Autoblog

Umlautfest: Kimi Räikkönen signs with Citroën Red Bull rally team

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:22:00 EST

Kimi Räikkönen is now a WRC driver. The Flying Finn will pilot one of two Citroën CR4 Junior Team cars with Kaj Lindström as his co-driver. It's been in the works for a while, and from the sounds of it, no one appears to have any doubts that Raikkonen will do well there. Team boss Olivier Quesnel rates the ex-Ferrari pilot highly, saying, "What he did there in a S2000 was amazing," when speaking of Kimi's run in an Abarth in a Finnish rally earlier this year.

Even 2003 WRC title winner Petter Solberg puts Kimi in with a shout, commenting, "If he's in a decent World Rally Car next season I think he could finish between third and fifth on some rallies." This will put four Citroën cars in next year's Championship, with returning title winners Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, Dani Sordo and Marc Marti, plus the junior cars of Räikkönen/Lindström and Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia. You can check out Citroën's official release after the jump.

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Umlautfest: Kimi Räikkönen signs with Citroën Red Bull rally team

Umlautfest: Kimi Räikkönen signs with Citroën Red Bull rally team originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Peugeot-Citroën on the verge of buying Mitsubishi?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Mitsubishi, Earnings/Financials, Peugeot, Citroën

The French and the Japanese have gotten together to form a magic partnership once already with Carlos Ghosn at the helm. The question is, then, can that success be replicated? PSA Peugeot-Citroën seems to hope so, and it is reportedly on the verge of purchasing a controlling stake (somewhere between 30 and 53 percent, depending on the report) in Mitsubishi Motors.

The total price for the acquisition would cost the European automaker over $3 billion and the deal would also include Mitsubishi acquiring a somewhat smaller stake in PSA Peugeot-Citroën - again, similar to the situation between France's Renault and Japan's Nissan.

So, what does Mitsubishi have that Peugeot wants? Three things, apparently: A presence in the States, SUV expertise and, perhaps most importantly, electric vehicle technology. If a deal does indeed take place, the resulting entity would be the sixth largest automaker by sales in the world.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Is Peugeot-Citroën on the verge of buying Mitsubishi? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Universal Soldiers: F1 aces Raikkonen, Vettel and Kubica lured by rallying

Noah Joseph — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Renault, Citroën

It used to be that a racing driver would pick his form of motorsport at the beginning of his career and stick with it for the duration. Sure, there have been a few notable exceptions - especially among the Finns - but these days, it seems as if the exceptions are gaining on the norm. F1 drivers like Juan Pablo Montoya are moving to NASCAR, WRC aces like Sebastien Loeb and MotoGP champs like Valentio Rossi are trying their hand at F1, while F1 champs like Michael Schumacher are checking out motorbike racing. But the latest trend has a growing number of current, active Formula One drivers contesting rallies on the world stage.

The most notable is Kimi Raikkonen, who has driven a few rallies behind the wheel of his own Punto Abarth. Now that he's looking to sit out of the next F1 season, all indications are that the departing Ferrari driver will find his way into the WRC. While downplaying the lingering prospect of the 2007 Formula One champion racing for the newly-christened Mercedes Grand Prix team next season, his managers are reportedly hard at work to get him a WRC drive for 2010. The most likely scenario would place Raikkonen with Citroen: Both the French rally team and the Finnish driver are sponsored by Red Bull, and the rapprochement could could pave the way for Kimi to return to F1 in 2011 for Red Bull Racing.

Even Red Bull's current F1 ace, Sebastian Vettel, has reportedly expressed interest in trying his hand at rallying, although his team principal is reportedly against the idea. After winning the Nations Cup at the Race of Champions together with Schumacher three years running, the young German has certainly demonstrated the versatility of his talent.

Meanwhile, the highly-rated Robert Kubica is preparing for his second rally since leaving BMW Sauber for the Renault F1 team. After a dismal first attempt, the Pole is set to return to the wheel of a Renaultsport Clio R3 Maxi for the final round of the French Rally Championship at Var next weekend. If Kubica manages to finish this time around, we could yet see more F1 drivers following him onto the rally scene.

[Sources: Autosport and F1-Live | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

Universal Soldiers: F1 aces Raikkonen, Vettel and Kubica lured by rallying originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Citroen Revolte concept to enter production as DS2

Noah Joseph — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroen Revolte concept - Click above for high-res image gallery (if you must)

Sometimes we're happy when a concept car gets approved for production. This time around... not so much. According to reports from across the pond, the Citroen Revolte concept has been approved for production and will carry the DS2 badge when it arrives.

The concept car was unveiled a couple of months ago at the Frankfurt show, and suffice it to say, it wasn't exactly the best looking debut at the expo. Supposedly reviving the iconic 2CV, the Revolte concept certainly lived up to its name. The production version, meanwhile, is tipped to take on the DS2 nameplate as part of the French automaker's new premium line-up that started with the DS3 and is slated to grow with the inclusion of the DS4 (based on the upcoming new C4) and DS5 (based on - you guessed it - the new C5). Power for the DS2 is expected to come in the form of a range of three-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines when it hits the streets sometime around 2011.

The best we can say is this: At least it will remain far away from the States, as Citroen stays out of the North American market.

Gallery: Citroen Revolte concept

[Source: Auto Express]

REPORT: Citroen Revolte concept to enter production as DS2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Helpful French people teach you how to change your Citroen's oil

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Citroën, Humor, Luxury

Citroen SM Oil Change How To - click above image to watch the video

Assuming most of you are Citroen owners, we're confident you'll find the following video extremely helpful. Even if you just own a DS or CX and not a full blown SM, it's useful. Heck, even you 2CV owners might learn a thing or two. For the tiny minority of you out there that don't own Citroens, we will admit that yes, compared to ~~an aircraft carrier~~ a Chevelle, an SM is a little tricky to work on. But as long as you view the SM like an airplane -- meaning a series of subsystems -- rather than one, single insanely complex French-Italian mashup (the "M" in SM stands for "Maserati) you'll do just fine.

In fact, after consuming two bottles of Bordeaux and half a pack of Gallouses you'll be able to repeat the following (from the maintenance section of an SM website): "The backspacing of the crankshaft bore accepting the oil pump shaft is not controlled adequately. The oil pump drive shaft commonly falls into the crank and runs on a small area of its splines thus wearing rapidly. A simple fix is to add a compliant spacer (so as not to end-load the oil pump) in the splined hole in the crankshaft timing sprocket." And hey, so what if the AC compressor is driven by the timing chain and ~~routinely~~ rarely jams and ~~grenades~~ upsets the engine? With easy to follow maintenance videos like this one, you have nothing to fear but fear itself. ~~And Citroen SMs.~~

Note: If you work in a brothel, mens' prison or the San Fernando Valley, the video after the jump is totally safe for work. Otherwise, consider it NSFW. And yeah, we wish the clip featured a European SM, and not the compromised, non-hydraulic headlight US version. Still, NSFW!

Continue reading VIDEO: Helpful French people teach you how to change your Citroen's oil

VIDEO: Helpful French people teach you how to change your Citroen's oil originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroen's 2011 DS3 rally fighter revealed in spy shots

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Spy Photos, Hatchback, Citroën, Specialty

Citroen DS3 WRC test mule - Click above for image gallery

With all the regulatory changes in Formula One over the past couple, the rally world is arguably in the midst of an even greater state of flux. Manufacturers are dropping out of the World Rally Championship en masse, the rival Intercontinental Rally Challenge is closing in fast, and soon the WRC will be changing to a more cost-effective formula. Along with it, the participating manufacturers will be developing new rally machinery, but none will be as important as the one you see here.

With rally superstar Sebastien Loeb behind the wheel, Citroen has won five consecutive drivers' titles, and five out of the past seven manufacturers' titles as well - first in the Xsara and then in the C4. But to adapt to the new formula, the French rally team will be switching to a rally-spec super-mini.

Rather than basing their new challenger on the new C3, however, Citroen has opted to use the opportunity to promote the more premium DS3, released in production form just last month at the Frankfurt show. The Mini rival's avant-garde interior has been stripped out and fitted with a pair of competition buckets and a full roll cage. And to keep the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine breathing, the Citroen rally team has fitted its new machine with more scoops than a paparazzo. The rally-prepped DS3 is expected to hit tarmac, gravel and snow for the 2011 season, but you can check it out now in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: 2011 Citroen DS3 WRC spy shots

[Source: Racingpassion via Autocar]

Citroen's 2011 DS3 rally fighter revealed in spy shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroën DS3 in augmented reality -- Click above to watch video

Citroën is using the latest in video technology to promote its newest compact, the DS3. First, you go to Citroën's augmented reality website and print out the interactive pages. Then, after you enter the augmented reality area of the site, you hold those interactive pages in front of your webcam, and what you'll get is a DS3 placed in various situations that you can control with the piece of paper in your hands.

Of course, you shouldn't take our word for it - check out the video after the jump and then hop over to Citroën's site to have a go for yourself.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Citroen DS3

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3

VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Citroën remixes its 90-year history for celebratory commercial

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Citroën

Citroën celebrates 90 years -- Click above to watch video

Citroën is perhaps the wackiest mass-market auto manufacturer still in business (have you seen the 2CV, C-Cactus, and that dancing robot?), and this year, the company celebrates 90 years of mercantilism.

In celebration of that achievement, they have put together a 90-second video flyover of some of the most memorable - or just plain intriguing - pieces of company lore. From using the Eiffel tower as a billboard for a decade, to de Gaulle, the Pope, the WRC, and the Playstation, there's been a lot of it. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Citroën remixes its 90-year history for celebratory commercial

VIDEO: Citroën remixes its 90-year history for celebratory commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Citroen C-Cactus leaked

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën, Electric, Diesel

Images assumed to be the final take on the Citroen C-Cactus have found their way online, and there is a whole lotta ugly going on up front. When we heard Citroen was actually going to make a production car based on the concept we wrote "let's just hope they don't keep too much of the melted-candle look." Thankfully, they didn't.

But what they did was squash the front end of the Citroen GT, add some Nissan-esque headlights and enough curvy shut lines to confuse a protractor, then topped it off with some Klingon forehead bulges running from hood to fenders. Then they gave it a tiny body and rested the package on little wheels. If nothing else, it is arresting.

Touted as a city car, the C-Cactus -- about the size of a Sandero -- would offer three powerplants: a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder gas engine with 90 hp; a 1.4-liter diesel hybrid; and an electric car. This car could also be the first in Citroen's Essentielle sub-brand of Eco cars which are, according to latest reports, due to roll out in 2012.

[Source: Auto Internationaal via Euro Car Blog]

Spy Shots: Citroen C-Cactus leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Meet the 2010 Citroen C3

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën

2010 Citroen C3 - click above image for hi-res gallery

It's really a shame we can't buy Citroens in America anymore. Main reason is the awesome C6. Second reason is that all the small Citroens we poked our heads into at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show had sticks. By comparison, more than half the VWs were slushers. Moving on - check out this cute little guy! It's the new C3, complete with its "Zenith Windshield." As you may have noticed, the front piece of glass goes all the way to eleven. We like this, because as time moves on, safety concerns and styling trends are forcing more and more glass out of the cabin. It's getting so bad that you can't hardly see out of the new Chevy Camaro. Not so in this here Citroen C3. Forward visibility for the win. And the view from outside the car ain't so bad either. High style, low price - what's not to like? Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Citroen C3

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Meet the 2010 Citroen C3

Frankfurt 2009: Meet the 2010 Citroen C3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Citroen DS3 looks good, needs a new name

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën

2010 Citroen DS3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Seriously Citroen, what is up? We're all for premium small cars (think Mini Cooper, Audi A3) and pray nightly that more will start coming to our shores. But calling this C3-based hatchback a DS? For reals? Look, any new Citroen DS has some mighty big Louboutins to fill. Like, huge. And, well, come on now - who you fooling? End oleopneumatic-a-phile rant.

Hey hey - this is a nice looking little guy. Love the two-tone roof, the LED fog light surrounds, blackened wheels, the trick mirror and general demeanor. We're not totally sold on the B-pillar, but hey - viva la difference! In top trim the diminutive DS3 packs 150 hp and that gumption is controlled by a six-speed manual transmission (with a tres belle shift knob) before heading out to the front wheels. And don't worry you dieselheads - there are two oil burners to choose from. Also, there's some nonsense about themes called things like, "Daisy," "Zebra" and "Maori," but we'll just let you about that in the press release, located after the jump.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Citroen DS3

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Citroen DS3 looks good, needs a new name

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Citroen DS3 looks good, needs a new name originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Citroen REVOLTe is... exactly that

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroen REVOLTe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Between storming the Bastille and a national rejection of the Venus razor, the French certainly know the meaning of the word "revolt". Interesting, then, that Citroen knowingly used the word - albeit Francofied with a superfluous E for its hybrid electric drivetrain - for its latest concept car.

The REVOLTe concept is a throwback to the 2CV of yore, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. But while the Tata Nano might carry the flame of the bare-bones four-wheeled transport today, the REVOLTe simply borrows the basic shape of its forbearer and gives it a modern twist. That bit comes courtesy of an unspecified "small-capacity conventional combustion engine combined with an electric motor and a battery re-charging function." Measuring just twelve feet long, the REVOLTe seats three - one offset up front and two in the back - accessed by suicide doors. We could go on, but Citroen has waxed poetic enough in its press release after the jump, so we'll let them pontificate and have you skip straight to the photos below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Citroen REVOLTe

Gallery: Citroen Revolte concept

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Citroen REVOLTe is... exactly that

Frankfurt 2009: Citroen REVOLTe is... exactly that originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #145 with the Two Marks from Ford

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:44:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Podcasts, Audi, Bugatti, Ford, Lamborghini, Renault, Peugeot, Citroën

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #145 of the Autoblog Podcast is a mostly-Frankfurt Motor Show edition. Chris, Sam and Dan are joined by Mark Kaufman, Ford's C-segment marketing manager, and Blue-Oval product communications manager Mark Schirmer. The two Marks join us to talk about what Ford's got up its sleeve for Frankfurt and beyond. The C1 Focus is finally making the transatlantic journey, and we're getting the flexible and efficient Grand C-Max, as well. Talk turns all EcoBoosty and future-plannish before the crew moves on to the sights at Frankfurt.

The Volkswagen L1 concept sets us off on the environmentally conscious aspects of the show, which we quickly abandoned in favor of such awesomeness as the Audi R8 Spyder, roofless Lamborghini Reventon, and the slick Audi S5 Sportback. Taking a left turn down Odd Street, we test our intestinal fortitude with the Bugatti Galibier, Peugeot BB1 and Citroen's Revolte. Questions wrap it up, and again, it clocks in with extra value past the hour and a half mark.

Thanks for the great reviews in iTunes and your efforts with the survey. We'll be back next week, but until then, hit up our friends at Engadget or Joystiq for other 'casts you might be interested in. Drop us a note at Podcast at Autoblog dot com in the meantime.

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #145 with the Two Marks from Ford

Autoblog Podcast #145 with the Two Marks from Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Citroën Revolte leaks out ahead of debut

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroen Revolte concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Citroën's calling its Frankfurt Motor Show-bound 2CV-looking concept car the Revolte, which is an unfortunate made-up word in French. Everyone else has jumped on the neo-retro bandwagon - Fiat's got its 500, Detroit has successfully exhumed 1969, and the Volkswagen New Beetle is to blame for it all - so why not Citroën?

The French automaker's new imagining of its stalwart 2CV may be far cooler than the much-loved original. The bodywork on the new concept appears chunky and athletic whereas the original looked like a cross between a crustacean and a dumpster. It's not clear what will be powering this concept car, but internet chatter suggests it may get a hybrid drivetrain of some sort.

The concept sports a sliding canvas roof, clamshell doors, and an interior that looks to have been swiped from the set of Spaceballs 2. Carrying a DS badge on the hood puts the Revolte concept into Citroën's premium lineup, distinctly upmarket from the austerity of its forebear. We'll take a closer peek when the curtain is lifted in Frankfurt, and if the cool Gallic concept does make its way for production, we hope it gets a better name, something like fou fauteuil à roues.

Gallery: Citroen Revolte concept

[Source: iCars]

Frankfurt Preview: Citroën Revolte leaks out ahead of debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroën teases a modern 2CV ahead of Frankfurt debut

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroën Frankfurt teaser - Click above to view in high-resolution

If the show won't come to France, then France will go to the show. So while it may be Frankfurt's turn to host the alternating European car show this year while Paris sits this one out, that doesn't mean that French automakers haven't got a few tricks up their sleeves. Although we're still waiting to see what Bugatti has got in store for the Frankfurt show, Renault is coming with three new electric vehicles, Peugeot's using the venue to unveil the new 3008 HYBrid, 5008 and 308 RCZ, and Citroën has got the new C3 and its premium counterpart DS3 to show off. But the chevron-emblazoned PSA auto division has just released a teaser shot of yet another vehicle on the docket for unveiling in Frankfurt, and it could be the most interesting of them all.

Not much in the way of information accompanies the teaser you see above, but reports suggest this could be a new C1 or C2 hatchback. Bearing ties to the original, iconic 2CV that put Citroën on the map, the new show car isn't expected to form part of any other Citroen project currently under way, so we'll have to wait until the show to find out more. Check out a higher-res version of the image above by clicking on it, as well as the super short press statement available after the jump.

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Citroën teases a modern 2CV ahead of Frankfurt debut

Citroën teases a modern 2CV ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroën releases production DS3 ahead of Frankfurt debut

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën, Luxury

Citroën DS3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

French fashion is at the forefront of the industry, and the same goes for French cuisine and French wine. But when it comes to cars, France's auto industry can hook you up (assuming you live overseas) with economical hatchbacks and minivans, but that's just about it until you get to the seven-figure Bugatti Veyron. Which is owned by a bunch of German fellows. That gigantic gap is apparently one which Citroën hopes to plug with its new DS line.

Citroën launched its premium initiative with the DS Inside Concept at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, and the French automaker has a whole range of premium vehicles lined up. Now Citroën has released the production version of the first model in the line, and it looks pretty darn close to the concept. In fact, the only thing they seemed to have changed from the show car to the production model is the exhaust - switched from twin pipes to a single tip - and the radio antenna, which goes with a conventional aerial instead of the concept's fin. Otherwise - and overall - Citroën appears to have managed the transition from concept to production in exceptionally smooth style - even retaining the showcar's unique fin-like B-pillar treatment.

The compact premium hatch shares its underpinnings with the new C3, only with a touch more class. Like a custom-tailored French suit, buyers can specify a whole range of color choices, extending beyond the usual exterior and interior shades to include the roof color, door mirror housings, dashboard trims, wheel hubs and more.

Power choices include two diesels (90 or 110 horsepower, respectively) and three gasoline engines (95, 120 or 150 horsepower), with five- or six-speed manuals. Mini and Fiat ought to take notice, and you can check out the full details in the press release after the jump and the images in the high-res mega gallery below.

Gallery: Citroen DS3

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Citroën releases production DS3 ahead of Frankfurt debut

Citroën releases production DS3 ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2009: Innaugural La Dolce Vita show

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Lamborghini, Maserati, Citroën, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

La Dolce Vita 2009 - Click image above for high-res gallery

When the usually reliable Concorso Italiano megashow hit a small speed bump last year, a few enterprising souls saw an opportunity for an alternate event that would capture the spirit of the original Concorso and appeal to those who might like a return to a simpler, more intimate show. La Dolce Vita was born and it found a home right away, at the very same Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course Concorso left two years ago.

While the number of vehicles displayed was tiny, the show definitely put an emphasis on quality over quantity. Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini and Maserati were particularly well represented, with one of the largest and most diverse Diablo collections we've ever seen honoring Ferruccio's finest notably well. Other highlights included an incredibly whimsical Hudson that was actually underpinned by the very same Hudson pickup that Henry Fonda drove in the movie adaptation of the Steinbeck classic The Grapes of Wrath.

A very special Alfa Romeo 1900 Primavera, the sole surviving Martini Bertone Ritmo 100tS, an 1899 Peugeot Trike, an impressive cluster of Citroen Traction Avants, and a handful of pre-war Lancias really won us over. Check out the gallery and you'll see why this fledgling show seems to have what it takes to earn a permanent spot on our ever-growing list of must-attend events here in Monterey.

Gallery: 2009 La Dolce Vita show

Monterey 2009: Innaugural La Dolce Vita show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW considers sharing Mini platform with PSA Peugeot Citroën

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Mini, Peugeot, Citroën, Rumormill

Mini 50 Mayfair -- Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Financial Times in the U.K., BMW may be in preliminary talks to share small car platforms for future Mini variants with PSA Peugeot Citroën. The two European automakers already share the range of small four-cylinder engines powering the Mini line, which seems to lend an air of credence to rumors of an expanded collaborative effort.

While stopping short of confirming the report, both BMW chief Norbert Reithofer and PSA head Philippe Varin have indicated a willingness to work together and have reportedly met twice so far since May. Whispers of platform sharing is nothing new for BMW these days - earlier this year, we again heard the oft-repeated rumor that BMW was working with Fiat on a shared platform for something even smaller than the regular-grade Mini, possibly as part of its long-rumored Isetta revival.

Gallery: MINI 50 Mayfair

[Source: Financial Times - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: BMW considers sharing Mini platform with PSA Peugeot Citroën originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GTbyCitroen gets the green light for limited production

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Supercars, Citroën, Specialty

GTbyCitroen concept at 2008 Paris auto salon - Click above for high-res image gallery

Less than completely psyched about the launch of the new Citroen C3? Granted, the new compact hatchback may not be the most exciting vehicle ever to come from the quirky French automaker, but don't despair - we've got some more exciting news from the other end of the spectrum as reports surface that Citroen has approved a small run of its fantastical GTbyCitroen supercar for production.

You'll recall the GT as the design which Citroen unveiled together with the creators of the Gran Turismo video game franchise last year in Paris. The closest the concept was ever meant to get to reality was the single show car built and the digitized version which gamers would be able to play on PS3, but earlier this month, we reported that the French automaker was receiving enough interest on the car to consider putting it into very limited production.

As if to whet our appetites, Citroen took the concept on a drive around London last week, and has since confirmed that it will make the climb up the hill at Goodwood this month. But if you're looking for a closer approximation of life-imitating-art-imitating-life, a short run of GTs will reportedly see the light of day. Only six are said to be built, at a reported price of £1.1 million ($1.83 million USD). The jury's still out on what will power the mythical beast - gossip suggests an American V8 sourced from either General Motors or Ford and driving in excess of 500 horsepower through a sequential gearbox - but carbon-fiber construction and exotic interior are said to be part of the final package. We could see a production version at the upcoming Frankfurt show in September, so stay tuned.

Gallery: GTbyCitroen

Gallery: Paris 2008: GTbyCitroen Live

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: GTbyCitroen gets the green light for limited production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2010 Citroen C3 is here

Dan Roth — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën

2010 Citroen C3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Citroen C3 is old enough in car years that it's getting a re-do before it undergoes a mid-life crisis. The new version is certainly a more mature design, receding hairline and all. Citroen has come up with its own euphemism for it, coining the phrase "Zenith Windscreen" to describe a large windshield that extends further up into the roof than normal to create a panoramic feel to the interior.

The new C3 is a smoother looking supermini than before, with slicker styling keeping it modern and slipping through the air with a Cd of .30. Inside the redone sheetmetal, the interior gets classed up and quieted down. Most notably, there's an integrated air freshener, presumably useful when you're using all 10.5 cubic feet of boot space to haul big dogs or foie gras party platters.

An HDi (Citroenese for "diesel") engine keeps CO2 emissions low, and new powerplants are in the pipeline for 2011. The new engines will use stop/start, the diesel versions of which will drop carbon dioxide emissions further, while gasoline-fueled C3s will also dip below the 100g/km of CO2 emissions level with a new three-cylinder engine. The C3's new duds don't come with the typical generational increase in weight, and the Chevron-emblazoned C-class car will motor onto the small car battlefield ready to earn more accolades with its latest generation. Follow the jump for Citroen's official press releas,e or browse over the C3's new design in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Citroen C3

[Source: Citroen]

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Officially Official: 2010 Citroen C3 is here originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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