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New Chapter
Great care went into every detail of concept car Numero 9, which is a stylish
embodiment of the heritage and sophistication of the DS line. Designed in Paris,
the capital of fashion in its most superb and universal form, Numero 9 opens a
new chapter in the styling of the DS.
Numero 9 sublimates the design cues cultivated by the DS line and introduces the
new front-end identity of future models in the DS line, along with an original
light signature. The new front end features a grille in 3D relief, flowing into
the full-LED headlights, which end in daytime-running lights. The overall effect
gives Numero 9 a strong, hypnotic and unique gaze.
Concentrate of DS Qualities
Combining the genes of a coupe and shooting brake, Numero 9 has elegant,
thoroughbred looks, with solid, sculpted proportions revealing subtle lines of
tension. In this way, Numero 9 cultivates its status through its distinctive and
sophisticated character.
The concept car condenses the distinctive forms of the DS line. The most
expressive features include the floating roof, underlined by a chrome trim with
a discreet DS marking, and the glazed side surfaces flowing into the rear
window.
Last, through its body colors and materials, Numero 9 displays both mystery and
sophistication. Its deep black bodywork with subtle hints of violet, baptised
'Whisper", is a perfect match for the warmer shade of the 'californian" chrome
finish.
Plug-in Hybrid Technology
With its full-hybrid plug-in technology, concept car Numero 9 is a perfect fit
with Citroen's environmental policies.
The plug-in hybrid drive train has an electric motor on the rear axle. This
simple and innovative configuration is perfectly adapted to the character of
Numero 9: it optimizes handling and traction, while limiting fuel consumption
and emissions.
Concept car Numero 9 thus combines a combustion engine, petrol or diesel
depending on the market, with an electric motor on the rear axle developing
power of 70 hp and torque of 200 Nm. This electric motor runs on lithium-ion
batteries that can be recharged in just 3 1 hours from a normal domestic socket.
The model on display at the Beijing Motor Show is fitted with a 1.6 THP petrol
engine developing 225 hp (165 kW) for torque of 275 Nm.
With its plug-in hybrid technology, Numero 9 respects the environment. This is
particularly true in the city, where the car has a range of 50 km in
all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode, and on roads demanding successive
acceleration and deceleration, where the hybrid drivetrain limits consumption by
using both sources of energy. On the motorway, the combustion engine takes over
to deliver real performance.
Numero 9 features new-generation micro-hybrid technology designed to switch the
combustion engine to standby whenever it is not required.
No compromises have been made on driving comfort and sensations. Quite the
opposite. When the driver needs speed and torque, a "boost" function links the
power of the combustion engine and electric motor to enable Numero 9 to attain
high levels of performance (295 hp), without impacting fuel consumption (1.7 l
/100 km and 39 g/km de CO2). The car takes 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h
and 25.3 seconds to travel 1,000 m from a standing start.
In cases where more power is required, or when grip is lacking, the car switches
to four-wheel drive mode, with the electric motor driving the rear wheels, and
the combustion engine the front wheels. In particularly difficult driving
conditions, driving up a sloping, snow-covered road, for example, the driver can
select forced 4WD mode. The four-wheel drive system and hydraulic active
suspension deliver increased traction while making full use of the potential of
Numero 9 in complete safety.
Looking beyond on-road performance and environmental benefits, this full-hybrid
plug-in technology offers a third non-negligible advantage: the cabin can be
prepared before the car is used. For example, it can be preheated to ensure the
comfort of all the occupants as soon as they climb on board.
Citroen Numero 9 Concept: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications