheel that brings the main comfort functions and driving aids (radio, speed limiter, on-board computer, lighting, indicators and windscreen wiper) within easy reach. This layout, along with the steering-wheel mounted gear paddles, avoids any unnecessary movements on the part of the driver, who is able to enjoy driving pleasure to the full;
• Contact and start-up buttons on the roof console, reinforcing the sensation of being in a fighter jet;
• A driving position corresponding to the optimum position of the driver’s eye, with a single height adjustment to match this point; a suspended head restraint anchored to the roof, and two rest electrical functions to adjust the leather steering wheel and aluminium pedal assembly. This innovative layout optimises the driving position while maintaining space for passengers in the back.

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.

With its leather trim, the luggage compartment is coordinated with the passenger compartment. In addition to the boot, with its parallelogram opening, the passengers of C Métisse have two other compartments behind the wheels to place the line of Citroën luggage designed exclusively for this concept.

Diesel hybrid drivetrain
C-Métisse features a diesel hybrid drivetrain combining:

• A diesel combustion engine: the V6 HDi DPFS, mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox developing 150 kW (208 bhp) that drives the front wheels,
• Two electric motors in the rear wheels, each developing torque of 400 Nm with output of 15 kW (20 bhp).

With its diesel hybrid technology, C-Métisse respects the environment. This is particularly true in the city in ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode – an “extended’”, completely silent all-electric mode with a range of around 3 km at 30 kph – as well as on roads demanding successive acceleration and deceleration. In this second case, the hybrid architecture makes it possible to limit consumption by using the two forms of energy together.

On motorways, the V6 HDi diesel combustion engine with a DPFS (particulate filter) sets high standards of efficiency, based on its intrinsic qualities. By controlling fuel consumption and thus pollutant emissions, C- Métisse boasts combined cycle consumption levels of 6.5 l/100 km for CO² emissions of 174 g/km.

No sacrifices have been made in terms of driving pleasure, which remains a key priority for motorists. If the driver makes prolonged use of the accelerator pedal, the boost function kicks in to provide the immediate torque required. This function combines the torque of the combustion engine with that of the electric motors to endow C-Métisse with a level of performance worthy of a high-spec sports vehicle, without pushing up fuel consumption. C Métisse accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 6.2 seconds and takes 25.4 seconds to cover 1,000 m from a standing start.

Also, when the ESP sensors report low grip conditions, C-Métisse can activate its electric motors and thus adopt a 4-wheel drive configuration. The electric motors deliver improved traction and ensure full use of the potential of C-Métisse in all conditions and in complete safety.

Technical characteristics

Dimensions
Length: 4,740 mm
Width: 2,000 mm
Height: 1,240 mm
Wheelbase: 3,000 mm
Gross vehicle weight (GVW): 1,400 kg (batteries included)

Performance and fuel consumption
0 to 400 m: 14.2 seconds
0 to 1,000 m: 25.4 seconds
0 – 100 kph: 6.2 seconds
30 – 60 kph: 1.9 seconds
80 – 120 kph: 4.2 seconds
Top speed: 250 kph
Combined consumption: 6.5 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 174 g/km

Diesel hybrid drivetrain
V6 HDi diesel engine developing 150 kW (208 bhp) with a DPFS and 6-speed automatic transmission
Two electric motors in the rear wheels:
- each with torque of 400 Nm
- and developing 15 kW (20 bhp)
ZEV mode (range of 3 km at 30 kph)

Aerodynamic features
Flat underside
Enlarged air intakes at the front
Two retractable rear airfoils
Rear fixed-fin spoilerCd: 0.30
CdA: 0.6 m²
Cl: – 0.1

Running gear
Hydraulic suspension
Double wishbone suspension on all four wheels
Special Michelin tyres: 255/40/R20

Main equipment
Fixed-centred controls steering wheel
6-speed gearbox, manual mode controlled by steering-wheel paddles, or fully automatic mode controlled by a selection lever on the central column
Directional headlamps
Electrically adjustable steering wheel and pedal assembly
Aluminium wheels with a central nut

My-Dream-Cars review Citroen Concept Car C-Métisse