Citroën Numéro 9 concept revealed

Ooh la la, isn’t this new creation from Citroën quite something! It’s been labelled Numéro 9 and is described as fresh look at the DS line. Hmm, it’s really a DS9 preview, then?

The Numéro 9 will be officially unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show later this month. More than simply a DS9, Citroën say it also previews other DS line models, including medium and large saloons as well as the obligatory SUV.

Part estate, part coupé and part sportscar, it’s a little underwhelming to discover the hybrid drivetrain in this svelte concept is only capable of shifting the Numéro 9 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds.

Sure, that time is none too shabby for a 1500kg machine with 225hp of petrol power and 70hp of electric trickery. But, still, just tell us it goes faster, even if it doesn’t!

As shooting brakes go, this Numéro 9 is one of the best looking examples we’ve ever seen. C’est magnifique!

Numéro 9: A fresh look at the Citroën DS line

• Citroën’s DS line will launch in China during 2012
  
• Numéro 9 concept to be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show to mark the DS line launch
  
• Numéro 9 concept combines radical executive styling with luxury and comfort
  
• Hybrid drivetrain delivers fuel economy of 166mpg (1.7l/100km) and CO2 emissions of just 39g/km
  
• Concept signals styling cues of the next three models in the DS line

Marketed in parallel alongside Citroën’s main range, the distinctive DS line explores new automotive territory. Based on more radical choices, it opens new perspectives in premium vehicle design and illustrates the best of Citroën’s expertise in creativity and technology. Just two years after its launch, the DS line – comprising of Citroën DS3, DS4 and DS5 – has already notched up more than 200,000 sales worldwide, with 25,000 in the UK alone.

The DS line will be launched in China this year and, to mark the event, Citroën has designed a new concept car, Numéro 9, which will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. The concept signals the styling cues of the next three DS line models: a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-segment executive saloon.

A new take on the shooting brake body style, Numéro 9 has elegant, thoroughbred looks enhanced with further radical design elements. Solid, sculpted proportions and subtle lines convey a distinctive and sophisticated character. The sophistication is allied with a high-quality finish for a truly original driving sensation and features that are practical and versatile in everyday use.

The concept is designed with plug-in full-hybrid technology; an ultra-efficient system that boasts remarkable levels of performance – 166mpg fuel economy, 50km range in ZEV mode, 295hp, a ‘boost’ function and 39g/km of CO2.

Designed in Paris, Numéro 9 opens a new chapter in the styling of the DS line.

NUMÉRO 9 IN DETAIL: A FRESH TAKE ON FRENCH-STYLE LUXURY

Following on from Citroën DS3, DS4 and DS5, concept car Numéro 9 takes a fresh look at the DS line with a new take on the prestigious shooting brake design.

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 (1.27m tall) on 21-inch wheels. It also promises unique onboard comfort with its generous proportions (4.93m long and 1.94m wide, with a 3m wheelbase) providing plenty of room for rear occupants. The three glass areas in the roof also create a welcoming, friendly cabin ambience.

Numéro 9 evolves the design cues of the current DS line, introducing the new front-end identity of future models, along with an original light signature. The grille is sculpted in 3 dimensions and flows into the full-LED headlights, which end in daytime-running lights. Condensing the distinctive forms of the DS line, the concept also features a floating roof, underlined by chrome trim with discreet DS markings, and glazed side surfaces flowing into the rear window.

A sophisticated use of body colours and materials includes deep black bodywork with subtle hints of violet. The finish, named ‘Whisper’, is a perfect match for the warmer shade of the ‘Californian’ chrome finish.

The ‘Créative Technologie’ used by Numéro 9 combines comfort, safety and respect for the environment, while also delivering enjoyable driving sensations for all occupants.

Every detail was designed to contribute to Numéro 9’s aerodynamic efficiency (CdA = 0.61) including:

• a rear spoiler, which reinforces the fastback effect
  
• windscreen pillars that contribute to efficient air flow around the car
  
• ‘Turbine’ wheels with integrated fins to increase the air flow around the wheel arches, reducing both turbulence and fuel consumption.

With its plug-in full-hybrid technology, concept car Numéro 9 is also a perfect fit with Citroën’s environmental commitments.

The advanced drivetrain combines a conventional petrol or diesel engine (depending on the market) with an electric motor on the rear axle that develops 70hp and torque of 200Nm. The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged in just 3½ 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 225hp (165kW) and 275Nm of torque.

With its plug-in hybrid technology, Numéro 9 respects the environment. It has a range of 50km (around 31miles) in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode and, on roads demanding successive acceleration and deceleration, 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 stand-by whenever it is not required.

When the driver requires speed and torque, a ‘boost’ function combines the power of the combustion engine and electric motor to enable high levels of performance (up to 295hp). Numéro 9 takes just 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph and 25.3 seconds to travel 1,000m from a standing start.

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, making full use of the potential of Numéro 9 in complete safety.

Looking beyond on-road performance and environmental benefits, the full-hybrid plug-in technology offers a third advantage: the cabin can be prepared before the car is used. For example, it can be pre-heated to ensure the comfort of all the occupants as soon as they climb onboard.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

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

WEIGHT
Total laden weight: 1,500kg

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

AERODYNAMICS
CdA: 0.61

RUNNING GEAR
MICHELIN tyres 245/35 ZR21