Citroën Numéro 9 Concept Previews DS9 at Beijing Motor Show
Citroën will unveil the Numéro 9 concept at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, previewing a future DS9 executive saloon and marking the DS line’s launch in China.
Citroën will present its Numéro 9 concept car at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, offering a first look at a future DS9 executive saloon intended for the Chinese market. The show opens to the press on 23 April, with the DS line’s China launch set for later in the year.
The Numéro 9 is a large plug-in hybrid fastback, designed to establish Citroën’s DS brand as a premium contender in China. At nearly five metres long and just 1.27 metres high, the concept sits low and wide on 21-inch wheels, with a three-metre wheelbase promising generous rear legroom, an important factor for executive buyers in China.
Plug-in hybrid drivetrain and performance
Citroën has equipped the Numéro 9 with a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine at the front and an electric motor on the rear axle. The petrol engine delivers 225hp (165kW) and 275Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds 70hp (52kW) and 200Nm. The system allows for all-electric rear-wheel-drive operation for up to 50km, with the battery recharging from a standard socket in 3.5 hours.
When required, both power sources work together to provide all-wheel drive. Citroën claims the Numéro 9 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 244km/h. Official figures put combined fuel consumption at 1.7l/100km and CO2 emissions at 39g/km, reflecting the plug-in hybrid’s focus on both performance and efficiency.
Design and dimensions
The Numéro 9’s proportions are intended to stand out among executive saloons, with a long bonnet, sharply defined waistline and a glass roof that accentuates the low profile. At 4.93 metres long and 1.94 metres wide, the concept signals Citroën’s ambitions for the DS9 to compete with established premium rivals in China. The laden weight is quoted at 1,500kg.
| Length | 4.93m |
|---|---|
| Width | 1.94m |
| Height | 1.27m |
| Wheelbase | 3.00m |
| Laden weight | 1,500kg |
| Petrol engine | 1.6 THP, 225hp (165kW), 275Nm |
| Electric motor | 70hp (52kW), 200Nm |
| All-electric range | 50km |
| 0-100km/h | 5.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 244km/h |
| Fuel consumption | 1.7l/100km |
| CO2 emissions | 39g/km |
Citroën’s DS strategy for China
The Numéro 9 concept underlines Citroën’s commitment to the DS sub-brand in China, where premium saloons are in high demand. The production DS9, previewed by this concept, is expected to be built and sold exclusively in China, reflecting the market’s importance to Citroën’s global plans. The launch follows strong worldwide DS sales, with over 200,000 units sold prior to 2012.
Citroën’s decision to reveal the Numéro 9 at Beijing places it among several headline concepts at the show, including rival unveilings such as the Lamborghini SUV conceptand the Volkswagen Golf R 400.
