Citroen C-Metisse Concept

Featuring a stylish and powerful design, the C-Métisse combines a top speed of 155mph (250 km/h) and a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.2 seconds with a fuel consumption of about 45 miles per gallon (19 km/l) on the combined cycle.

The C-Métisse is powered by a 208hp HDi V6 diesel engine, coupled with a Diesel Particulate Filter System, and two separate electric motors on the rear wheels, capable of developing a massive 400Nm of additional torque.

Form the official Press Release:

Design

With its unique and powerful style, this 4-seater, 4-door coupé is visually striking. It is also exceptionally low for a grand-tourer of its size, at just 1.24 metres high, which contrasts with its length of 4.74 metres and width of 2 metres. And with its long bonnet and virtually non-existent rear overhang, its design is classically Citroën.

The front doors open gull-wing style, while the rear doors spin round to provide outstanding accessibility for a car of such a low height. The large, eye-catching alloy wheels have been specially designed, with central wheel nuts hinting at the model’s sporting nature.

Interior

Once inside the ‘aircraft-style cockpit’, occupants are enveloped by the comfortable, individual white leather seats, and are surrounded by leather trim and aluminium inserts. Each of the passengers benefits from independent air conditioning controls, individual roof lighting and plenty of space.

The driving position has been designed to make life as easy as possible for the driver.

The car can be started via ‘fighter pilot’ style buttons on the roof console, while the fixed-centred controls steering wheel, with mounted gear paddles, brings the essential driving and comfort aids within easy reach.

The unique central console is divided into five sections, within which are located key functions. The console then extends into the cabin via three illuminated strips which inform passengers of the current mode of hybrid propulsion. This lighting system is complemented by sound effects that accompany certain driver actions and indicate deployment of the airfoils.

A suspended head restraint and electric adjustment of the steering wheel and aluminium pedal assembly optimise the driver’s line of view, while maintaining passenger space in the rear.

Further helping the driver to view the road ahead, the front headlamps are equipped with a row of LED’s that light up progressively, dependant on the steering-wheel angle and vehicle speed, to provide optimal lighting and increased driver awareness through every corner.

Technical Features

A combination of the diesel hybrid power unit, optimised aerodynamics and reduced weight ensure that the C-Métisse offers outstanding levels of performance, fuel economy and a healthy respect for the environment – the C-Métisse can return around 45 mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 174g/km.

Powering the front wheels is a 208bhp V6 HDi diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, whilst a further two electric motors can drive the rear wheels. Providing an innovative 4-wheel drive capability, each of these motors can deliver up to 400Nm of torque and 20bhp.

The C-Métisse is focused on providing real driver pleasure and sets extremely high standards for out-of-town driving, as demonstrated by a stunning 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 6.2 seconds and impressive mid-range performance that sees this remarkable concept accelerate from 50-75mph in 4.2 seconds.

Driving pleasure is increased by a ‘boost’ function, activated under heavy acceleration, which activates to provide the immediate torque required. This combines the torque of the combustion engine with that of the electric motors that drive the rear wheels to enhance performance without pushing up fuel consumption.

The high voltage batteries are paced in the centre of the vehicle, the pack is automatically recharged during deceleration phases.

The drivetrain and braking control unit automatically manage the energy configuration: transition from 2 to 4-wheel drive, energy recovery and the recharging of batteries.

All of which means that around town the C-Métisse can be driven in ZEV mode, a completely silent all-electric mode that helps limit fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.

The aerodynamics was deeply studied: enlarged front air intakes, a flat underside, two retractable rear airfoils together with a rear fixed-fin spoiler contribute towards a drag coefficient of 0.30.

The carbon fibre body helps reduce the entire weight of the C-Métisse to just 1,400kg, including batteries.

Technical Specifications

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 spoiler
• Cd: 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

(Source: Citroen)