PARIS SHOW: Citroen concept is a Playstation star

2 October 2008 | Source: just-auto.com editorial team

Citroen claims its 'GTbyCitroen' concept unveiled in Paris today "is the first ever car to be specifically designed to bring the virtual and real worlds together".

Show visitors can 'drive' the car in a 'true to life simulator' on the automaker's stand.

The car, a joint venture between Citroën and the makers of Gran Turismo, was created for the fifth game in the multi-million selling Playstation series.

The concept is almost five metres long and uses race car technology including 21-inch, diamond-effect aluminium wheels, gullwing doors, over-sized rear end with mobile spoiler, gaping air intakes and flat underside. Blue LED headlamps and slim-line carbon fibre rear view mirrors are fitted.

The cabin is finished in dark colours with two padded black leather racing seats with four point harnesses. There are copper and steel trim inserts and the instruments include a red LED head-up display, allowing drivers to focus on the race track.

In the game, the car has a fuel cell-powered electric drive train and is emission-free.

Kazanori Yamauchi, president of Polyphony Digital and the concept's creator, said: "GTbyCitroen shows how the worlds of virtual and real-life motoring can join together to create a truly innovative partnership. To see the [concept] take shape in our game studios and then for real has been a truly unique experience - as our work normally stays in the digital world."