Segment: Medium
Production years: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975
The Citroen DS was one of the most revolutionary vehicles in the world when it was compared with the cars from its age.
When the DS was introduced at the 1965 Paris Motor Show, it totaled 12.000 orders on the first day and 80.000 during the ten days show. That record was broken 60 years later by the Tesla Model 3. The biggest problem for the DS was the engine, which was too small for it. It always thrived for more power, which came in 1968 along with the DS21.
The DS21 featured the same magical technologies as the DS. Its headlights turned along with the steering wheel to light inside the curve. The suspension resides on the oleo-pneumatic system that made the car float on the road, and the passengers felt like they were on a magic carpet. Moreover, the car was designed by former aircraft engineers, and the only bump on its bottom was the exhaust pipe. Everything else was straight to allow a better air-flow.
Inside, the one-spoke steering wheel was one of the most iconic elements in the car-industry. The three-dials on the dashboard were designed to prevent the sun from reflecting on them. The four-speed manual gearbox with a steering-column mounted gearstick (four on the tree) was easy to reach. Moreover, Citroen installed a sequential gearbox, as well. In 1970, the DS received a 5-speed manual. The DS's futuristic features helped it came third for the title of "Car of the Century" behind the VW Beetle and the Ford T.
The most important evolution of the DS 21 was the 2.2-liter. It was offered with a carburetor or with fuel injection. It finally had an engine to suit the car's magic.
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2 (101 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2175 cm3 |
Power: | 75 KW @ 5500 RPM 101 HP @ 5500 RPM 101 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 121 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 164 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 109 mph (175 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Manual, 4 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 190.6 in (4841 mm) |
Width: | 70.5 in (1791 mm) |
Height: | 58 in (1473 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59/51 in (1,499/1,295 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 123 in (3124 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2822 lbs (1280 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2 (107 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2175 cm3 |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 110.6 mph (178 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2 (127 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2175 cm3 |
Power: | 93 KW @ 5250 RPM 127 HP @ 5250 RPM 125 BHP @ 5250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 116.8 mph (188 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Manual, 4 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 190.5 in (4839 mm) |
Width: | 70.5 in (1791 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59/51 in (1,499/1,295 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 123 in (3124 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2866 lbs (1300 kg) |