Citroen Survolt Concept Stuns in Switzerland
By Chris Weiss
French automaker Citroen isn’t exactly a household name here in the States, but after this Survolt concept, it probably will be–at least for a few days. One of the true stunners on display at the Geneva Motor Show, the concept is a style-conscious, efficient all-out performer that merges power, design and all-electric driving.
Luckily for Citroen, the car looks good because it didn’t give us much to go on outside a couple handfuls worth of promises. The company says that it offers a ”motor racing punch” but doesn’t weigh itself down with acceleration or top speed figures. The company didn’t get too specific on the powertrain either, stating only that it is an evolution of last year’s Revolte hybrid concept, a typical rechargeable hybrid system with all-electric driving mode.
Since it’s a concept, we’ll forgive the lack of detail and just enjoy the view. You can do the same in the gallery below, or you can pick apart the adjective-OD that Citroen is passing off as a press release and see what you come up with. [via WCF]
PRESS RELEASE
Citroën has revealed an electrifying new model at the Geneva Motor Show – the sensational SURVOLT concept.
A blend of high-fashion, extravagance and more than a hint of motor racing punch, SURVOLT takes the essence of Citroën’s REVOLTE concept – performance, cutting-edge technology and luxury – and adds an assertive sporting dimension into the mix.
A new breed of stylish, sporty and elegant supermini, SURVOLT bucks current trends and points towards the future of sleek coupés – combining elegance, sophisticated style and sporting passion. Clearly ahead of its time, SURVOLT also captivates the imagination with its innovative, environmentally-conscious all-electric drivetrain, which delivers driving pleasure, thrills and performance – all in virtual silence.
With a sleek, compact and low-slung frame – 3.85m long, 1.87m wide & 1.2m high – SURVOLT takes inspiration from sports car styling, then casts convention aside to form an entirely new and revolutionary concept design. SURVOLT’s aerodynamic, flowing lines convey agility, precision and vitality – with a powerful, muscular character contained in its refined and luxurious frame.
Both charming and profound, SURVOLT’s distinctive profile features a voluptuous bonnet and generous, sculpted flanks highlighted by emphatic wheel arches. The front end is characterised by slim, horizontal headlights, a large oval-shaped grille with Citroën’s integrated double chevrons and an eye-catching vehicle badge design. The striking LED clusters also add a contemporary, high-tech flourish. At the rear, SURVOLT inherits the elegant light signature of the REVOLTE concept and gains a new spoiler – an essential reference to motor sport.
An evolution of REVOLTE’s distinctive colour palette, SURVOLT’s two-tone paintwork features shades of fuchsia and charcoal grey. The concept’s elegant curves, shifting from satin-smooth to shiny, are a clear departure from the classically masculine design codes of the sports car world and the use of chrome and aluminium throughout simultaneously references the worlds of luxury and motor racing.
Resembling a piece of fashionable jewellery, SURVOLT’s two-occupant cockpit is designed like a glass setting between the chrome-finished roll bars. The generous glazed area brings a sensation of light and space, which sets SURVOLT apart from many contemporary sports cars with their confined and gloomy cabin environments.
Citroën’s new and radical vision with SURVOLT is entirely consistent with the Company’s 90-years of history as an innovative brand, focused on creativity and technology.
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