Coming to the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show is the Citroën Aircross crossover concept, whose looks harken back to when designs took after jelly beans.
The Audi Q5-sized PHEV rides on 22-inch wheels shod in custom Continental tires, and is motivated by a 1.6-liter turbo-four producing 218 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, paired with an electric motor on the rear axle contributing an additional 95 horses and 147 lb-ft of torque; total output is 313 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Nil to 62 occurs in 4.5 seconds, electric-only range comes to 31 miles, and combined fuel economy is 166 mpg.
Part of the Aircross’ design includes so-called “Alloy Bumps,” which are meant to protect the Aircross from lateral impacts thanks to their motorsport-derived aluminum honeycomb structure. Meanwhile, the PHEV’s enhanced aero package — such as the “Air Signs” rear-window trim and “Air Curtains” air intakes up front — improve the concept’s aerodynamic profile beyond the initial design.
Inside, the driver is greeted by a pair of 12-inch panoramic HD screens “inspired by the worlds of fashion and modern furniture design,” one of which can be transferred from passenger to passenger via hand gestures. All occupants can also enjoy a pair of webcams mounted on either side of the cabin’s door frames, which can take photos of the outside world to be shared via social networking, as well as to gain information for use with the Aircross’ navigation system.
I liked the VehiCross better.
America likes big butts and they cannot lie. Could Citroen be contemplating a return to the U.S.?
Not with their current financial situation.
I always had a soft spot for french cars. I hope for their sake, the production car stays close to this concept. Given their current financial situation they need this kind of cars to stir interest.
I have a hard time believing anything Citroen puts out will have 300hp, much less that crazy fast 0-60 time and custom tires. Citroen doesn’t really make fast cars, it’s not their thing. Economical yes, quirky certainly – but not fast.
The stripy tweed fabric on the back of the seats needs to stay. And it needs TURBO motifs embroidered into it. A very early 80’s or late 70’s kind of feature.
Overall, I really like it. The silver frame around the rear doors looks like a bottle opener.
This is a very original forward thinking design. Inside and out. Very contemporary. I think Citroen may be entering an era to match that of its earlier glorious history.