C-Metisse drives into the future

06 September 2006

  • Hybrid powertrain on sale in four years
  • Zero exhaust emissions up to 20mph
  • Electric motors within year wheels

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This is Citroen’s latest concept car, and underneath those wacky looks lies technology that previews hybrid, diesel-electric technology due in showrooms in fewer than four years’ time.

The C-Metisse will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show later this month and is designed to show that environmentally friendly cars can be a sexy option, rather than just the sensible choice.

Forget the low, wide shape and extravagant gullwing doors of this four-seater show car, which will never reach production. Although the lights and front grille treatment suggest possible design directions, this concept is much more about the very real hybrid powertrain.

Electric motors installed in the rear wheels power the car at low speeds around town, with no exhaust emissions at all. In full electric mode, the C-Metisse can travel up to two miles at speeds of 20mph.

When the driver needs more acceleration, the 208bhp V6 diesel engine wakes from its slumber to provide more power. Citroen claims the concept car could travel from 0-62mph in just 6.2sec, while emitting a lowly 174g/km of carbon dioxide.

Unlike existing hybrid petrol-electric cars from Toyota and Honda, the Citroen’s system relies on a diesel engine for better economy. Having the electric motors installed in the rear wheels also means that the car can be four-wheel drive for superior traction on slippery surfaces.

Citroen chairman Claude Satinet said that the company would launch a diesel-electric production car by 2010, using similar technology. The manufacturer has already exhibited a working prototype in the C4 hatchback, and engineers confirmed to whatcar.com that the new C4 Picasso could be made available as a hybrid.

‘The technology exists today, we just need to make it affordable,’ said a spokesman.