Published July 6, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
C-42, Citroën’s international showcase on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, France, has opened a new show called “Now Future.”
After travelling back in time with an exhibition on presidential Citroëns, the brand is zooming into the future with a display of its most emblematic concept cars. Underlining Citroën’s boldness, creativity and technology, the new season aims to demonstrates the brand’s ability to take elements from its concept cars and turn them into reality. Citroën’s New DS5 flagship, for example, was inspired by the magical and daring C-SportLounge concept from 2005.
According to Citroën, C_42 is paying tribute to the company’s audacity. Concept cars, from the dazzling C-Métisse to the irreverent Revolte and Survolt, as well as the uber-athletic GTbyCitroën, illustrate Citroën’s seismic shift in styling over time and demonstrate the brand’s ability to innovate with their full-electric and hybrid drivetrains.
GTbyCITROËN: FROM VIRTUAL TO REALITY
The truly amazing GTbyCitroën was the first ever car to be specifically designed to bring the virtual and real worlds together. Originally unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the show car was based on a digital vehicle designed in partnership between Citroën and Polyphony, creator of the Gran Turismo 5 racing game.
SURVOLT: GLAMOROUS, FREE-SPIRITED & HIGHLY CHARGED
Sporting, dynamic and environmentally considerate, Survolt made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Propelled by two electric motors with a combined power of 300bhp, Survolt is capable of exceptional performance with a top speed of 162mph and a 0-62mph time of less than five seconds. The ‘Art Car’ model on show at C_42 was created by French artist Françoise Nielly.
REVOLTE: PLUSH, CHEEKY & ‘GREEN’
Citroën revealed Revolte, its ultra-chic urban concept car, at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Revolte made an irreverent nod to one of its most illustrious forefathers, the 2CV. Audacious and high-tech, Revolte combined luxury, bright colors and environmentally responsible technology. It is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
HYPNOS: CREATIVITY & TECHNOLOGY
The Citroën Hypnos concept was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. At the time, Hypnos represented an all-new approach to high-end vehicles. Featuring a range of creative technologies, Hypnos delivered a remarkable combination of high performance and environmental respect, along with an unforgettable traveling experience.
C-MÉTISSE: THE MARRIAGE OF PASSION & REASON
C-Métisse made its debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Thanks to Citroën’s creative ability to marry passion and reason, this concept car opened the way to a new kind of motoring pleasure. The characterful coupé featured exceptional on-board comfort and combined powerful on-road performance with enhanced carbon efficiency thanks to its diesel hybrid drivetrain.
