Paris 2014: Citron C4 Cactus Airflow 2L Revealed Prior To Live Debut

by Cameron Aubernon

Published: September 22nd, 2014

paris 2014 citron c4 cactus airflow 2l revealed prior to live debut

In the 1930s, Chrysler experimented with aerodynamics to deliver a product that could slip through the wind better than the vehicles of the day, bestowing upon the public the Airflow. Alas, not too many people were ready for the future, leaving the concept a commercial failure.

Today, Citroën is giving the name and concept a second try, with fuel economy and the environment in mind.

Revealed prior to its live debut at the 2014 Paris Auto Show, the C4 Cactus Airflow 2L’s own aero — including shutters for the grill and wheels, air extractors, underbody panels — help the concept deliver a rating of 2 liters — or 2L — per 100 kilometers (0.52 gallons/62 miles) traveled.

Regarding weight, aluminum, high-yield steel and composites contribute to a reduction of 100 kilograms (220 pounds) in comparison to the production C4 Cactus; total weight is 865 kg/1,907 lbs.

Finally, the Airflow 2L’s Hybrid Air drivetrain uses air power from its on-board compressor to move the concept around when the three-pot PureTech engine isn’t burning gasoline, with the ability to use both when necessary.

#Aerodynamics #C4CactusAirflow2L #Citroen #CompressedAirHybrids #ConceptVehicles #Paris2014 #WeightReduction

Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

More by Cameron Aubernon

Comments

Join the conversation

4 of 12 comments

Raresleeper on Sep 22, 2014

Oy! Aero dog dishes!! Drenched in French weirdness.

Like Reply
Beerboy12 on Sep 22, 2014

I am wondering how the compressed air is compressed. It would make sense if it was done in a similar manor to regenerative braking. It is mind bendingly complicated to convert from liters per 100km to MPG... And that is NOT because the metric measurement is the problem. I suggest this site just report metric and abandon MPG...

Like Reply
- See 1 previous
- AustinOski on Sep 22, 2014
  
  "I am wondering how the compressed air is compressed." Don't worry about it. It will be wonderfully reliable in this new Citroen, I'm sure. "I suggest this site just report metric and abandon MPG…" The US govt. tried that, but the logic was lost on both our proletariat and bourgeoisie. That or people just don't like change.
  
  Like
- Beerboy12 on Sep 22, 2014
  
  @AustinOski I just want this site to change for now, the whole of the USA is my next goal ;-)
  
  Like

Recent Comments

Mebgardner I test drove a 2023 2.5 Rav4 last year. I passed on it because it was a very noisy interior, and handled poorly on uneven pavement (filled potholes), which Tucson has many. Very little acoustic padding mean you talk loudly above 55 mph. The forums were also talking about how the roof leaks from not properly sealed roof rack holes, and door windows leaking into the lower door interior. I did not stick around to find out if all that was true. No talk about engine troubles though, this is new info to me.
Dave Holzman '08 Civic (stick) that I bought used 1/31/12 with 35k on the clock. Now at 159k.It runs as nicely as it did when I bought it. I love the feel of the car. The most expensive replacement was the AC compressor, I think, but something to do with the AC that went at 80k and cost $1300 to replace. It's had more stuff replaced than I expected, but not enough to make me want to ditch a car that I truly enjoy driving.
ToolGuy Let's review: I am a poor unsuccessful loser. Any car company which introduced an EV which I could afford would earn my contempt. Of course I would buy it, but I wouldn't respect them. 😉
ToolGuy Correct answer is the one that isn't a Honda.
1995 SC Man it isn't even the weekend yet