The Franco-Japanese alliance is proceeding, giving fruit to new projects: after cooking up a SUV family of medium-big size, Mitsubishi and Citroen/Peugeot are reported to be in negotiations to expand their collaboration.

The new product, based on the more compact dimensions and showy personality of the Concept cX, would be different in order to create aesthetically diverse cars. The cleaner 1.8 diesel (with 134 and 280 Nm) seen on the prototype would most likely be used on the series, perhaps together with the SST shift and double clutch.

In the meantime reports are that Peugeot is working on the 3008, a soft-roader proposed with double traction choice (front and integrated) and interior for seven passengers.

Via | Motorauthority

Citroën has finally released high res images of its C5 Airscape concept car, a beautiful and elegant coupè-convertible that will debut next month in Frankfurt and prefigures the look of the next generation of the C5 saloon.

The effort of building a true premium car is apparent both in the sleek and aggressive exterior lines and in the rich interior. If the C5 Airscape was branded with the three pointed star or the 4 interlocking circles instead of the double chevron, its success would be assured. As it is, if it was to be produced, it would have to overcome plenty of prejudices against french-built premium cars.

For more details you can find the full text of the press-release below. Some highlights: carbon fiber roof with a big glass portion that prolongs the windshield, UrbanHybrid mild hybrid system (smoth stop-start, brake energy regeneration), 2.7 V6 HDi turbodiesel engine with 208 ps/440 Nm.

Object of all desires

Citroën is unveiling C5 Airscape at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. This exceptional concept car is a new take on the most beautiful of vehicles, the cabriolet.

C5 Airscape features powerful, dynamic exterior styling and an interior of exclusive design, made for driving pleasure and the comfort of three passengers. The original mechanism of the folding roof underlines the overall sophistication of design.

Styled for maximum appeal, C5 Airscape also delivers maximum performance. New-generation Snow Motion traction control provides a level of traction close to that of a four-wheel drive. Other useful features are provided by the UrbanHybrid system. This unit prevents noise and vibration when the engine stops and boosts engine torque when needed. At the same time, it shows real respect for the environment.

An expression of power and elegance

C5 Airscape is a car to turn heads. Its elegant proportions and sleek bodywork convey a sense of performance with a promise of power. The innovative folding top is an invitation to climb on board and take to the road. The interior layout, with its premium materials, delivers the highest standards of on-board comfort for the driver and all the passengers.

Power and sophistication

A car of elegant lines, C5 Airscape conveys an impression of strength and sophistication, with its cleanly drawn body lines and ribbing at the top. The powerful look of the body is brought out by the raw, intense grey of the bodywork. This colour, whose intensity varies according to the light, gives C5 Airscape an elegant and precious look, consolidating its status as an executive vehicle.

Through its assertive front end, featuring large air intakes and long incisive headlamps, C5 Airscape makes a statement of performance. The headlamps – positioned on the bonnet with its two pronounced ribs – flank the large chrome chevrons stating Citroën’s identity.

The profile of C5 Airscape reflects efforts to achieve optimal aerodynamic design. The roof line, particularly large windows and tapering chrome-plated door handles underline the flowing lines of the body, while the high waistline, clearly marked wheel arches and 19-inch wheels clearly identify C5 Airscape as a vehicle of status.

The powerful design of the front and rear ends highlight the on-road stance of C5 Airscape. The high- positioned rear lights extend the waistline and optimise the vehicle’s dynamic looks. At the same time, a double chrome tail pipe underlines the car’s luxurious design as does the concave rear window, which clearly identifies C5 Airscape as belonging to the family of large Citroën saloons.

The sophistication of C5 Airscape can also be seen in the original design of the folding roof, whose glazed upper part lets light flood into the cabin. Made entirely of carbon, this roof opens and folds away simply, without detracting from the looks of the concept car. It folds away automatically, without assistance, and without the driver having to open the upper part of the roof storage area in the boot.

C5 Airscape reflects the purest traditions in vehicle design in that the metal-look roof with its textile lining resembles a roof made of canvas – the emblematic signature of executive cabriolets.

Leisure and sophistication

Fully upholstered in dark brown leather, the cabin of C5 Airscape conveys an appealing impression of sophistication.

The particularly well designed seats suggest luxury and precision. The central section of the seats brings to mind the links of a watch strap, while the decorative stitching on the edges of the seats reinforces the taut, well-muscled look of the whole.

To add the finishing touch to the executive design of the interior, the gear lever knob is set with leather and chrome. The chrome echoes the metal strip underlining the air conditioning controls and central console.

The design of the driving position on C5 Airscape was also dictated by the pursuit of driving pleasure. Refinement is the key word for the driver’s surroundings, as reflected in the specific design of the instruments and their layout.

The driving position features a fixed-centred controls steering wheel that brings the main comfort functions and driving aids (navigation, radio, cruise control and speed limiter, on-board computer) within easy reach. Considered as points of contact, the pushbuttons feature an original covering resembling the texture of skin. They create a strong, fast-reacting sensory interface between the vehicle and the driver.

The sophisticated design of the instrument cluster on C5 Airscape reflects the requirements of optimised ergonomics and ensures that information is laid out legibly. The three dials feature annular needles, symbolising an advanced level of technology. The needles run around rather than across the dial for greater legibility and a more attractive design.

The air vents next to the dials underline this cabriolet’s powerful character, as does the upper part of the instrument cluster, which takes the form of an air intake as on a competition car. The overall effect is enhanced by the clean, sculpted design of the dashboard. Its straight lines symbolise precision, while the soft curves symbolise dynamic performance.

This configuration contributes to full driver control and exceptional driveability.

Driving sensations and improved respect for the environment

Styled for maximum appeal, C5 Airscape also delivers maximum performance. This concept vehicle is equipped with a V6 HDi engine associated with a particulate filter and able to run on biodiesel, along with an innovative Snow Motion traction control system for a performance close to that of a four-wheel drive, and UrbanHybrid technology for low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. As a result, C5 Airscape boasts remarkable levels of performance that show real respect for the environment.

Technology serving the environment

Through its powerful engine, particulate filter and UrbanHybrid system, C5 Airscape illustrates Citroën’s ability to reconcile vehicle performance with respect for the environment.

With its reversible alternator-starter and super-capacitors able to temporarily store large amounts of energy, the UrbanHybrid system delivers real benefits in terms of environmental protection, driving pleasure, acoustic comfort and vibration control.

In Drive mode, when this concept vehicle is travelling at under 6 kph and the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal, the engine cuts out. For maximum driveability, it starts again instantly and automatically as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal. When the car is at a standstill, fuel consumption is zero and CO2 emissions are around 24 g over a combined cycle.

Further, the onboard network (air conditioning, radio etc.) is powered by energy recovered during the deceleration and braking phases. This brings savings in fuel consumption and eliminates additional pollutant emissions.

Engine torque can be temporarily boosted, when overtaking for example, for a high-speed take-off.

When the car is at a standstill, the UrbanHybrid system prevents noise and vibration in the cabin, for the comfort of both passengers and passers-by.

Driveability and performance in all circumstances

The executive positioning of C5 Airscape is reflected by the presence of the 208 bhp 2.7 V6 HDi engine and particulate filter.

Combining power and fuel economy, this engine develops 150 kW EEC (208 bhp DIN) at 4,000 rpm for torque of 440 Nm at 1,900 rpm. Right from the lowest speeds, it delivers smooth, gradual power with exceptional operating comfort. Driveability is further increased by a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

To deliver a high level of performance and improve active safety, C5 Airscape features Snow Motion, an innovative traction control system with extended functions. This system offers remarkable performance in terms of vehicle traction and “take-off” on surfaces with low grip, such as snow for example. The benefits, already significant with conventional tyres, are further increased when the concept car is shod with winter tyres. In this configuration, the performance of C5 Airscape is close to that of a four-wheel drive.

Taking the wheel of C5 Airscape is a total and continuous experience in driving pleasure. This is a car that brings leisure within easy reach.

Jokejoe from the Autopareri forum tips us off to the official images of the 5 seat version of the Citroën C4 Picasso, which will be shown in public for the first time at the Geneva auto show in a couple of months’ time.

The 5-seater seems to be even better than the 7-seater, from a design point of view: its more compact profile, almost egg-like recalls that of the C3, but it keeps all the styling elements of the C4 line, especially the discontinuos profile of the beltline.

The engine range should the the same as on the 7-seater: 1.8 and 2.0 gasoline engines, with respectively 125 and 143 ps; 1.6 and 2.0 HDi turbodiesel engines with respectively 110 and 138 ps. Later the C4 Picasso should get a 90 ps version of the 1.6 HDi and a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 110 ps.

No word yet on prices.

There is no doubt that the Citroen is the more aesthetically pleasing of the two…

The engine is the same for both cars, a 2.2 HDi turbo-diesel engine with 156 ps/380 Nm, as is the platform and the suspensions. The size is the same too (4.64 m long, 1.81 m wide and 1.73 m high, with a wheelbase 2,67 m long). The C-Crosser sports seven seats, with the second row that can slide 80 mm (the press release for the 4007 doesn’t say whether it has 3 rows of seats too).

The rear door can be opened in two halves, with the lower part capable of supporting loads up to 200 kg.

Both are 4 wheel drive, with the possibility of selecting three modes (front wheels only, 4 wheel drive, “blocked” 4WD for particularly slippery surfaces).

PSA Group says that these hybrids’ fuel consumption and emissions are 25% lower than gasoline-electric hybrids: 3.4 liters /100 km, and 90 g of CO₂ per km.

Sadly, “PSA Peugeot Citroën could market its Hybride HDi vehicles as early as 2010″.

The engine is a 1.6 liters HDi turbodiesel with 90 hp, coupled with a 16 kw electric engine. This systems allows the two Hybride HDi cars to have a top speed (184 km/h) and a sprint (12.4 seconds from 0-100 km/h) similar to that of the same cars equipped with a 110 hp HDi engine.

It’s 3.30 meters long, 1.68 meters wide and 1.39 meters high, with a 2.23 meters wheelbase. The engine is a 1.6 110 hp gasoline engine with a Senso Drive automatic gearbox.

Citroen is thought to be preparing a concept car for the Bologna Motor Show: the Citroen C-Airplay, which seems to take some inspiration from the C3 Pluriel, and might give some hints about the possible stylistic evolution for the Pluriel [From Autocar and Le Blog Auto]