The elegant design lines of the C-Métisse, the latest out-of-this-world concept car from Citroën, will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show later this month.  Exceptionally stylish and powerful, the C-Métisse proves that a high performance car can also be green, combining a top speed of 155mph with the ability to cover around 45 miles per gallon on the combined cycle.

Crammed with hi-tech innovations and neat touches, the C-Métisse explores new paths in car design and driving pleasure.  Breathtakingly good looking, this model combines coupé styling with 4-door practicality thanks to the show-stopping gull-wing front and rear doors.

In particular, the C-Métisse has been developed to offer outstanding environmental credentials.  It boasts an economical HDi V6 diesel engine, coupled with an acclaimed Diesel Particulate Filter System, and two separate electric motors on the rear wheels, capable of developing a massive 400Nm of additional torque.  Around town the new concept car can even run in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode. 

With its unique and powerful style, this 4-seater, 4-door coupé is visually striking.   It is also exceptionally low for a grand-tourer of its size, at just 1.24 metres high, which contrasts with its length of 4.74 metres and width of 2 metres.   And with its long bonnet and virtually non-existent rear overhang, its design is classically Citroën.

A combination of the diesel hybrid power unit, optimised aerodynamics and reduced weight ensure that the C-Métisse offers outstanding levels of performance, fuel economy and a healthy respect for the environment – the C-Métisse can return around 45 mpg on the combined cycle and CO₂ emissions of just 174g/km.

Powering the front wheels is a 208bhp V6 HDi diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, whilst a further two electric motors can drive the rear wheels. Providing an innovative 4-wheel drive capability, each of these motors can deliver up to 400Nm of torque and 20bhp.   

The diesel hybrid drivetrain comprises a pack of high voltage batteries to supply the electric motors. Placed in the centre of the vehicle, the pack is automatically recharged during deceleration phases. The drivetrain and braking control unit automatically manage the energy configuration: transition from 2 to 4-wheel drive, energy recovery and the recharging of batteries.

Particular attention has also been paid to reducing the weight of the vehicle so that it requires less power to run, uses smaller amounts of fuel and therefore emits fewer pollutants. The carbon fibre body helps reduce the entire weight of the C-Métisse to just 1,400kg, including batteries.