Citroen confirms diesel hybrid plans
April 30, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Citroen has today confirmed that it will indeed launch a diesel hybrid by 2011, a car it claims which will set new standards for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The technology will, at first, arrive in the form of the Citroen DS5, then gradually work its way in to one-third of the brand’s new premium range of cars.
The use of a diesel hybrid not only promises a considerable fuel saving and a drop of up to 35 per cent in carbon dioxide emissions compared to a same-sized car, it will also enable Citroen to offer a new breed of four-wheel-drive, with the driver having a choice of front-wheel-drive from the diesel engine, rear-wheel-drive from electric motors or all-wheel-drive with both systems engaged.
It is this new breed of drivetrain that has required PSA Citroen to launch projects at its Mulhouse and Sochaux factories to pilot engineer new production lines and processes to enable not just installation of the new rear axle assembly but to also allow it to be fitted to several models across the Citroen product line.
This is a highly complex process, because it involves the assembly of both conventional mechanical parts and newer electrical components.
By using a full-scale 3D model to create a virtual workshop, team leaders and technicians are identifying ways to drive improvements in both efficiency and quality.
These simulations are designed to optimise use of floor space, enhance workstation ergonomics and generally facilitate handling and assembly while streamlining logistics flows and the outcomes will also be used to prepare precise specifications for suppliers.
Over recent months teams at the Mulhouse plant’s mechanical assembly unit have deployed a series of lean manufacturing projects aimed at improving the organisation of the workshop that will assemble the new electric drivetrain. PSA Citroën’s lean manufacturing enables efficiency, quality and costs to be optimised through teamwork.
Citroen has demonstrated its hybrid technology in a unique range of vehicles, including a standard Citroen C4, an advanced concept car, the C-Airscape that set the stage for the new Citroen C5 and, most recently, a hybrid version of its world-beating Citroen C4 WRC rally car, that has proven that this technology has a role to play in the highest levels of motorsport.
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show this year, the Citroen DS Inside heralds a new range of Citroen models that emphasise creativity, strong and emotional styling, quality in presentation and finish, unique driving sensations and functional qualities.
The first production car to revive one of Citroen most famous names will the Citroen DS3, set for launch next year. This new model, which will set above the Citroen C3, will be matched by the launch of Citroen DS4 and, with the new hybrid drivetrain, the Citroen DS5 in 2011.
Source: Citroen
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Any word if the Citroen/Peugeot fragrance diffuser will be diesel or electrically powered?
A diesel hybrid small car, good work. Now who is going to be the first to develop an LPG-only hybrid for Australia?
Forget these silly hybrid distractions and lets all get on with hydrogen.
Who was telling me that diesel hybrids are not a good idea?
Well there is two expensive technologies there. But a good idea to have them running seperate axles. Simplifies it greatly.
Mind you could get the new $22k est Ford Eco-netic Fiesta diesel which will get 99grams CO2/km or about 3.7L/100km here in Australia in about 6mths time.
I heard Hyundai are developing LPG Hybrid.
LPG hybrid has already been made.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/13.....d-elantra/
Guys, I think you will find the potential torque characteristics of a diesel hybrid impressive. This technology will probably lead the way of mainstream motoring for some time.
Electric vehicles will still struggle to provide the range that a diesel hybrid can. There are other companies developing this technology. It will be interesting to see how it evolves over coming years.
There are difficulties with synthesis and general access to hydrogen. It probably will not be an option for the common motorist for another ten years.
I would not underestimate this technology from an organisation that gave us the DS line.
Go PSA alliance. With electricity and diesel imagine how much torque there must be.
HOORAY the DS is back!
Now this will completely wipe the floor with Toyotas Farcicle Prius. The minute this get to the highway all petrol hybrids as far as economy is concerned obselete.
Roll on Citroen.
I think that you will find that a hybrid diesel will produce a lower % efficiency gain than a hybrid electric.
This makes the price premium of the hybrid version of the diesel even harder to justify (it’s already unjustifiable for petrols!).
I wonder how the average Joe Bloggs with limited automotive knowledge will take this product (in aus at least). I some still consider diesel to be a “dirty” fuel and it might seem at odds with hybrids which have the “clean” connotation.
Missed a “think” between I and some above…
Wow real time 3D CAD modeling, I think thats what Audi and some others currently use, clever. Citroen is an innovative comany, and their sense of style is usually very good (albeit a bit unusual sometimes), they just need to improve their reliability just a bit more to be on par with some eastern companies.