Citroen will reveal, at next month’s Frankfurt motor show, what one company spokesman said is a possible successor to the Citroën DS Convertible, one of the French car maker’s most sought-after models – the C5 Airscape.
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The full-size (in European terms) four-seat convertible is based on the next production C5, a direct successor to the legendary ‘goddess’ DS.
Like its 1960 predecessor, the Airscape concept previews technology that will be seen on future Citroën models, including hybrid drivetrains and SnowMotion, a new type of traction control that provides the front wheel drive concept with virtually the same level of traction as a four wheel drive system without the weight penalties.
A fully functional concept, the Airscape has a carbon fibre and glass folding roof that combines the appearance of a canvas roof with the sound proofing and security of a steel folding roof without the weight penalties.
The folding roof has a glazed upper section that lets extra light into the cabin. Made entirely of carbon, this roof opens and folds away automatically, much like PSA’s Peugeot 207 and 307 cabriolet roofs (made of steel) and with far less hassle than the overly complex folding and storage arrangements of Citroen’s little C3 Pluriel convertible (early production models were plagued with leaks).
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By GlobalDataThe metal-look roof with textile lining resembles a roof made of canvas – in what Citroen said was “the symbolic signature of executive cabriolets”.
The concept’s cabin is upholstered with a rich dark brown leather (this interior colour has made a comeback recently in Europe) and there are also chrome trim highlights.
Like the production C4 and its Picasso MPV/minivan derivatives, the concept has a fixed-centre steering wheel that brings the main comfort functions and driving aids (navigation, radio, cruise control and speed limiter, on-board computer) within easy reach.
However, this latest cabin has pushbuttons with an original covering resembling the texture of skin said to create a strong, fast-reacting sensory interface between the vehicle and the driver.
Needles on the three dials are said to be unique: they run around rather than across the dial for greater legibility and a more attractive design.
The concept has a 150kW V6 HDi turbodiesel engine with particulate filter able to run on biodiesel, along with a six-speed automatic gearbox, an innovative ‘snow motion’ traction control system for performance close to four-wheel drive, and ‘UrbanHybrid’ technology for low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – it uses a reversible alternator-starter and super-capacitors able to temporarily store large amounts of energy.
In Drive mode, when the concept vehicle is travelling at under 4mph (6km/h) and the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal, the engine cuts out. For maximum driveability, it starts again instantly as soon as the brake pedal is released. When the car is at a standstill, fuel consumption is zero and CO2 emissions are around 24g over a combined cycle.
Items like air conditioning and audio are powered by energy recovered during the deceleration and braking phases. This brings savings in fuel consumption and eliminates additional pollutant emissions.
Engine torque can be temporarily boosted, when overtaking or for a high-speed start.
When the car is at a standstill, the UrbanHybrid system prevents noise and vibration in the cabin, for the comfort of both passengers and those around the vehicle.
