Citroen
Numéro 9 Concept
The
2012 Citroen Numero 9 was built 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 (50 km) 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 (100 km/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.
