Citron Aircross Concept Ready For Shanghai Debut

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Coming to the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show is the Citroën Aircross crossover concept, whose looks harken back to when designs took after jelly beans.

The Audi Q5-sized PHEV rides on 22-inch wheels shod in custom Continental tires, and is motivated by a 1.6-liter turbo-four producing 218 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, paired with an electric motor on the rear axle contributing an additional 95 horses and 147 lb-ft of torque; total output is 313 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Nil to 62 occurs in 4.5 seconds, electric-only range comes to 31 miles, and combined fuel economy is 166 mpg.

Part of the Aircross’ design includes so-called “Alloy Bumps,” which are meant to protect the Aircross from lateral impacts thanks to their motorsport-derived aluminum honeycomb structure. Meanwhile, the PHEV’s enhanced aero package — such as the “Air Signs” rear-window trim and “Air Curtains” air intakes up front — improve the concept’s aerodynamic profile beyond the initial design.

Inside, the driver is greeted by a pair of 12-inch panoramic HD screens “inspired by the worlds of fashion and modern furniture design,” one of which can be transferred from passenger to passenger via hand gestures. All occupants can also enjoy a pair of webcams mounted on either side of the cabin’s door frames, which can take photos of the outside world to be shared via social networking, as well as to gain information for use with the Aircross’ navigation system.






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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  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Apr 09, 2015

    I have a hard time believing anything Citroen puts out will have 300hp, much less that crazy fast 0-60 time and custom tires. Citroen doesn't really make fast cars, it's not their thing. Economical yes, quirky certainly - but not fast. The stripy tweed fabric on the back of the seats needs to stay. And it needs TURBO motifs embroidered into it. A very early 80's or late 70's kind of feature. Overall, I really like it. The silver frame around the rear doors looks like a bottle opener.

  • Buzzyrpm Buzzyrpm on Apr 09, 2015

    This is a very original forward thinking design. Inside and out. Very contemporary. I think Citroen may be entering an era to match that of its earlier glorious history.

  • KOKing Unless you're an employee (or even if you are) does anyone care where physically any company is headquartered? Until I saw this story pop up, I'd forgotten that GM used to be in the 'Cadillac Building' until whenever it was they moved into RenCen (and that RenCen wasn't even built for GM). It's not like GM moved to Bermuda or something for a tax shelter (and I dunno maybe they ARE incorporated there legally?)
  • Fred It just makes me question GM's management. Do they save rent money? What about the cost of the move? Don't forget they have to change addresses on their forms. New phone numbers? Lost hours?
  • SilverHawk It's amazing how the domestic manufacturers have made themselves irrelevant in the minds of American consumers. Someday, they'll teach this level of brand disassociation in marketing classes as an example of what "not to do". Our auto interests once revolved around these brands. Now, nobody cares, and nobody should care. Where did I put the keys to my Studebaker?
  • El scotto Will it get GM one mile closer to the Gates of Hades? This is a company that told their life long employees not to sell their stock until the day of bankruptcy.
  • 28-Cars-Later I'm curious, is the Maverick in "EV mode" when its towing?"There's still car-like handling -- no punishment because you're driving a truck." That's because its not a truck, its akin to the earlier Ranchero - a literal car-truck hybrid now with an available gasoline hybrid drivetrain (that's actually hilarious and awesome, hybrid-hybrid FTW).
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