Showing posts with label Citroen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Citroen. Show all posts

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Citroën E-3POD Antistatic Concept for a Futuristic Electric Vehicle


This here is the E-3POD Antistatic design study and it was revealed at the Royal College of Art’s Interim Degree Show in London as part of the Double Challenge project sponsored by Citroën and aerodynamic simulation software company EXA. The task of the second year students was to envision an ultra-compact vehicle that could influence the design language of the automaker’s future electric cars.

Created by Heikki Juvonen, the E-3POD Antistatic was favored by the judges due to its “bold and engaging take on an urban three wheel electric vehicle”. Winning the competition gives the talented student the opportunity to work at the PSA Design Center in Paris for six months.

“I’m thrilled Citroën selected my design as their favorite and I can’t wait to work with their talented team in France. As a designer I strive for new and better solutions. Good and sustainable design not only improves manufacturer brand image and sales, but can also help to preserve our environment”, Heikki said.

According to the designer, the single-seater electric trike is meant for urban commuting, but it doesn’t replace cars. Instead, it could be an addition to future households, positioned between bikes and cars.

The E-3POD has a simple, lightweight construction and excellent aerodynamics meaning that it can be powered by a small battery, which in turn reduces manufacturing costs and final price, making the theoretical production version affordable.

The advantages of the E-3POD reside in its small footprint, allowing for easy parking, and closed cockpit, which, unlike bicycles and public transport, creates a “comfortable and isolated personal space”. Furthermore, the short overall length transforms the design study into an agile vehicle, excellent for tackling heavy urban traffic.

“We’re delighted to be involved in this important RCA project. The students have produced some truly exceptional ideas for the future design of electric Citroën vehicles. This type of powertrain is increasingly recognized as an important solution for economically and environmentally viable urban transport; so it’s fantastic to see the electric visions of these potential car designers of tomorrow”, said Philippe Holland, Responsable Style Graphique at Citroën.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Vive la DS! Ugo Spagnolo Imagines the Duchesses’ 2019 Successor


Ask any French car fan what the most beautiful and technically advanced executive sedan of the 1950s was and most will reply, “The Citroen DS.” You only need to look at the styling of some of the DS’s competition – take the Alfa Romeo 1900 Ti, Austin A95 Westminster or BMW 501/6 for example – to see just how far ahead of its time it was.

Here was a car with a fully independent and auto-leveling suspension set up, front power disc brakes, power steering, a fiberglass roof and a hydraulically operated clutch and transmission. And the styling...

So if there’s any car worthy of a modern day revival, it’s the venerable DS. While studying at France’s Institut Superieur de Design, design student Ugo Spagnolo took on this challenge as part of his internship with Citroen.

With Spagnolo’s drawings at hand and the help of his friends at the institute, the 3D renders and animation were produced. It is said to have garnered favorable reviews from Citroen Styling Director Jean-Pierre Ploue.

Infusing the DS’s 64-year-old styling with the new Citroen design language introduced through concepts like the Revolt and Survolt, the DS24 is a real looker. With aggressive haunches, sliding rear doors, an almost Corvette-like nose and shapely rump, the Nouveau DS was imagined for Citroen’s Centenary in 2019.

And the interior does not fail to disappoint either, with its pulsing blue transmission tunnel suggesting the raw energy of the car’s hydrogen power source. Is it just me, or does that seem to be designer’s engine-of-choice these days?

Take a look at the pictures (and the stunning and initially seizure-inducing video) and leave your piece in the comments section below.

Source: Cardesign

2019 Citroen DS Design & 3D animation, students project

Ugo Spagnolo, designer.
Aurelien Petit, 3d digital designer.
Benoit Louzaouen, 3d digital designer.
Guillaume Vasseur, 3d digital designer.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën Form Joint Venture to Produce Hybrid Components


Already partners in developing 4-cylinder petrol engines, BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën have decided to set up 50-50 equity joint venture named the BMW Peugeot Citroën Electrification, which will primarily focus on developing hybrid components. Sharing the cost of research and development as well as production and component purchasing, the two companies expect to achieve significant economies of scale.

The hybrid components in question include battery packs, E-machines, generators, power electronics and chargers, alongside the necessary software to operate them that will also be jointly developed. The new technologies will be used by the two automakers for their upcoming electric vehicles and could be sold to other companies as well.

The joint venture is expected to be fully operational in the second quarter of 2011 and it’s estimated that the first series production hybrid components will arrive in 2014.

“This cooperative venture will enable us to achieve significant economies of scale in the field of electrification. It also represents an important step on the road to sustainable mobility”, said Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

“With this joint venture, we are sure to develop and expand our expertise and to build a European leader in the field of automotive hybrid innovation”, noted Philippe Varin, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citroën.

Monday, January 31, 2011

New Citron Berlingo XTR+ LCV gets Limited Slip Dif and Under-Body Protection

Citroen Berlingo XTR+A new variant of Citroen's Berlingo light van with increased off-road capabilities has been launched in the UK. Rather than developing a costly all-wheel drive system, Citroen retained the front-wheel drive layout of 1.6HDi 90hp LX van upon which the Berlingo XTR+ is based, adding a series of features that promise to offer a reasonable degree of off-road capability for operators in the utilities, forestry, construction and agricultural sectors.

Citroen Berlingo XTR+These features include the addition of a multi-plate, limited-slip differential that can transfer up to 75 percent of the engine's torque between the two driving wheels and a heavy duty suspension system that raises ground clearance by 30mm over the standard Berlingo van.

The XTR+ also gains heavy duty metal sump protection and two longitudinal metal skid plates protecting other under-body components, such as brake and fuel line as well as 15-inch steel wheels with Michelin Synchrone 4x4 195/65 R15 tires.

The Berlingo XTR+ is available now for sale in the UK with prices starting from £14,160 + VAT+ delivery.

Citroen Berlingo XTR+

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Euro NCAP's Best and Worst Performers of 2010


The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), which is similar to the American IIHS testing regimen, has released a list with the safest car in each vehicle category and the two worst performers overall of 2010. The cars that attained the coveted five star rating and achieved the highest overall score in their respective segment are:

------ Executive category: BMW 5 Series
------ Small Family category: Alfa Romeo Giulietta
------ Supermini category: Honda CR-Z
------ Small off-road 4×4 category: Kia Sportage
------ Small MPV category: Toyota Verso

On the other side of the fence are two models that achieved the poorest results of 2010. These are the Citroen Nemo with three stars and China's Landwind CV9 that received only two stars.

The European body noted that the cars in the top list "accomplished a high combined score based on the scores in each of the individual four areas of Euro NCAP’s assessment, while notably exceeding the thresholds for a 5 star overall rating". Along with the five top achievers, Euro NCAP said that the Suzuki Swift, Kia Venga, BMW X1, VW Sharan/Seat Alhambra, Citroen C4 all exceeded the 80% mark in overall score putting them on the runner-up list for the safest cars of 2010.

Commenting on the results, Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General said: “Every year, car manufacturers constantly work to innovate and make their cars better and safer for the driver, whatever the size of the vehicle. The presence in these categories of high performing 5 star cars demonstrates car manufacturers’ commitment to safety for all sizes of vehicles.”

In early 2009, Euro NCAP implemented tougher crash testing procedures that make it more difficult for vehicles to receive a five-star rating. Last year, the European body crash tested a total of twenty-nine vehicles from numerous categories, of which 65 per cent reached the five star rating, compared to 90% in 2009.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

2010 Citroen C3 Hatchback Photographed on the Road

It's one thing to see a new car in snazzy press shots and another live, on the streets. Carscoop reader 'Marius' spotted the all-new second-generation Citroen C3, which was officially revealed last week, this past Sunday parked on the road somewhere in the French town of Deauville.

Featuring a more mature design than the outgoing model, Citroen's new five-door supermini will hit showrooms this November available with numerous gasoline and diesel engines including a 90HP HDi oil burner which makes the C3 the first full production Citroen to emit less than 100g/km CO2. For more detailed information on the 2010 C3, click here.

Merci pour les photos Marius!

2010 Citroen C3 Hatchback2010 Citroen C3 Hatchback2010 Citroen C3 Hatchback2010 Citroen C3 Hatchback2010 Citroen C3 Hatchback

VIDEO: Citroen GT Supercar Live from the Streets of London

What was originally designed by Takumi Yamamoto as a fantasy supercar for the digital world of the Gran Turismo racing game has not only turned into a real life concept car, but odds are that it will make it into a limited series production. Recently, Citroen gave Londoners the chance to see the GT supercar on the road ahead of its scheduled run at next weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed. We're still not sure what engine could power the production version though word has is that it may be a Ford or a GM derived V8. Follow the jump to watch the video.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Novo Citroen C4 2011

Citroen C4 2011


Não é interessante como as coisas vêm círculo completo? Tomemos por exemplo as últimas Citroen C4, a substituição dramático e elegante para o uninspired mid-range modelos Xsara e ZX. Após quase uma década e meia de propriedade da Peugeot, e os esforços para aumentar a quota de mercado, tornando os carros convencionais de estilo, Citroën finalmente percebeu que a marca realmente precisava voltar ao espírito, desafiante modelos inovadores que caracterizam como um DS, GS e CX dos anos 50, 60 e 70.
Usou-se para ser uma brincadeira na década de 80 e 90 que cada modelo novo Citroën tinha que ter um emblema maior chevron duplo do que os modelos anteriores, pois estava cada vez mais difícil dizer Citroens além de Peugeots e Renaults. Bem, com o C4, este não é definitivamente o caso, mesmo na dupla tornou-se maior e incorporada na grade, que será a nova identidade para todos os futuros modelos da Citroen. Além da grade, o C4 tem linhas ousadas abrangente, fazendo com que pareça um C3 esticada e mais dinâmico. Das luzes virou-se na frente, para trás em declive, o C4 parece distinta e única, mas também bem proporcionado e elegante. Mesmo estando parado, a sua posição a frente leve táxi dá-lhe um empurrão, o movimento para a frente. Não há confundir este novo Citroen para outra marca de carro.
No interior, bem como, o C4 recorda os painéis futurista da Citroën "passou. A bitácula instrumento futurista digital é uma vagem flutuante situado no meio de um painel simétrico. Os medidores de combustível velocímetro, e temperatura, bem como a leitura à distância-para-vazio para o combustível, são todos apresentados neste painel LCD singular, e é incrivelmente fácil de ler. Mais do que apenas exibir um digital convencional, o painel é, na verdade translúcido, e ela muda de cor de acordo com a quantidade de luz que cai sobre ele.
O tacômetro de seleção de marchas, e luzes de advertência são montados em um pod separar diretamente na frente do motorista, e todo o conjunto se move para cima e para baixo quando a direção é ajustado. Em vez de ter uma linha vermelha, o tacômetro mostrar-se muda para vermelho quando o motor é o excesso de revved.
Talvez o aspecto mais radical do painel do C4 é o chefe de governo. Ao invés de voltar com o volante, que permanece no local. Isto significa que os interruptores montados sobre ele (cruise control do lado esquerdo e no carro oi-fi à direita) não se movem, e é realmente fácil de usar desta forma. Ter um chefe de governo fixo também permitiu a montagem de um airbag maior em duas fases para o condutor. Como todos os projetos inovadores, é preciso perguntar por que ninguém pensou nisso mais cedo? É refrescante que Citroen está projetando painéis interessante novamente através inteligente re-pensar e questionar o status quo, e não apenas por uma questão de ser diferente.
Mas tem um visual único à parte, o C4 é também uma grande movimentação - o acelerador é muito esperto e ágil, ea direcção torna-se positiva e tátil, além de ser um projeto inovador maravilhosamente. Citroën tem sido sempre envolvendo e bom de dirigir, mas com o C4, eles voltam a ter a aparência distinta para corresponder. Claro, Alfa Romeos som melhor, Hondas são mais livres e acelerando o Mini tem uma direcção mais nítidas, mas as unidades de C4, como se a sua suspensão, motor e chassi são perfeitamente coreografado, cada componente desempenha o seu papel de modo que todo o conjunto apresenta uma notável e desempenho bem-arredondado.
Mas provavelmente o aspecto mais significativo, mas racional do C4 é que é absolutamente convencional. Não há suspensão pneumática ativa hidratação, e não tem uma espantosa embraiagem base ou comando motorizado. Na realidade, mecanicamente falando, o C4 é quase inteiramente idêntico ao Peugeot 307. No entanto, os dois carros não poderiam ser mais diferentes. Enquanto o 307 é alto e espaçoso, o C4 é curvilíneo e se sente confortável dentro. Enquanto a Peugeot tem uma cabine convencional, o C4 é completamente digital e avant-garde. Em 307, um Passeio de altura, como em um MPV, enquanto que no C4, a criação é alegre e sente-se como pilotar uma nave espacial futurista. Um fã de verdade Citroen pode lamentar o fato de que o C4 é mecânica convencional, mas que isso importa quando é provável que seja mais confiável, porque ele é feito dessa maneira?
Então, sim, o C4 é diferente e dramática a forma Citroen costumava ser. Ele se parece e se sente diferente, e conduz melhor que qualquer um de seus pares. A partir de detalhes interessantes, como o contêiner integrado fragrância carro-perfume, para o impressionante seda-como textura sobre a superfície do painel, a Citroen mostrou no C4 é ainda altos para o out-of-the-box pensar e design.Damos as boas vindas a nova geração do Citroen que satisfaça tanto as de esquerda e do lado direito do cérebro.
Fotos

Citroen C4 2011


Citroen C4 2011



Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Novo C3 Picasso ou Citroën AirDream


o modelo chega no início de 2011 com outro nome:Citroën AirDream.
A imprensa automotiva já dava como certa esta denominação, mas sem o anúncio oficial, agora ja consta junto ao registro do INPI que a marca francesa já registrou o nome e o logo AirDream.
Outra novidade em relação ao Novo Citroën AirDream é que também será equipado com o atual motor 1.4 Flex do C3, o que possibilitará ao modelo competir com o Fiat Idea Attractive 1.4 e Chevrolet Meriva Joy 1.4 Econo.Flex. A versão top de linha, como esperado, contará com o mesmo propulsor 1.6 16V do AirCross.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Citroën AirCross 2011

Novo Citroën AirCross 2011




O modelo virá com motor  1.6 16v de 110/113 cv e opção de câmbio automático. Ele é o primeiro feito com a plataforma do novo C3 a chegar ao mercado nacional. Em 2011 chega a minivan C3 Picasso e em 2012, o hatch. Haverá ainda um inédito sedã. A mesma mecânica dará forma aoPeugeot 208 e sua derivação três-volumes.

Citroën AirCross 2011

Citroën AirCross 2011

Citroën AirCross 2011