DS Cars has revealed its SM Tribute, created to mark ten years for the reason that model break up with Citroen to grow to be a standalone premium model.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary Citroen SM bought from 1970 till 1975 – despite the fact that it by no means featured ‘DS’ badging – the reborn DS SM Tribute reinvents the unique Maserati-powered quick two-door for a zero-emission future.
Measuring simply 30mm longer, 20mm taller, however a substantial 140mm wider, the brand new idea largely sticks to the previous automobile’s footprint, whereas embracing the unique’s smooth, aerodynamic form.
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Mimicking the half-century previous Citroen SM, the brand new retro-futuristic creation will get a 3D display that acts as a lightweight bar rather than the unique’s full-width glass panel.
The cutouts within the rear fenders pay homage to the unique’s wheel spats, though 22-inch alloy wheels are big in comparison with the 1970 SM’s puny – however pleasant – 15-inch rims.
There’s no phrase if the unique SM’s bizarre and wacky hydropneumatic suspension has been up to date and carried over, however the Gold Leaf paint hue is alleged to attract hyperlinks again to the 70s automobile’s palette selections.
Inside, except for figure-hugging seats, it seems to be like designers gave up attempting to replace the SM. Why mess with a superb factor?
As a substitute, there’s the same old widescreen digital instrument cluster and infotainment system stretching throughout the sprint, mixed with a squared-off yoke-style steering wheel, plus a centre console with capacitive-touch keys, somewhat than bodily buttons.
Designed in-house by DS, it’s unlikely the SM Tribute will ever attain manufacturing, however its dramatic styling will stay on in future DS fashions, together with a brand new flagship we dare to dream shall be a quick GT however will in all probability be simply one other giant SUV.
Primed to make its public debut on September 15 on the Concours d’Magnificence of Chantilly Arts & Magnificence, simply north of Paris, the brand new DS idea arrives lower than a month after Citroen known as time on the Australian market after a 102-year uninterrupted presence.
There’s no plan to launch DS Cars in its absence, regardless of it declaring it might transition to grow to be an EV-only model from 2024.