Friday 13th April 2012

Citroen DS 'Numero 9' concept revealed

Beijing show concept hints at future flagship saloon for DS sub-brand

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Citroen has finally taken the official wraps off 'Numero 9' its newest DS concept - tipped to be the company's next flagship saloon - ahead of the car's official debut at the Beijing show.

Marking the arrival of the DS sub-brand in China - one of Citroen's most important export markets - the Numero 9 is expected to be called the DS9 when it eventually morphs into a production car.

But as well as the forthcoming D-segment executive saloon (think 5 Series-ish territory), the Numero 9 also heralds the design cues for a forthcoming SUV and smaller C-segment saloon.

Underneath the swoopy shooting brake body style is a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that Citroen promises will deliver 166mpg fuel economy, 50km range in ZEV mode, 295hp, a 'boost' function and 39g/km of CO2. Quite bold claims, in other words.

The car combines a conventional petrol or diesel engine (depending on the market - the one in Beijing will have a 225hp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine) with an electric motor on the rear axle that develops 70hp and 148lb ft of torque. The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged in just 3½ hours from a normal domestic socket.

With its plug-in hybrid technology, the Numéro 9 has a range of 50km (around 31miles) in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode, and also features micro-hybrid tech designed to switch the combustion engine to standby whenever it is not required.

For speedier moment, a 'boost' function combines the power of the petrol or diesel engine and electric motor to produce up to 295hp, enough to take the Numero 9 takes to 62mph from rest in just 5.4 seconds.

[Wills2]

Wow, that looks superb.

How much of the car we see in the pictures will make it into production?

[cuprabob]

Just looks like a Scirocco IMO

[ZOLLAR]

Wills2 said:

Wow, that looks superb.

How much of the car we see in the pictures will make it into production?

Probably just the name

[Six Fiend]

Didn't we talk about this over a fortnight ago?

And yes, it looks fab

[Wills2]

ZOLLAR said:

Wills2 said:

Wow, that looks superb.

How much of the car we see in the pictures will make it into production?

Probably just the name

Ha!

[cragswinter]

fat sirocco

[Vilhelm]

"It looks like a [insert car here]"
"French cars are all st"
"It's too heavy"
"It'll never meet those figures"
"It's so ugly"

All responses after this point must include the included material.

Personally, I love it.

[gumsie]

As an unashamed snob/fan of Germanica. I still have to say, 'Wow. Just WoW!!"

Fantastic.

[timothymcn]

Emblem behind clear plastic? What a throwback. Excellent. Just excellent.

[Mafioso]

So that's a saloon then?

[andyps]

Yes please, can't imagine why you would choose a German barge over this, fabulous looking car.

[fokiohero]

Hmm, looks stunning!

[BarnatosGhost]

Very nice indeed, but still nowhere near as nice as the Citroen Metropolis.

Make this instead/as well. Neither will sell, but hey.

[Streps]

DS9...made me think of this:

But it looks pretty good.
hope some make it to the uk.. not just for the Chinese market.
Like others have said the rear reminds me of a Scirocco somewhat.

Citroen's new styling direction looks pretty good.

[XitUp]

Very nice. Will be a great buy for the second owner after it loses half it's value in two years.

[toppstuff]

Lovely.

Hats off to Citroen.

They are working hard to produce cars that are different, elegant and distinctive.

I know that VAG is the big bear in the market in terms of sales and impact, but when you look at the staid, slab-sided, ugly monotony of an Audi A8, for example, you have to admire Citroen for having some courage.

Good for them. This car is a lovely looking thing.

[BarnatosGhost]

toppstuff said:

Lovely.

Hats off to Citroen.

They are working hard to produce cars that are different, elegant and distinctive.

I know that VAG is the big bear in the market in terms of sales and impact, but when you look at the staid, slab-sided, ugly monotony of an Audi A8, for example, you have to admire Citroen for having some courage.

Good for them. This car is a lovely looking thing.

If it is aiming at 'exec' class, then BMW is by far the class-leader. If it is aiming at luxury cars, then Mercedes are the ones to beat. VAG are in both tournaments, but get knocked out in the semi's.

[vsonix]

putain, mais elle est belle cette Déesse!

I'm a sucker for a Brake at the best of times but if they can get this one to market I'll be impressed. Not sure about the meringue wheels but the rest is tres chic. Wing mirrors look downright lethal though, both in terms of decapitating people and visibility.

[bobberz]

First pic reminds me of a squashed A1.

How, exactly, is this a saloon?

[Rumblestripe]

Could someone take a picture of this and post it to Porsche... how to make a great looking BIG car?

Thanks!

Imagine if Porsche had produced this as the Panamera?

Shed of the Week in five years time?