Citroën C-Airdream

September 9, 2002 - To make it's debut at the Paris Motor Show, the C-Airdream concept expresses Citroën’s vision of sporting coupé design: 'flowing lines, clean contours, sophisticated materials and plays of light take passengers on a journey through the senses.'

The C-Airdream combines a long wheelbase and long front overhang with a short rear overhang for a unique proportion. The profile of C-Airdream expresses the pursuit of optimal aerodynamic design. The receding lines converging towards the rear of the vehicle suggest movement and fluidity, while the waist line and the prominent wings suggest stability and good roadholding. The strongly curved hood suggests latent power, and is framed by distinctive slim headlamps.

The fully glazed top part of the vehicle frees up the visual field of the occupants to create a strong impression of space and light: an impression unique in a coupé. The roof line ends with a sharply falling rear window.

The panoramic glazed roof diffuses a gentle light that warms the shadowy tones of the vehicle interior. The clean, airy lines of the central console emphasise the friendly atmosphere while creating individual space for each occupant. On either side of the console, moiré-look seats with a satin feel set off the subtle mix of dark, glossy and matt leather that covers the passenger compartment. Two folding seats at the rear offer generous space for luggage, a feature that makes the vehicle more versatile.

The instruments and information displays are above the axis of the steering wheel which features a fixed central hub. The navigation and information system screen in the centre of the dashboard is controlled using a mouse located at the end of a broad armrest that extends over the central console.

C-Airdream adopts an innovative approach to the adjustment of the driving position, making sure that the driver is ideally placed. The assembly made up of the steering wheel, associated controls and instrument cluster are electrically controlled to optimise the driving position while maintaining constant space for passengers at the rear. Using the benefits of drive-by-wire technology, all driving controls are placed on the fixed hub of the steering wheel within easy reach. This avoids any unnecessary movements on the part of the driver, who is able to enjoy driving pleasure to the full.

After the C-Crosser concept car, Citroën is continuing its research into drive-by-wire technology by exploring a new area of expertise: all-electric controls for braking and steering functions. The use of electronic control systems for all the dynamic functions of the C-Airdream paves the way for a new and revolutionary approach to the interior architecture. The control layout is designed to ensure the comfort and well-being of both the driver and passengers. The absence of the pedal assembly frees up additional space, which is used to improve the interior layout and also to increase safety. The fact that there are no mechanical parts, such as the steering column and pedal assembly, significantly reduces the risk of injury in the event of impact. Having the controls on the steering-wheel also increases the speed at which the driver’s commands are performed. Precious time is saved in braking, for example, since the driver does not have to put his foot on the pedal.

In addition to the usual functions, the driving position on C-Airdream features the braking, acceleration and gearshift controls. Steering relies on an electric link combining several sensors with control electronics. To accelerate, the driver applies thumb pressure to the paddles inside the steering wheel. Applying hand pressure to the other side of the paddle activates the braking system. The gearshift function relies on pushbuttons also positioned inside the steering wheel above the paddles, and designed for thumb control.

The steering function features full electronic control, through which the steering wheel angle/wheel angle ratio can be varied automatically in accordance with the driver’s requirements. Speed and grip are also taken into account. In particular, this function makes parking much easier owing to the more direct steering ratio - between one and two turns of the steering compared with three turns as a general rule. This feature also ensures pinsharp steering at high speeds. The electronically controlled braking system brings real-time control of the pressure exerted on each brake disc. The braking capacity of each tyre can be used to the full at all times, whatever the level of grip.

C-Airdream has a Cd of 0.28. It is is fitted with a 3.0i V6 150 kW engine coupled with an auto-adaptive automatic gearbox with sequential controls on the steering wheel. Hydractive 3 suspension provides comfort and roadholding. Two suspension settings are available, comfort or sport, depending on driving style and road conditions.

	Citroën C-Airdream coupe concept
	Click for larger images	September 9, 2002 - To make it's debut at the Paris Motor Show, the C-Airdream concept expresses Citroën’s vision of sporting coupé design: 'flowing lines, clean contours, sophisticated materials and plays of light take passengers on a journey through the senses.' The C-Airdream combines a long wheelbase and long front overhang with a short rear overhang for a unique proportion. The profile of C-Airdream expresses the pursuit of optimal aerodynamic design. The receding lines converging towards the rear of the vehicle suggest movement and fluidity, while the waist line and the prominent wings suggest stability and good roadholding. The strongly curved hood suggests latent power, and is framed by distinctive slim headlamps. The fully glazed top part of the vehicle frees up the visual field of the occupants to create a strong impression of space and light: an impression unique in a coupé. The roof line ends with a sharply falling rear window. The panoramic glazed roof diffuses a gentle light that warms the shadowy tones of the vehicle interior. The clean, airy lines of the central console emphasise the friendly atmosphere while creating individual space for each occupant. On either side of the console, moiré-look seats with a satin feel set off the subtle mix of dark, glossy and matt leather that covers the passenger compartment. Two folding seats at the rear offer generous space for luggage, a feature that makes the vehicle more versatile. The instruments and information displays are above the axis of the steering wheel which features a fixed central hub. The navigation and information system screen in the centre of the dashboard is controlled using a mouse located at the end of a broad armrest that extends over the central console. C-Airdream adopts an innovative approach to the adjustment of the driving position, making sure that the driver is ideally placed. The assembly made up of the steering wheel, associated controls and instrument cluster are electrically controlled to optimise the driving position while maintaining constant space for passengers at the rear. Using the benefits of drive-by-wire technology, all driving controls are placed on the fixed hub of the steering wheel within easy reach. This avoids any unnecessary movements on the part of the driver, who is able to enjoy driving pleasure to the full. After the C-Crosser concept car, Citroën is continuing its research into drive-by-wire technology by exploring a new area of expertise: all-electric controls for braking and steering functions. The use of electronic control systems for all the dynamic functions of the C-Airdream paves the way for a new and revolutionary approach to the interior architecture. The control layout is designed to ensure the comfort and well-being of both the driver and passengers. The absence of the pedal assembly frees up additional space, which is used to improve the interior layout and also to increase safety. The fact that there are no mechanical parts, such as the steering column and pedal assembly, significantly reduces the risk of injury in the event of impact. Having the controls on the steering-wheel also increases the speed at which the driver’s commands are performed. Precious time is saved in braking, for example, since the driver does not have to put his foot on the pedal. In addition to the usual functions, the driving position on C-Airdream features the braking, acceleration and gearshift controls. Steering relies on an electric link combining several sensors with control electronics. To accelerate, the driver applies thumb pressure to the paddles inside the steering wheel. Applying hand pressure to the other side of the paddle activates the braking system. The gearshift function relies on pushbuttons also positioned inside the steering wheel above the paddles, and designed for thumb control. The steering function features full electronic control, through which the steering wheel angle/wheel angle ratio can be varied automatically in accordance with the driver’s requirements. Speed and grip are also taken into account. In particular, this function makes parking much easier owing to the more direct steering ratio - between one and two turns of the steering compared with three turns as a general rule. This feature also ensures pinsharp steering at high speeds. The electronically controlled braking system brings real-time control of the pressure exerted on each brake disc. The braking capacity of each tyre can be used to the full at all times, whatever the level of grip. C-Airdream has a Cd of 0.28. It is is fitted with a 3.0i V6 150 kW engine coupled with an auto-adaptive automatic gearbox with sequential controls on the steering wheel. Hydractive 3 suspension provides comfort and roadholding. Two suspension settings are available, comfort or sport, depending on driving style and road conditions.