2012 Citroen NUMERO 9 Concept Offers New Look On The DS Line

2012 Citroen NUMERO 9 Concept is the new concept vehicle designed by the brand and is going to be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show in China. The NUMERO 9 not only brings fresh new look to the DS line, but also gives signals about the styling cues of the next three DS line models: a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-segment executive saloon.

The new here is the amazing fresh brake body style. Indeed, NUMERO 9 offers elegance, and design elements never included in DS model before.

In addition to this it has inherent solid, sculpted proportions and subtle lines which convey a distinctive and sophisticated character.

This bold character is further emphasized by the high-quality finis.

More importantly, this concept is designed with plug-in full-hybrid technology. It is an ultra-efficient system which achieves remarkable levels of performance: 166mpg fuel economy, 50km range in ZEV mode, 295 hp (217 kW) and 39g/km of CO2 emissions.

The NUMERO 9 Concept follows the appearance of the Citroen DS3, Citroen DS4 and Citroen DS5. However, it has to offer completely new look on the DS line with a new take on the prestigious shooting brake design.

It combines the proportions of a coupée with those of an estate car. Additionally it is here to exceptional driving sensations, with its taut lines, long bonnet. And with its ultra-low stance (1.27m tall), it rides on 21-inch wheels.

The coupe inside has generous proportions (4.93m long and 1.94m wide, with a 3m wheelbase) which will undoubtedly provide comfort and plenty of room for rear passengers.

Furthermore, the three glass areas in the roof also create a welcoming, friendly cabin ambience.

NUMERO 9 also comes to give a good example of the future design philosophy that Citroen brand will undertake regarding the DS Line.

The grille here is sculpted in 3 dimensions and flows into the full-LED headlights, which end in daytime-running lights.

The 2012 Citroen NUMERO 9 Concept also includes a floating roof, which is further emphasized by chrome trim with discreet DS markings, and glazed side surfaces flowing into the rear window.

The vehicle also comes with a sophisticated use of body colours and materials, which include deep black bodywork with subtle hints of violet. In addition, the body finish, called Whisper", is a perfect match for the warmer shade of the "Californian" chrome finish.

2012 Citroen NUMERO 9 Concept

NUMERO 9 combines comfort, safety and environmental friendliness, while at the same time offering exciting driving sensations.

As you can see from the pictures below, every detail in this car is designed with the aim to make the Concept more aerodynamic. The rear spoiler reinforces the fastback effect; the windscreen pillars contribute to efficient air flow around the car; and at last the "Turbine" wheels with integrated fins increase the air flow around the wheel arches, reducing both turbulence and fuel consumption.

The plug-in full-hybrid technology includes advanced drivetrain, which combines a conventional petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor on the rear axle. The latter develops 70 hp (55 kW) and torque of 200Nm (148 lb-ft).

In turn, the electric motor is draws power from lithium-ion batteries, which can be recharged in just three and a half hours from a normal domestic socket.

Citroen revealed that the model which is going to be on display at the Beijing Motor Show, is going to be equipped with a 1.6 THP petrol engine developing 225hp (165kW) and 275Nm (203 lb-ft) of torque.

On one hand, this hybrid technology allows the new Concept vehicle to have a range of 50km (around 31miles) in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode.

On the other hand, on roads demanding successive acceleration and deceleration, the hybrid drivetrain steps in and limits the consumption through the means of sources of energy.

What is newly featured in this NUMERO 9 Concept is the new-generation micro-hybrid technology, which was specifically designed to switch the combustion engine to stand-by whenever it is not required.

And when it is required speed and torque, the combustion engine "switches" in a ‘boost' function. This function combines the power of the combustion engine and the power of the electric motor. This enables high levels of performance which can deliver 295 horesepower (217 kW).

This makes it all possible for the concept car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only.

Moreover, is the grip is not enough, the car switches to four-wheel drive mode with the electric motor driving the rear wheels. Then the combustion engine powers the front wheels.

2012 Citroen NUMERO 9 Concept