Citroen confirms DS5 diesel-hybrid for 2011

[Plex]

The DS5 will be preceded by a smaller DS3 and DS4, all of which will feature styling inspired by the DS Inside Concept



Modern turbodiesel powertrains already match petrol-electric hybrids in fuel-economy and often outmatches them when it comes to driveability and performance, but a combination of the two separate technologies could provide a perfect blend of performance and economy. French auto giant PSA Peugeot-Citroen group is at the forefront of the technology, already previewing a number of concept vehicles packing diesel engines and electric motors under its Hymotion4 moniker.



The carmaker has now confirmed that its first diesel-electric hybrid will arrive on the market in 2011 in the upcoming Citroen DS5 � the third model in Citroen�s new premium range of cars, which will include a smaller DS3 and DS4.

Development is still in the early stages but PSA is confident of a �considerable fuel saving� and a drop of up to 35% in carbon dioxide emissions compared to a similar sized petrol model. The Hymotion4 system is offered with AWD capability, however, the design eliminates the associated heavy weight of AWD vehicles by using two powerplants in the car. By putting the diesel drivetrain up front, where it can drive the front wheels, and the electric motor at the rear, where it drives the rear wheels, PSA has eliminated the need for heavy and bulky transfer cases, driveshafts and differentials.



As for the DS5, which will debut the diesel-hybrid system, it is expected to be a premium hatch/crossover due for launch in 2011. Its styling will be influenced by the DS Inside Concept from last month�s Geneva Motor Show, though it will be significantly bigger than the show car.

Motorauthority

[Plex]

Citroen DS Interior Revealed - video

[Plex]

The midsize Citroen DS4 will feature styling derived from 2005�s C-Sportlounge concept car

Upmarket Citroen DS4 and DS5 coming in 2011

Moving up in the automotive world is a difficult task, whether it's Acura trying to reach tier 1 luxury status or Hyundai-Kia seeking recognition as a globally competitive automaker. Citroen has faced its own difficulties in recent years, producing products that outstrip the brand's reputation. The French automaker recently unveiled a new concept car named after its legendary DS that previews a future range of upmarket vehicles that will help kick off the transformation into a �near-premium� brand.

The concept was the compact DS Inside, which was first displayed back in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The DS moniker this time around stands for "Different Spirit" and the concept provides the basis for a new line of cars to be named DS3, DS4 and DS5, hinting at bigger and better models to come. The first of these will be the DS3, which has already been spied testing in prototype form and is due to be unveiled at this September�s Frankfurt Motor Show.

As for the DS4 and DS5 models, Citroen has confirmed that these will be available in 2011 and will be offered with a diesel-electric hybrid option. Autocar reports that the DS4 and DS5 will be mechanically related to the C4 and C5 ranges, but will be further differentiated from their counterparts than the DS3 and C3 thanks to more upmarket interiors and unique styling.

The DS4 will borrow elements from 2005�s C-Sportlounge concept pictured above, while the DS5 will be more heavily influenced by last year�s Hypnos. The smaller DS4 will be aimed at the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Peugeot 3008 in Europe, while the DS5 will take on bigger and more premium crossovers like BMW�s X6.

Motorauthority