NUMÉRO 9: A FRESH LOOK AT THE DS LINE
Marketed
alongside Citroën’s main range, the DS line explores new automotive
territory. Based on more radical choices, it opens new perspectives in
premium vehicle design. Inspired by ninety years of history and
automotive excellence, the DS line illustrates the best of Citroën
expertise in terms of creativity and technology. Two years after its
launch, the DS line – comprising the Citroën DS3, DS4 and DS5 – has
already notched up more than 200,000 sales.
Pursuing
its career, the DS will be launched this year in China. To mark the
event, Citroën has designed a new concept car, Numéro 9, to be unveiled
at the Beijing Motor Show. This concept heralds the future of the DS
line and signals the styling cues of the next three models in the line: a
C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-segment executive saloon.
Concept
car Numéro 9 sublimates the DNA of models in the DS line. It expresses
radical choices in design with immediately recognisable styling that is
both inspired and emotional. Sophistication is allied with a highquality
finish for original driving sensations and features that are truly
useful every day. Its charismatic body styling revisits the shooting
brake, while the new front end is designed for plug-in full-hybrid
technology. This concept car boasts remarkable levels of performance (50
km range, 295 bhp, boost function, 39 g/km of CO2). High standards,
bold design, creativity and the best of technology.
A FRESH TAKE ON FRENCH-STYLE LUXURY
Bold design
Following
on from the Citroën DS3, DS4 and DS5, concept car Numéro 9 takes a
fresh look at the DS line. It is a new take on a body style with
recognised prestige in automotive history: the shooting brake.
Subtly
combining the proportions of a coupé with those of an estate, Numéro 9
hints at exceptional driving sensations, with its taut lines, long
bonnet and ultra-low stance (1.27 m tall) on its 21-inch wheels. But it
also promises unique onboard comfort, with its generous proportions and
the three light shafts in the roof, creating a unique, friendly ambience
for all passengers.
Numéro 9 is 4.9 m long and 1.94 m
wide with a 3 m wheelbase. This has the advantage of freeing up leg room
for passengers in the rear. Its roomy looks – an invitation to get
behind the wheel – reflect the real requirements expressed by buyers in
the executive segment for function and versatility.
Inspired
by shooting brake design, Numéro 9 is a new executive take on D-segment
design, alongside the more conventional saloons. A charismatic car with
real character and immediately recognisable styling, it is continuing
the story of the DS line.
The start of a new chapter
Great
care went into every detail of concept car Numéro 9, which is a stylish
embodiment of the heritage and sophistication of the DS line. Designed
in Paris, the capital of fashion in its most superb and universal form,
Numéro 9 opens a new chapter in the styling of the DS.
Numéro
9 sublimates the design cues cultivated by the DS line and introduces
the new front-end identity of future models in the DS line, along with
an original light signature. The new front end features a grille in 3D
relief, flowing into the full-LED headlights, which end in
daytime-running lights. The overall effect gives Numérom 9 a strong,
hypnotic and unique gaze.
A concentrate of DS qualities
Combining
the genes of a coupé and shooting brake, Numéro 9 has elegant,
thoroughbred looks, with solid, sculpted proportions revealing subtle
lines of tension. In this way, Numéro 9 cultivates its status through
its distinctive and sophisticated character.
The
concept car condenses the distinctive forms of the DS line. The most
expressive features include the floating roof, underlined by a chrome
trim with a discreet DS marking, and the glazed side surfaces flowing
into the rear window.
Last, through its body colours
and materials, Numéro 9 displays both mystery and sophistication. Its
deep black bodywork with subtle hints of violet, baptised ‘Whisper”, is a
perfect match for the warmer shade of the ‘californian” chrome finish.
A LEGACY OF CREATIVE HIGH-PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGIES
The
technologies used by concept car Numéro 9 combine comfort, safety and
respect for the environment, while also delivering subtle but strong
driving sensations for all those on board. Creative technologies that
perfectly illustrate the Marque’s expertise.
Inspired design
Every detail of Numéro 9 was designed to contribute to its efficiency (CdA = 0.61):
- a rear spoiler reinforcing the fastback effect;
- windscreen pillars contributing to the air flow around the cabin;
- and ‘turbine’ wheels whose integrated fins increase the air flow
around the wheel arches, thus reducing both turbulence and fuel
consumption.
Plug-in hybrid technology: eco-awareness and driving sensations
With its full-hybrid plug-in technology, concept car Numéro 9 is a perfect fit with Citroën’s environmental policies.
The
plug-in hybrid drive train has an electric motor on the rear axle. This
simple and innovative configuration is perfectly adapted to the
character of Numéro 9: it optimises handling and traction, while
limiting fuel consumption and emissions.
Concept car
Numéro 9 thus combines a combustion engine, petrol or diesel depending
on the market, with an electric motor on the rear axle developing power
of 70 bhp and torque of 200 Nm. This electric motor runs on lithium-ion
batteries that can be recharged in just 3 ½ hours from a normal domestic
socket. The model on display at the Beijing Motor Show is fitted with a
1.6 THP petrol engine developing 225 bhp (165 kW) for torque of 275 Nm.
With
its plug-in hybrid technology, Numéro 9 respects the environment. This
is particularly true in the city, where the car has a range of 50 km in
all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode, and on roads demanding
successive acceleration and deceleration, where the hybrid drivetrain
limits consumption by using both sources of energy. On the motorway, the
combustion engine takes over to deliver real performance.
Numéro
9 features new-generation micro-hybrid technology designed to switch
the combustion engine to standby whenever it is not required.
No
compromises have been made on driving comfort and sensations. Quite the
opposite. When the driver needs speed and torque, a “boost” function
links the power of the combustion engine and electric motor to enable
Numéro 9 to attain high levels of performance (295 bhp), without
impacting fuel consumption (1.7 l /100 km and 39 g/km de CO2). The car
takes 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 100 kph and 25.3 seconds to travel
1,000 m from a standing start.
In cases where more
power is required, or when grip is lacking, the car switches to
four-wheel drive mode, with the electric motor driving the rear wheels,
and the combustion engine the front wheels. In particularly difficult
driving conditions, driving up a sloping, snow-covered road, for
example, the driver can select forced 4WD mode. The four-wheel drive
system and hydraulic active suspension deliver increased traction while
making full use of the potential of Numéro 9 in complete safety.
Looking
beyond on-road performance and environmental benefits, this full-hybrid
plug-in technology offers a third non-negligible advantage: the cabin
can be prepared before the car is used. For example, it can be preheated
to ensure the comfort of all the occupants as soon as they climb on
board.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Dimensions
- Length: 4.93 m
- Width: 1.94 m
- Height: 1.27 m
- Wheelbase: 3 m
Weight
- Total laden weight: 1,500 kg
Plug-in hybrid drivetrain
- 1.6 THP petrol engine developing 225 bhp (165 kW) / torque of 275 Nm
- Electric motor on rear axle: power of 70 bhp / torque of 200 Nm
- ZEV mode: range of 50 km
Performance and consumption
- 0 to 1,000 m: 25.3 seconds
- 0 to 100 kph: 5.4 seconds
- Top speed: 244 kph
- Consumption: 1.7 l/100 km over a combined cycle MVEG
- CO2 emissions: 39 g/km
Aerodynamics
Running gear
- MICHELIN tyres 245/35 ZR21
Labels: Citroen Concept, DS line
