Citroen Metropolis Concept

The significance of the automobile market in China in this century is evident from the growing attention that carmakers are giving to the needs and tastes of consumers there. The preference for larger cars has led companies like BMW to develop long-wheelbase variants specially for China and even Bentley produced a special ‘China version’ of its Continental GT.

Citroen has been operating in China for quite some time and in fact set up a plant there long before the country opened up economically. So it’s one of the few foreign manufacturers with a good depth of understanding of Chinese consumers, having had decades of experience in the market. It is also Citroen’s second largest market today.

Paying homage to China’s rapid development in recent times, the French carmaker has conceived a concept model called the Metropolis which is now on display in the French pavilion at the Shanghai World’s Fair (ending October 31 October, 2010). Designed by Citroen’s international design team based in Shanghai since 2008, the Metropolis epitomizes what China aspires to be and the vitality of its great metropolises.

The three-box body – essential in the Chinese market – has an imposing stature (5.30 metres long, 2 metres wide and 1.4 metres tall) which reflect the ambition and scale of the country to which it pays homage. The muscular body styling appears to be draped in a flowing ‘robe’ with a subtle “Pearl Silk” hue, the intensity of which changes according to the light to reveal generous curves and ultra-honed detailing.

Like a “Chinese vestal” such as Xian Nu, the styling language of the Metropolis blends smooth surfaces, taut lines and sensual curves, together with special touches like the beautifully-shaped front wing that emphasizes the powerful tapering silhouette.

Extending far back along the body, the chromed detailing on the upper part of the side windows serves to stretch the cabin lengthwise while safeguarding the intimacy of the rear passengers. The “origami” quarter-light appears to float in the air and, taking an idea from the DS, also houses a light source.

The front end of Metropolis, with streamlined headlamps, expresses the store of power lurking behind the consummately-wrought kite-shaped grille. At the back, there is an artful balance of width and stability to end the aerodynamic shape. The flowing lines are enhanced by the concave rear window combined with the shape of the boot, which features an active spoiler. The innovative “slatted boomerang” lights composed of layered segments add the crowning touch to the rear of the vehicle.

The interior design is inspired by fans and Chinese string instruments like the gu-zheng (in  China, these are associated with a cultivated and refined person). The cabin is made up of superposed strata, creating a setting in which luxury is expressed in a new, “orientalised” approach.

The powertrain proposed for the Metropolis is an environment-friendly type which would be expected. It’s a plug-in hybrid system which can run in full electric mode using an electric motor that produces a continuous 55 bhp with output peaking at 95 bhp. This would be used in urban motoring where speeds are lower.

For higher speeds, eg cruising on highways, the V6 2-litre petrol engine (272 bhp/375 Nm) can provide better performance and when strong acceleration is required, the electric motor and engine can work together to provide a total power output of 460 bhp with 430 Nm of torque going through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 4WD is available when needed to enhance grip. 

The Metropolis combines grandeur, stability and refinement with creativity, technology and quality. These words are said to accurately express a blend of Chinese and French sensibilities - and also an expression of China’s ambition.
 

Talk about the Metropolis
in the MTM Forum's Citroen section                                         

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