Citroen Numéro 9 Concept

Citroen have just published all the details and images of their 2012 Beijing Motor Show stunner. The car was previewed last month with a couple of artistic images, but no accompanying information whatsoever.  Now we know everything. The car is called the Citroen Numero 9 and its role is to mark the launch of the DS line of vehicles in China. The Citroen Numero 9 is a large luxury car which features futuristic styling and a hybrid drivetrain.

The design of the Citroen Numero 9 Concept showcases the styling themes of the next three DS line models; a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-segment executive saloon. The well-thought-out and powerful looking design of the Numero 9 makes it look more like a German-built machine than a French concoction. The size of the Numero 9 means it’s a practical vehicle too, with plenty of space for both passengers and cargo.

Powering the Citroen Numero 9 concept is a plug-in rechargeable hybrid drivetrain. It has a range of 31 miles (50km) in all-electric mode. But for longer trips, or highway journeys, the 1.6 litre turbocharged engine kicks in to provide grunt worth 225 horsepower. When the engine and electric motor (which drives the rear wheels) are working in conjunction – using a special ‘boost’ function – the Numero 9 offers its driver a total of 295 horsepower and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque. That means the Numero 9 concept finishes the 0-62 mph (100km/h) sprint in just 5.4 seconds, while the top speed is an impressive 152 mph (244 km/h).

When grip is lacking, the car switches to four-wheel drive mode with the electric motor driving the rear wheels and the combustion engine powering the front wheels. In particularly difficult driving conditions, such as driving up a sloping, snow-covered road, the driver can manually select 4WD mode. The four-wheel drive system and hydraulic active suspension then deliver increased traction for added safety.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF CITROEN NUMERO 9 CONCEPT

DIMENSIONS

Length: 4.93m
Width: 1.94m
Height: 1.27m
Wheelbase: 3m

WEIGHT

Total laden weight: 1,500kg / 3,306 lbs

PLUG-IN HYBRID DRIVETRAIN

1.6 THP petrol engine developing 225hp (165kW) / torque of 275Nm
Electric motor on rear axle: power of 70hp / torque of 200Nm
ZEV mode: range of 50km

PERFORMANCE AND CONSUMPTION

0 to 1,000m: 25.3 seconds
0 to 62mph: 5.4 seconds
Top speed: 152mph (244kph)
Consumption: 166mpg (1.7l/100km) over a combined cycle MVEG
CO2 emissions: 39g/km