Citroen shows hybrid innovation
Low-slung coupé shows in Paris this month
    Citroen C-Métisse |
Citroën plans to launch a pretty sharp diesel hybrid concept at the Paris motor show later this month, with split front/rear-wheel drive.
The C-Métisse combines a top speed of 155mph with economy of around 45 miles per gallon on the combined cycle.
It's crammed with innovations, reckons Citroën, and combines coupé styling with four-door practicality, plus gull-wing front and rear doors. So there'd be no chance of Citroën -- so often at the forefront of car design and technology -- actually producing it...
Motive power
The C-Métisse has been developed to show off Citroën's environmental credentials. Its HDi V6 diesel develops a chunky 295lb-ft of additional torque through the front wheels. The 208bhp V6 is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, while two electric motors drive the rear wheels.
Zero to 62 mph is despatched in 6.2 seconds and mid-range performance sees this concept accelerate from 50-75mph in 4.2 seconds. A ‘boost’ function, activated under heavy acceleration, provides immediate torque by combining torque from both the V6 and the electric motors that drive the rear wheels. With the boost function and electric motors activated, the vehicle engages four-wheel drive mode, whereby sensors report low grip conditions to operate the electric motors for full traction control.
The diesel hybrid drivetrain comprises a pack of high voltage batteries to supply the electric motors. Placed in the centre of the vehicle, the pack is automatically recharged during deceleration phases. The drivetrain and braking control unit automatically manage the energy configuration: transition from 2 to 4-wheel drive, energy recovery and the recharging of batteries.
Around town, the C-Métisse can be driven in zero-emission mode, using only electricity, helping to limit fuel consumption and emissions.
Design
In keeping with recent concept cars from the Marque, the sculptured curves offer exceptional aerodynamics for optimal vehicle performance and fuel economy. Enlarged front air intakes, a flat underside, two retractable rear airfoils together with a rear fixed-fin spoiler contribute towards an excellent drag coefficient of 0.30.
Particular attention has also been paid to reducing the weight of the vehicle so that it requires less power to run, uses smaller amounts of fuel and therefore emits fewer pollutants. The carbon fibre body helps reduce the entire weight of the C-Métisse to just 1,400kg, including batteries.
It's exceptionally low for a GT at just 1240mm high, but 4740mm long 2000mm wide. The long bonnet and short rear overhang is redolent of the DS.
While the front doors open gull-wing style, the rear doors spin round to provide outstanding accessibility for a car of such a low height. The large, eye-catching alloy wheels have been specially designed, with central wheel nuts.
Once inside the ‘aircraft-style cockpit’, occupants are enveloped by individual white leather seats, smart leather trim and aluminium inserts. Occupants get independent air conditioning controls, individual roof lighting and plenty of space.
The driving position has been designed to make life as easy as possible for the driver. The car starts using buttons on the roof console, while the fixed-centred steering wheel, with mounted gear paddles -- sounds like the C4 -- brings driving controls within easy reach.
The central console is divided into five sections, within which are located key functions. The console then extends into the cabin via three illuminated strips which inform passengers of the current mode of hybrid propulsion -- a step on from the days when cars would boast, via a badge on the bootlid, of having 16 valves. This lighting system is complemented by sound effects that accompany certain driver actions and indicate deployment of the airfoils.
A suspended head restraint and electric adjustment of the steering wheel and aluminium pedal assembly optimise the driver’s line of view, while maintaining passenger space in the rear.
Further helping the driver to view the road ahead, the front headlamps are equipped with a row of LEDs that light up progressively, depending on the steering-wheel angle and vehicle speed to illuminate corners.
Can this be right? All that torque and a piffling amount of BHP. I thought one was a function of the other, sort of. Isn't BHP work done and Torque the twisting power? Or something like that...
Why do electric motors have such low BHP rating?
Like the car, even if it is a diesel.
Can this be right? All that torque and a piffling amount of BHP. I thought one was a function of the other, sort of. Isn't BHP work done and Torque the twisting power? Or something like that...
Why do electric motors have such low BHP rating?
Like the car, even if it is a diesel.
I think that might be a typo
Can this be right? All that torque and a piffling amount of BHP. I thought one was a function of the other, sort of. Isn't BHP work done and Torque the twisting power? Or something like that...
Why do electric motors have such low BHP rating?
Like the car, even if it is a diesel.
I think that might be a typo
Googling reveals 208bhp
So these motors produces 295 ft lb @ 365 rpm
They'll probably produce 295 lb-ft from 0-365rpm, and then to a peak of 20bhp 365rpm+
Most motors are constant power and so act more like a diesel engine, with lots of torque low down, the additional benefit is they generally maintain constant power upto a certain rev limit.
I personally think its too long, and they've got the motors and the gearbox drive at the wrong wheels.
Although if you see the head on pics on other websites, the front end is quite nice.
The doors while pretty and supposedly offer good access are another one of those things you will never see in production.
i think an arab also must've seen this too and applied it to his accord...
... top marks for effort though 
more can be found here: www.jeddahboys.com/vb/showthread.php?t=37016
and then amuse yourself with a video of it here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQxYHeohut8
And why do I suddenly want a white Accord with M5 wheels? (maybe not that low - check out the back! - but those wheels suit that car)
Ali.
Heres a link to some piccies (go to the bottom of the page)
www.thepiperclub.org.uk/piperpix.html
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