Citroen has marked its 100th anniversary with the 19_19 concept, a vision for the future of intercity travel with a focus on extreme comfort.
Named to mark a century since the company was founded, the high-riding EV was designed as a long-range companion to the previously-revealed Ami:One city car and will be capable of fully autonomous driving.
Head of product Xavier Peugeot said the 19_19 was “projecting into the future two of Citroen’s key genes: bold design and 21st century comfort.”
A fully-glazed suspended cabin sits on a new, modified version of Citroen’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension, seen in current form in the C5 Aircross SUV, with travel lines on the car’s body indicating exactly how much the suspension moves while the car is in motion.
The teardrop-shaped concept was inspired by the aviation world, with an exposed powertrain and roof-mounted LIDAR sensors meant to evoke an aircraft’s horizontal stabilisers. Front and rear LED light bars incorporate Citroen’s dual chevron logo, extending outwards to act as wing mirrors using built-in digital cameras, while the rear-hinged doors contain LCD screens.
The concept rides rides on massive 30in wheels with equally conceptual rubber designed in partnership with Goodyear. Each tyre uses embedded sensors can communicate road conditions to the car when driving in autonomous mode, and is made with a bespoke compound inspired by natural sponge designed to improve traction in adverse weather conditions and reduce road noise inside the cabin.
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hmmm
i'm totally in favour of progress and things moving on, but the steering wheel's upside down
As Jason says
Build it, and I'll buy my first ever French car in 42 years of buying cars. It looks a cracker, but a concept it will stay!
Separated at birth
Very similar in concept to the Volvo 360C. Never in my wildest dreams would I put those two brands on the same wavelength. Of course Citroen has more avant garde flair but they are awfully similar.