autoevolution
 

Citroen Reveals C4 Cactus Airflow 2L Concept

Unveiled ahead of the Paris Motor Show, the C4 Cactus Airflow 2L is a small package of French design and technology built to drastically reduce consumption. Using clever aerodynamics and a new type of powertrain, this small crossover now consumes under 2L/100 km (117.6mpg US and 141.2mpg UK).
 C4 Cactus Airflow 2L 24 photos
Photo: Citroen
C4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2LC4 Cactus Airflow 2L
C4 Cactus Airflow 2L follows yesterday's reveal of the Renault 1-liter concept. It's clear that both companies came up with solutions similar to the Volkswagen XL1, though the two French models are drastically different to each other in crucial ways. While the diamond brand went for an all-new platform that used magnesium and aluminum to shave 400 kg (881 lbs), Citroen wants to show its fans what it can do with current tech.

Thankfully, the C4 Cactus was already a very light car, tipping the scales at under a ton, but engineers were able to shave another 100 kilograms (220 lbs), so you end up with something the size of a large supermini but the weight of a car from the class below. Perhaps more interesting is what they've done with the design. Both the front lower bumper and the wheels have active aero elements that help reduce drag and look cool when activated.

And how's this for an idea? Instead of a regular set of side view mirrors, you get cameras that point backwards, reducing drag, just like on the XL1. Thanks to these measures, air flows over the C4 Cactus 20% more efficiently. Lower rolling resistance tires which are tall and narrow also help with fuel consumption.

Citroen is relying on an all-new type of hybrid system to power the concept car. Instead of regular electricity, "Hybrid Air" combines a VTi petrol engine with an air compressor/pump. The French company is very serious about putting such ideas into practice. Hybrid Air is deemed to be an important step towards putting the 2l/100 km car on the road by 2020.

Editor's note: The air tanks look like little frankfurters. But this is a French car, so it's okay!

[YOUTUBE+https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRt-f3Zy5eg]
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories