Currently reading: Super-frugal Citroen C6 planned

Hybrid drivetrain and aero tweaks result in emissions of around 100g/km

Citroen is working on a super-eco version of the C6 executive saloon that promises a class-leading CO2 output of less than 100g/km.

Sources say the big executive car will be fitted with PSA’s new diesel hybrid drivetrain and a host of aerodynamic tweaks that will combine to make it usefully more frugal than its German and Japanese rivals.

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The C6 will use a similar layout to the recently unveiled 3008 hybrid concept, one source said.

A transversely mounted 163bhp turbodiesel engine, fitted with an alternator/generator and a stop-start system, will power the front wheels. A six-speed ‘robotised’ self-shifting manual ’box will be standard.

A new set-up consisting of a single electric motor, which drives the rear wheels, will replace the C6’s rear suspension. Room will also have to be found at the rear for the electronic control systems and a small battery pack.

It’s likely that the eco C6 will also benefit from a number of aerodynamic improvements, including low-resistance tyres, a flat underbody and, possibly, semi-enclosed rear wheels. Citroen engineers are likely to be aiming for a class-leading Cd figure of 0.24 or below.

One suggestion is that the eco-saloon will get the CX moniker – the French version of ‘Cd’ and the name of the company’s 1974 aero-influenced flagship.

Because of the flexibility of the new Peugeot-Citroen ‘hang-on’ hybrid drivetrain, eco versions of the C4/308 family of vehicles and the C5/407 replacement are definitely heading for production.

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