To commemorate their 100th anniversary, the French car manufacturer has introduced a new concept called 19_19. This vehicle is intended to be a travel companion for long distances and complements the previously unveiled Ami One city car concept, which is incredibly compact.
Taking inspiration from the world of aviation, the 19_19 car boasts a sleek design that resembles the shape of an aircraft fuselage and a transparent cockpit like that of a helicopter. The suspended cabin is made entirely of glass, giving the impression that the car is floating on air thanks to Citroen’s innovative Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension system. This unique combination of design elements results in a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
The mechanism present in this system enables the wheels to move independently of the cabin, which leads to the elimination of any bump sensation. Thus, it provides a comfortable and smooth “magic carpet ride” experience.
In partnership with Goodyear, they have created massive 30-inch wheels that have a porous texture, acting like a sponge to lessen noise and absorb impact. Moreover, these tyres also have intelligent sensors that assist in providing information about the road conditions to the car when operating in an autonomous mode.
In just five seconds, the 19_19 concept car can reach a speed of 100 kilometres per hour and has the ability to go up to 200 kilometres per hour. This car runs on electric power, which gives it a range of up to 800 kilometres and helps keep the noise level to a minimum while also reducing its carbon footprint. With its quick charging technology, the car can get up to 600 kilometres of range in just 20 minutes of charging time. These features create a unique and enjoyable driving experience, almost like being in a bubble.
The 19_19 concept car is built to provide passengers with a luxurious and relaxing experience, allowing them to detach from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its cabin is designed to resemble a cozy cocoon, seamlessly blending with the rider’s lifestyle, serving as a mobile living room.
In order to replicate the cozy atmosphere of a living room, the cabin seats are designed to provide various postural positions like sofas, armchairs, and ottomans to cater to the passenger’s preferences. For instance, the front passenger seat is fashioned to resemble a chaise longue, which has a relaxed posture and soft texture, giving the passenger the comfort of a business-class seat during long-haul flights.
The 19_19 concept car boasts of a cutting-edge personal assistant that runs on artificial intelligence. This assistant takes charge of the car’s autonomous mode and engages passengers with an intuitive predictive system that anticipates their needs. A black panel on the side of the vehicle acts as a user interface for other cars and pedestrians, and it can detect the driver and greet them with animated graphics.
The vehicle’s back roof has two LiDAR sensors that are utilized to detect the car’s environment, intentionally made to look like a pair of tail wings.
Citroën’s head of design, Pierre Leclercq, expressed that the 19_19 Concept was created to break the norms of the automotive industry. The vehicle’s design was heavily influenced by aviation, resulting in a bold and impressive appearance. The concept car is intended to provide a comfortable and technologically advanced driving experience, as if floating above the road. Notable features include the innovative light signatures, aerodynamic appendices, and custom-designed Goodyear wheels.
Citröen’s upcoming 19_19 concept car pays tribute to the brand’s original Petite Rosalie model with its striking electric blue color. The lightweight racing car from the 1930s inspired the vibrant hue, which is sure to turn heads. Car enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the innovative vehicle at the VivaTech event in Paris on May 16th. This follows Citröen’s successful debut of the Ami One concept at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. In addition to the 19_19, visitors were treated to other awe-inspiring designs, including Bugatti’s one-of-a-kind carbon fiber supercar, which sold for a whopping €11 million to an undisclosed buyer.
