Citroen is prepared to bring an innovative concept to Frankfurt, the C-Cactus. The concept is touted to be eco-friendly and very economical with fuel. Engineers at Citroen have shown intelligence and innovativeness in preparing a concept that comes loaded with all features you expect, good fuel economy and all this without letting the production costs run high.
Powered by a 70 bhp HDi diesel engine with a DPFS and 5-speed automatic transmission and 30 bhp electric motor, the concept can cover 100km on a meager 2.9L of diesel, the carbon dioxide exhaled is just 78g/km. Top speed of the car has been capped at 150kmph.
Engineers have removed any feature that was not found essential for comfort, and kept their focus steadily on technology and equipment. This approach made the concept say goodbye to the dashboard, with its usual functions going to the central console and fixed hub of the steering wheel. Window frames and the opening mechanism are also absent. The hood is missing as well, replaced by a flap ahead of the windscreen.
Monoblock units have been used to reduce the number of parts used; another feature of the design, which focussed on using smaller number of parts, which means less raw material went into production of the car.
The concept is characterized by the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable material in its construction. The windscreen and windows are from recycled glass, the tyres and the crude steel used for door panels are recyclable. Cork and wool have been used extensively.
Being eco-friendly doesn’t make this car go less on comfort. It features Touch screen navigation system, Portable MP3 player with a touch screen playing the role of ignition key, Air conditioning with automatic temperature control, High-quality audio system, Speed limiter and cruise control and an electric handbrake.
An innovative concept indeed. Though the styling isn’t very striking and immediately attractive, the effort and ingenuity gone into the design of this concept is clear, and does speak very highly of the design.
[Via: Citroen]
Citroen C-Cactus Concept Picture Gallery
