The Citroen DS Wild Rubis concept?has been unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai auto show, revealing a plug-in hybrid powertrain and all-wheel-drive technology.
Initially revealed ahead of the Chinese auto show, previewing the French manufacturer's "vision of a future DS SUV", the Citroen DS Wild Rubis concept's plug-in hybrid unit has now been detailed with a claimed power figure of 217kW, CO2?emissions of 43 grams per kilometre, and an all-electric range of 50km.
Comprising a 165kW 1.6-litre petrol engine, a 51kW electric motor positioned on the rear axle and lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged from a domestic socket, the Wild Rubis' plug-in hybrid system offers drivers not only the option of all-electric, zero emissions travel but also the combined torque of both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when called upon via a 'boost function'.
Citroen says the Wild Rubis concept can also handle various degrees of difficult driving conditions thanks to the car's automatic four-wheel-drive system that sees the electric motor power the rear wheels while the petrol engine takes care of the front. While the system automatically engages when accelerating hard or when grip is poor, drivers have the option of manually selecting the system for themselves for full-time operation.
Although a production version of the Citroen DS Wild Rubis concept is yet to be announced, Citroen has confirmed it will continue to expand its DS model line-up.
