Beijing 2012: Citroen Numero 9
* Citroen Numero 9 concept car * Debut at Beijing motor show * Previews DS9 model...
This is the Citroen Numero 9 concept car, which makes its official debut at the 2012 Beijing motor show.
Citroen says the Numero 9 heralds the future of the DS line and signals the styling cues of the news three models. Specifically, it previews a new executive saloon that will go on sale in China later this year and thats likely to be called DS9. A new DS SUV model and a Ford Focus-sized saloon - based on the DS4 - are also due.
At 493cm long, the Numero 9 is 3cm longer than a BMW 5 Series. The Numero 9 is roughly the same width, too, but at 127cm tall its 20cm lower.
The Numero 9 has a shooting brake body style that combines elements of coupe and estate, with hints of Citroens DS5 and the Metropolis concept car that was unveiled in 2010.
A plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 221bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 70bhp electric motor on the rear axle. The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged in 3.5 hours from a domestic socket. Citroen claims a range of up to 31 miles in electric-only mode.
Citroen quotes a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds, with an average 166mpg and CO2 emissions of 39g/km.
Leo Wilkinson
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