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

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

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.






Cameron Aubernon
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.

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  • Raresleeper Raresleeper on Sep 22, 2014

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

  • Beerboy12 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...

    • See 1 previous
    • Beerboy12 Beerboy12 on Sep 22, 2014

      @AustinOski I just want this site to change for now, the whole of the USA is my next goal ;-)

  • Lou_BC Actuality a very reasonable question.
  • Lou_BC Peak rocket esthetic in those taillights (last photo)
  • Lou_BC A pickup for most people would be a safe used car bet. Hard use/ abuse is relatively easy to spot and most people do not come close to using their full capabilities.
  • Lorenzo People don't want EVs, they want inexpensive vehicles. EVs are not that. To paraphrase the philosopher Yogi Berra: If people don't wanna buy 'em, how you gonna stop 'em?
  • Ras815 Ok, you weren't kidding. That rear pillar window trick is freakin' awesome. Even in 2024.
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