To kick this one off, I was running about my normal business in the wealthy suburbs of New Jersey when I stumbled upon this (pictured). And to peak my interest, it’s a Frenchie mobile! In America!

What I had in front of me was a Citroen XM, a French car that was designed and built to compete against the likes of the BMW 5-Series and the Audi 100, back in 1989. And I know that this isn’t a fancy Ferrari or a super rare and collectible Mercedes. But it’s not often to see a French car running about in this part of the melting pot we call, Earth.

For those who’ve never heard of Citroen, I’ll give you a little background. There really should be no surprise if some of you have never heard of companies like Peugeot, Citroen, Renault. French automobiles never exactly took off in this country. Known to be worse to own than your grand-pop’s old Jaguar and far more underdeveloped, French automobile manufacturers packed up their bags and left the US market rather quickly in the 1980s. This was caused by the rise of foreign competition and an ever so changing market demand put the Frenchies at all sorts of disadvantages. And there’s a reason: French cars just never really worked. Fiat, which is Italian, left this country back in 1984 for almost the same reasons.

The Citroen XM was pegged as the second successor to the famous and widely popular Citroen DS, which was first succeeded by the CX. And despite the tumultuous reputation that any French brand has, the Citroen XM was, at first, was very well received…key emphasis on “at first.”

In 1990, the XM was handed the award for the European Car of the Year in 1990 and gained nearly twice as many votes over the second place winner, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Citroen—who was at the time owned by Peugeot and still is—expected to ship out 150,000 XMs throughout Europe. Though that never really happened and the XM was never truly marketed in the US. But a company known to import certain Citroens for the loyalists in the US, had imported a select number of XMs. Though because it fetched a hefty price of $50,000 large in 1993, only a few sold. So this is probably one of the few. And to my surprise, it was in rather clean shape.

The Citroen XM was widely noted for its unmatched ride quality, which was Citroen’s selling point and is part of what made the historic DS—and the brand—so popular. And that’s because the French manufacturer is responsible for inventing hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension, which debuted in the DS: the same setups that brands like Mercedes-Benz (the one that gave models like the S-Class their signature, smooth ride), BMW, Jaguar and countless others have adapted the system and evolved into their own, with some still used today. So the Citroen XM was along the same bloodline as the DS and while they were known for being terribly built and unreliable, they were also remembered for setting significant new standards in innovation and technology. For instance, the DS was the first European production car with disc breaks and was one of the first cars to feature a unibody or monocoque-type body, versus a body-on-frame. The only downside is that the systems never worked, so everyone else like the Germans and the Japanese came along, adapted the systems and perfected them…sort of. Anyone who’s owned a car with self-leveling suspension out of warranty knows why I left off with “sort of.”

So I’m sure you can see why I would share my discovery. Although the French tend to make a mess of things when it comes to cars—and arguably other things, but you’re at the wrong blog for that—they’re still around for a reason. They may not work all of the time and may be terribly underdeveloped, but French cars still find a way to charm drivers, whether it is in their technology or just being the target of many humorous automotive criticisms. In other words, they’re cars that illicit of a lot of responses similar to: “what were they thinking?” For that, I can appreciate them and the XM was a surprise, simply because most of the French cars ever sold in this country would’ve already found their way to be recycled back into the planet or into a new car by now.

- By: Chris Chin

The European Car of the Year organization has revealed their nominees for the Car of the Year 2012 award. A total of 35 candidates will be competing for the award with the winner to be announced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show on March 5, 2012.

“All of the contenders are new vehicles available now or before year’s end in five or more European markets, and each has the prospect of at least 5,000 yearly sales,” the organization said. “The voting process has two stages. The first one will produce a short list of seven nominees, which will be announced on January 9, 2012.

Check out the complete list after the jump.

2012 Car of the Year Nominees:

• Audi A6
• Audi Q3
• BMW 1-Series
• BMW 6-Series
• Chevrolet Aveo
• Chevrolet Orlando
• Citroen DS4
• Citroen DS5
• Fiat Panda
• Ford Focus
• Honda Civic
• Hyundai i40
• Hyundai Veloster
• Kia Picanto
• Kia Rio
• Lancia Ypsilon
• Lexus GS
• Mazda CX-5
• Mercedes-Benz B-Class
• Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
• Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
• Opel Ampera/Chevrolet Volt
• Opel Zafira Tourer
• Peugeot 508
• Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4
• Porsche 911
• Ranger Rover Evoque
• Renault Kangoo Z.E.
• Renault Fluence Z.E.
• Ssangyong Korando
• Toyota Verso S/Subaru Trezia
• Toyota Yaris
• Volkswagen Beetle
• Volkswagen Jetta
• Volkswagen up!

- By: Omar Rana

“Citroen has developed Tubik, a high-tech executive shuttle based on one key idea: travel should be fun,” the company said in a statement. “Come with us on a shared, intelligent, connected and eco-friendly journey!”

That sounds nice and all but will the produce it? Citroen says that the project is already a reality with the launch in France of Citroen Multicity, an online portal and routefinder that covers all available means of transport (car, train, plane, etc.) to make travelling easier.

The Citroen Tubik is most likely a concept to put all that into display as a future solution.

- By: Omar Rana

2010 MINI E

BMW Peugeot Citroen Electrification – that’s the named of BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen’s new 50/50 equity joint venture that will expand their existing cooperation on hybrid systems.

“BMW Peugeot Citroen Electrification will focus on developing and producing hybrid components, including battery packs, E-machines, generators, power electronics and chargers, while also developing software for hybrid systems,” the two companies said in a statement. “Joint research and development, production and component purchasing will leverage significant economies of scale for both companies.”

First, BMW and Peugeot Citroen will focus on developing standard hybrid systems for their vehicle ranges. Later the joint venture will integrate suppliers by outsourcing development and could sell hybrid components to other companies.

The joint venture is expected to launch work in the second quarter of this year. The hybrid systems will start entering both company’s vehicles sometime after 2014.

“This cooperative venture will enable us to achieve significant economies of scale in the field of electrification. It also represents an important step on the road to sustainable mobility,” said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer.

- By: Omar Rana

Citroen Metropolis Concept

Remember the Citroen Metropolis Concept? Well, it will go into production. According to Automotive News Europe, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen’s joint venture with Changan Automobile Group plans to launch a new line of premium cars in China, says Gregoire Olivier, the company’s CEO of Asian operations.

According to Olivier the new join venture will focus on light commercial vehicles and high-end cars that will compete with German luxury brands.

“The Metropolis will happen — it will become a real car,” he said. “The same styling elements will be used for a high-level Citroen car to be developed in China. We want to build up the premier line in China — the Metropolis is emblematic of our approach.”

While Olivier declined to give production volume estimate or when production may start, published reports say that the car will be called DS9. The Citroen Metropolis Concept features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain mated to a 2.0L V6 electric-motor and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Working together, the system gives the Metropolis a total of 460-hp.

Citroen Metropolis Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW

BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroen announced today that they plan to expand their already successful cooperation by including  hybrid components for front-wheel-drive vehicles.

“The components are to be used in front-wheel-drive vehicles with electrified drive trains,” BMW said in a statement. “Joint development and production of components as well as joint purchasing will leverage significant economies of scale for both partners. It will also allow them to standardise key elements for the electrification of vehicles.”

“This cooperation will deliver a major contribution towards a competitive cost structure in the field of electrification. It also represents another important step on the road to sustainable mobility,” said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said. “We are pleased to broaden our long-standing cooperation based on the strong relationship that exists between our two companies,” added Philippe Varin. “Combining both partners” expertise in hybrid technologies will clearly create competitive advantage.”

As always, both groups have agreed not to give out any financial details of the agreement.

- By: Zain Haq

Citroen SURVOLT Concept Art Car by Francoise Nielly

Doing ‘art cars’ has seem to become the thing to do for artists. The latest art car comes from French artist Francoise Nielly, who applied the brush strokes to the Citroen SURVOLT Concept. Nielly’s worke is set to go on display at C42, Citroen’s flagship dealership on the Champs-Elysées in Paris.

Based on the REVOLTe concept, the SURVOLT adds things like performance, cutting-edge technology, luxury and an outstanding sporty design into the mix. No performance specs for the SURVOLT were released, but we”re guessing it”s an upgraded version of the REVOLTe concept, which was powered by a rechargeable hybrid power-train consisting of a small engine and an electric-motor.

Click here for our original post on the Citroen SURVOLT Concept.

Citroen SURVOLT Concept Art Car by Francoise Nielly:

Citroen SURVOLT Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: OmniAuto

Citroen Lacoste Concept

Citroen is continuing its tradition of unveiling wild concepts at auto shows with the new Citroen Lacoste concept, which will make its world debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

“This new concept car is both resolutely Citroën and typically Lacoste,” Citroen said in a statement. “Positioned at the crossroads of the automotive world, where fashion and sport meet, it makes a number of references to all three sectors. The technology on board also strikes a playful note, underlining the apparent paradox between design expertise and lightness of tone.”

Power for the Citroen Lacoste comes from a 3-cylinder gasoline engine “with plenty of performance on tap to power a vehicle of this size and weight.”

Citroen Lacoste Concept:

Press Release:

THE CITROËN LACOSTE CONCEPT: NATURALLY SPONTANEOUS, LAID-BACK & REFINED

Two names, Citroën and Lacoste, have come together with a shared vision – to cultivate boldness, creativity and optimism. The result of these common values: the new Citroën Lacoste concept.

To be unveiled at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, this new model is an emblem for a state-of-mind and a lifestyle. Clearly alluding to leisure and pleasure, it takes a simplified, no-nonsense approach to motoring – without forgetting refinement – and transports passengers to a lighter, fresher world.

With its strong presence and joie de vivre, the high-tech and innovative Citroën Lacoste makes car travel an all-new experience and an incomparable adventure for the senses.

Pure, simple and laid-back, while remaining sophisticated, the Citroën Lacoste takes another step forward towards the car of the future – a vehicle aimed at putting an end to the “always more” mantra that often reigns in the automotive industry. The new model also fuels Citroën’s thinking of focusing on the essentials to create original cars that are affordable and economical, while losing none of their ambition or motoring passion, notably through premium styling.

HEIGHTENED SENSATIONS

Sweeping away preconceived ideas on compact cars – with many being supposedly short on character – the new Citroën Lacoste proudly asserts that another way forward is possible.

Stylishly minimalist and elegantly laid-back, the Citroën Lacoste instantly attracts with its off-beat sports aesthetic. It features a high waistline; bulging and textured wings; minimum overhangs front and rear; and golf ball-style alloy wheels, placed in the furthest corners of the body.

After a longer inspection, it is this car’s “open” physique that appeals – promising a fulfilling drive, while expressing a wealth of inventiveness and elegance.

Passengers enjoy an open-air experience thanks to the broad cut-outs that replace the front doors and the lack of a hard-top roof. Journeys in the Citroën Lacoste inevitably heighten the senses, much more than in a protective bubble that cuts occupants off from the world. As if these intense sensations weren’t enough, the windscreen can also be lowered out of sight, providing a harmonious waistline around the entire cabin, front, back and sides.

The elegance of the Citroën Lacoste is underpinned by the choice of drivetrain. Rather than seeking enhanced driving sensations through flat-out speed, this new concept opts for a 3-cylinder petrol engine with plenty of performance on tap to power a vehicle of this size and weight. With its light timbre, the flexible, economical and ecological powerplant is a perfect match for the car’s “back to essentials” nature.

The new concept respects the environment, not only by virtue of its engine, but also its design choices. Even with its large wheels, the Citroën Lacoste seems to “embrace” rather than confront nature. This impression takes concrete form in the subtle, undulating shape of the wheels, in an approach that suggests Citroën Lacoste drivers are playing with the elements for more fun.

SPONTANEOUS APPROACH

Along with its bright and breezy approach to life, the convertible Citroën Lacoste also features taut, muscular and reassuring lines. Compact and robust (at 3.45m long, 1.80m wide, 1.52m high and with a 2.30m wheelbase), the new model expresses faultless expertise in its styling and design.

The car’s laid-back personality stems from its purity, as evidenced in the body paint in pearlescent white, which is set off by dark blue design motifs and strips underlining the forms of the vehicle.

Cabin access couldn’t be easier, since the doors have been replaced by broad cut-outs that are in perfect harmony with the body styling. Access to the rear seats is just as easy, with passengers simply jumping onto the rear bench. For transporting luggage or sports equipment, the rear bench slides handily into the boot.

The car can also be fitted with specially designed sports equipment, including tennis racquets, golf clubs, skis, a surfboard or a bike, with owners deciding on the theme of their weekends.

At the crossroads of motoring, fashion and sport, the Citroën Lacoste makes a number of references to all three worlds.The cabin contains countless storage areas for enhanced travelling comfort. The compartments are discreetly located under the dashboard and within the two bench seats – with sliding covers that echo the colour of the upholstery. The seats themselves are overstitched in white cotton, with a weave closely resembling that of a polo shirt – an iconic Lacoste design. Building on this theme, the seatbelt anchorage points have “necklines” like a polo shirt, while the seats are covered in robust, rope-like cotton.

Like a wardrobe full of different clothes, accessories and fabrics, the Citroën Lacoste plays with a range of colours and materials. For fun, simplicity and elegance, the emphasis is on bold, traditional colours like white and deep blue. The cabin is then dotted with bright – almost fluorescent – yellow splashes in the storage compartments and on the grab handles, which are finished in soft and tactile rubber, with a tennis ball-like effect.

The fun-loving Citroën Lacoste brings familiar objects to mind. Some details make reference to the sporting world of the Lacoste brand. It boasts square relief designs that resemble sections of a tennis net on several parts of its body. The fairing that rises up from the underbody, at both the front and the rear, recalls the print left by a tennis shoe on a clay court.

CREATIVE & “MAGICAL” TECHNOLOGY

The on-board technology is also of a playful nature, underlining the seeming paradox between design expertise and lightness of tone. Strictly speaking this car has no fixed roof. In its place is a T-shaped structure that extends back to the boot like a “backbone”. With several functions, this structure helps when accessing the vehicle and features an ingenious system that provides shelter for passengers. An auto-inflatable hood deploys all the way along the backbone to form a soft-top roof. In the same yellow as the grab handles, the inflatable roof ensures a light-filled cabin, come rain or shine.

Invisible at first glance, the deployment of the system makes for quite a spectacle. By choosing this inflatable hood rather than a conventional structure, the Citroën Lacoste concept remains faithful to its simple and light-hearted nature.

In much the same spirit, the fascia strip on the dashboard serves as the car’s display screen, showing driving information such as speed and the directional indicators. Messages take the form of icons with oversized pixels. This is a clear nod to the very first video games, although behind the naïve appearance lie cutting-edge technologies.

The Citroën Lacoste’s two-spoke steering wheel impresses with its minimalist design, simplicity and size. When passengers board, the wheel can be moved from its normal position and located against the upper dashboard – an ingenious way of optimising access to the front bench.

Even the front and rear lights are discreet to the point of being almost invisible. Concealed under the car’s dark blue bodywork, they can be seen only when illuminated. As well as providing visual purity, this design choice delivers a unique and almost magical sight.

- By: Omar Rana

Citroen Survolt Concept

French automaker Citroen has plans to put two of its recent concepts into production. The two concepts include the Survolt sports coupe and the Metropolis upmarket sedan.

The Survolt concept made its first prototype run at a demo last weekend at the Le Mans Classic race meeting. The model was fitted with an engine making 248-hp and 738 lb ft of torque.

“It”s still our intention to put the Survolt into low-volume production, and we”re pursuing the idea of a one-make race series,” our source confirmed.

Citroen Metropolis Concept

As for the Metropolis concept, Citroen is hoping a production mode will help it break into the European executive sedan market and take on the likes of Audi and BMW.

“We cannot afford to let the likes of Audi, Mercedes and BMW forge into Citroen”s heartland supermini territory without fighting back and pushing into theirs,” a source told AutoCar. “Selling large luxury cars in Europe is not easy at the moment, but I believe Citroen has a great deal more to bring to the market.

Citroen Survolt Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

GTbyCitroen

It’s been almost one year since we heard that Citroen will be making a limited 6 units of its GTbyCitroen supercar concept. According to recent reports, the GTbyCitroen will not be going into production (I know, we’re pretty upset to).

It is said that Citroen decided that the limited 6 units of the GTbyCitroen won’t be worth the time, effort and cost that would have to go into making them. Apparently, they would rather have their engineers work on small sports cars like the DS3 Racing.

Citroen”s product head Vincent Besson previously admitted that the production model will carry a Ford or GM V8 making at least 500-hp mated to paddle-shift manual gearbox.

It was a nice dream while it lasted.

GTbyCitroen:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Caradisiac (via WCF)

Citroen has really stepped up its concept game and has brought us some of the sexiest and unrealistic looking vehicles we’ve ever seen in the past two years. At this year’s 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Citroen showed the new SURVOLT Concept and a year before that Citroen took the show by storm with the GTbyCitroen concept (which will enter limited production). Continuing its streak of gorgeous concepts, Citroen has now teamed up with GQ magazine to create the new GQbyCitroen, a concept “car born through a unique partnership between the UK’s market-leading quality men’s monthly and a team of Citroen designers, collaborating to create the ultimate gentleman’s drive.”

The GQbyCitroen marks the first time that a British magazine has collaborated with a car company in this way.

“For me, the car that has always represented the pinnacle of automotive excellence and refinement is the GT ““ the Grand Tourer. It is not the all-out sports car, rather it is something gentlemanly, it has performance and it is for travelling, not racing, said Mark Lloyd, Chief Designer of Citroën’s International Projects. “We wanted to create something that, like GQ, was aspirational, but also retained the classic automotive ideals. We didn’t want a car for the mass market. We wanted a car for GQ.”

The GQbyCitroen is powered by a 1.6L, 4-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine mated to a plug-in hybrid system. The system propels the car from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

GQbyCitroen Concept:

-By: Kap Shah

Besides the new Porsche 918 Spyder Concept, the Citroen SURVOLT Concept is our favorite vehicle on display at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The concept is based on the Citroen REVOLTe concept, but adds things like performance, cutting-edge technology, luxury and a sporty design into the mix.

“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,” Citroen said in a statement.

We now have a promotional video of the SURVOLT showing just how sexy the car is, however, you might have trouble keeping your eyes on the car while watching the video.

Make the jump to see what we mean.

Click here to see our original post on the Citroen SURVOLT Concept.

Click here to watch more videos at egmCarTech Videos.

Citroen SURVOLT Concept:

Citroen SURVOLT Concept Promotional Video:

Citroen SURVOLT Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

It’s probably one of the best looking concepts at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show floor – in fact, it’s probably the best looking concept we’ve seen all year – meet the new Citroen SURVOLT. Based on the REVOLTe concept, the SURVOLT adds things like performance, cutting-edge technology, luxury and an outstanding sporty design 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,” Citroen said in a statement. “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.”

No performance specs were released, but we’re guessing it’s an upgraded version of the REVOLTe concept, which was powered by a rechargeable hybrid power-train consisting of a small engine and an electric-motor.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Citroen SURVOLT Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen CEO Phillipe Varin targets to deepen its cooperation with BMW beyond engine sharing. According to a report by Automotive News, Varin said that he has been talking with BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer about cooperating in areas such as purchasing and components including transmission and climate control systems.

Right now, PSA and BMW’s Mini brand share 1.6L gasoline engines. Varin said that PSA is open to offer BMW a new 3-cylinder engine that the automaker will introduce in 2011. In return PSA would buy larger engines from BMW.

“We have set up groups of experts to work on deepening our cooperation on gasoline engines,” he said in an interview with German business daily Handelsblatt.

Varin said that PSA is not looking to merge with another automaker and will focus on building alliances. PSA also has a partnership with Mitsubishi on electric-vehicles and is scheduled to launch its own version of Mitsubishi’s MiEV electric-car.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot Citroen have both signed a cooperative agreement that signifies a new step in their partnership on electric vehicles.

The main points of this cooperative agreement are:

- The development of an EV for the European market based on MMC’s Japanese i-MiEV model
- The vehicle is to be sold in Europe, with both Peugeot and Citroën versions
- Production is planned to commence in October 2010 for commercial launch in the European market by the end of 2010.

Mitsubishi’s i MiEV was launched in Japan in June.  Starting April 2010, Mitsubishi will begin the official sales process to individuals and will start take orders in July. The i MiEV gets its power from a lithium-ion battery pack, which is comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells that are installed under the floor in the center of the vehicle. That in turn powers an electric-motor that allows for 67-hp with a peak torque of 133 lb-ft.

Mitsubishi i MiEV:

- By; Kap Shah

Citroen’s product head Vincent Besson has confirmed to AutoCar that the company will be putting its GTbyCitroen into limited production with the final production version to make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Besson said that only six-units will be made with a price-tag estimated to be around £1.1 million pounds ($1.8 million USD). Sources say that most of the GTbyCitroen concept’s feature will make into the final production version including the carbon fiber construction and most of the insane interior details such as the copper trim.

Besson previously admitted that the production model will carry a Ford or GM V8 making at least 500-hp mated to paddle-shift manual gearbox.

GTbyCitroen in London:

- By: Mo Eladawy

Source: AutoCar

Last month, the GTbyCitroen concept took the streets of London to recreate part of the “street circuit” featured in Gran Turismo video game. Of course it’s no surprise that the city of London was brought to a standstill when the GTbyCitroen decided to make a live appearance.

What’s that a sound of? While the concept GTbyCitroen Concept is said to powered by a 782-hp, high-tech fuel-cell engine, the rumored production model is expected to carry a GM or Ford V8. So take your guesses wisely.

Click through for the video.

GTbyCitroen in London:

GTbyCitroen in London:

- By: Omar Rana

We have yet to see the GTbyCitroen (or with spaces GT by Citroen) Concept out of pictures and away from auto show settings – until now. The concept took the streets of London yesterday to recreate part of the ‘street circuit’ featured in Gran Turismo video game.

Citroen has yet to confirm anything about the production of the GTbyCitroen; although it has been recently speculated that the concept is headed into a limited production of just 20 units.

While the concept GTbyCitroen is powered by a 782-hp, high-tech fuel-cell engine, the production model is expected to carry a GM or Ford V8.

Click through for more high-res photos.

GTbyCitroen in London:

- By: Mo Eladawy