Citro?n heading to Beijing with DS 5LS R concept [w/video]

Fri, 04 Apr 2014

With the renaissance of the DS line, Citroën was clearly going for style and elegance. But in the years since it has also imbued some of its premium DS models with an added dose of performance. It used the DS3 as the basis for its World Rally Championship challenger, then rolled out the DS3 Racing hot hatch and the DS3 Cabrio Racing version, and applied a similar treatment to the DS4 Racing concept. Now it's doing the same to the Chinese-market DS 5LS luxury sedan.

Set to debut later this month at the Beijing Motor Show, the somewhat awkwardly named DS 5LS R may sound more like a new camera model but is actually a performance sedan concept. In its transformation, Citroën gave it a 1.6-liter turbo four with 300 horsepower on tap, lowered the suspension by 15 millimeters (0.6 inches), widened the track, upgraded the brakes, fitted 20-inch wheels and gave it looks to match.

The bodywork has been doused in a matte metallic shade of reddish magenta and accented with carbon-fiber trim, while the interior has been upgraded with leather and Alcantara trim, top-stitched in the same red as the exterior and similarly accented with carbon trim. Of course R logos feature prominently throughout. No matter what we think of it, though, a concept car based on a model made by a French automaker for the Chinese market stands absolutely no chance of ever seeing the inside of an American showroom or an inch of the Great American Road, so the closest we're ever likely to get is the high-res image gallery above and the video and press release below.

DS 5LS R CONCEPT TO PREMIERE AT BEIJING SHOW: PERFORMANCE THROUGH LUXURY & TECHNOLOGY

- DS 5LS R – a high-performance, luxury concept car based on the recently launched DS 5LS – will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show
- Sporting performance attributed to 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, developing 300bhp & 400Nm of torque
- Design enhances the athletic, luxury styling of DS 5LS & features the finest in high-end materials & state-of-the-art technology
- A new DS concept car will be presented at the Beijing Motor Show later this month. DS 5LS R is an all-new and unique version of the DS 5LS, which combines top-level performance with luxury styling.

Recently launched in China, DS 5LS is a bold, striking addition to the Chinese market, standing out from the crowd with its distinctive styling, including the sculptural and prestigious 'DS Wings' grille, which characterises new DS models. The DS 5LS R concept car emphasises the dynamic character of the production version, highlighting the model's athletic lines.

The unveiling of DS 5LS R follows on from the DS3 Cabrio Racing and DS4 Racing concepts, as Citroën continues to push boundaries in performance, design and innovation.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

A nod to Citroën's World Rally Championship pedigree, DS 5LS R boasts a high performance powertrain, underpinned by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that develops 300bhp and torque of 400 Nm. The chassis has been lowered by 15mm, compared to the production version and the concept has wider front tracks and a sequential gearbox, controlled by paddles behind the steering wheel.

High-precision development has been applied to the chassis, brakes and suspension, while the focus on performance is visually underscored by the extensive use of real carbon fibre components.

SPORTING DESIGN

DS 5LS R remains faithful to the DS spirit of innovation and luxury, making a bold first impression. The sports styling is complemented by an anodised Carmine Red paint with a matt metallic finish. The concept confirms its 'R' status with wide side stripes in matt carbon grey on the front doors. The 'R' signature features extensively around the exterior of the concept – on the bonnet, at the rear and on the sides of the car.

Further carbon fibre components include the side signature trim, which extends across the top of the side windows to the boot, cutting through the rear quarter panel with a subtly drawn shark fin. The 'DS Wings' grille is finished in carbon grey dark chrome and the sporty 20-inch wheels are sculpturally designed and carbon-coloured to match the polished aluminium on the exterior and the touches of Carmine Red.

LUXURY CABIN

Inside, DS 5LS R is all about luxury, with a wide range of exceptional materials in evidence. The cabin is fully lined with leather and Alcantara®, including the dashboard and steering wheel. The DS identity is reinforced throughout, with a three-fabric version of the DS 'watchstrap' upholstery – aniline full-grain leather, DS-embossed leather and Alcantara®. The seats, dashboard, upper door panels and central armrest are finished with pearl top-stitching in Carmine Red.

The performance elements continue inside, with instruments on the central console and the steering wheel featuring Carmine Red detailing and the 'R' signature. There are also real carbon fibre inserts on the steering wheel, door panels and door handles, together with Carmine Red touches for the air vents.

The Beijing Motor Show takes place at the China International Exhibition Centre from April 20-29.

By Noah Joseph