Citroen GT Concept: Virtually Real

By Feann Torr - 3/October/2008

Paris, France — Ultra wide, super long, and decisively low, Citroen's new concept car will make your eyes bleed.

It's arguably the most radical concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and gets my vote as one of the picks from this biennial auto show.

Just take a look at that rear end: it's got one of the most bizarre rumps we've seen in years, complete with peculiar extendo-fin. Citroen says the "rear end is oversized, made exaggeratedly long in order to create an effect of retinal persistence".

Then again, the styling at the front of the GTbyCITROËN concept - it's official moniker - is no less dramatic. 

The huge lateral air intakes with their cut out appearance and bold snout look like something out of a futuristic Japanese anime, which isn't so surprising considering the vehicle was originally designed for the Playstation game Gran Turismo 5.

French car maker Citroen describes it as "An original take on a road car, GTbyCITROËN is a style replica of a vehicle from the digital world".

This virtual car has become a reality however, and Citroen has built an imposing life-sized version that measures about the same length as a Holden Statesman at 4.96 metres long.

As mentioned, this stunning automotive creation is ultra wide at 2.08 metres, and very low at 1.09 metres, giving it the kind of show presence every exhibitor wishes for.

"GTbyCITROËN shows how the worlds of virtual and real-life motoring can join together to create a truly innovative partnership," says Kazanori Yamauchi, the creator of Gran Turismo. 

"We were delighted that Citroen approached us and gave us the opportunity to combine our creative strengths to build this very special concept car. To see the car take shape in game and then for real has been a truly unique experience as our work normally stays in the digital world. I just hope I can get behind the wheel of GTbyCITROËN and drive it on a real race track!" added Yamauchi.

Sitting on 21-inch alloy wheels and boasting the kind of LED lighting that makes Audi's R8 look bland, the GT concept really is an ocular delight. 

The side mirrors look rather technical, and "appear to be suspended as if to cleave the air" according to Citroen.

If all the exaggerated styling cues, the fins, the protrusions, the strakes and the vents weren't enough, the GTbyCITROËN concept even gets gull-wing doors. Take that Lamborghini.

The interior has seating for two: a driver and co-driver apparently. 

Both occupants get leather padded racing seats with four-point harnesses, and a heads-up display provides the driver with all the relevant driving data, such as road speed.

So, what about the engine? 

Judging from all the vents and air intakes one would assume that it's powered by a mid-mounted 10-cylinder turbocharged monstrosity. But according to Citroen it's an electric car.

The Citroen GT Concept has hardcore aerodynamics that give it a dramatic super car look, but in reality it would pass by with only a semi-audible hum from its electric drivetrain which is powered by an ultra-green fuel cell system.

Easily one of the most dazzling concept cars we've seen in years, this futuristic super car could influence Citroen designs and propulsion systems into the future.

As Citroen states: "GTbyCITROËN embodies the sporting spirit as seen by Citroën and underlines the Marque's ambitions to meet new challenges".

It's not clear whether the vehicle is 4WD or RWD, but it matters little. 

The Citroen GT serves one key purpose, to draw huge crowds to the Citroen exhibit at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Related Links:
- Citroen Hypnos Concept (2008)
- Citroën C-Cactus (2007)
- Citroën C-Airscape Concept (2007)
- Citroen C-Crosser SUV (2007)
- Citroën C6 (2006)
- Citroën C-Métisse (concept)