C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L
The innovative combination of creativity and technology
A laboratory for new ideas, the C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L is packed with advanced technologies that illustrate the ambition and ability of Citroën to develop innovative responses to the automotive challenges of the present and the future.
A BODY STYLE OPTIMISED FOR AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE
The Citroën C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L Concept
With the C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L concept, Citroën is taking this approach even further.
On the C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L, some styling features have been modified and others created in order to optimise vehicle aerodynamics. These can be categorised into two types: Variable-geometry components and Fixed-geometry components.
VARIABLE-GEOMETRY STYLING COMPONENTS
The C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L concept Variable-geometry components include:
- The new front bumper features three air intakes that continuously adjust in accordance with vehicle use, both for engine cooling and to regulate air flow
- Mobile side deflectors have been added to effectively guide the air flow around the vehicle
- The wheels feature mobile shutters activated and controlled by centrifugal force
INNOVATIVE MATERIALS FOR LIGHTER WEIGHT
Lighter than C4 Cactus
The production C4 Cactus is already 200kg lighter than the Citroën C4 hatchback, yet the C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L concept sheds a further 100kg. This means Citroën's designers have reduced the weight of the concept by 11% compared with the production vehicle.
Innovative materials
To achieve this, the weight of many structural components has been reduced, with the body sub-structure featuring new materials including Aluminium and High-yield steels. These new materials are structural and help to soak up energy in the event of an impact. They also meet the highest standards in terms of mechanical strength.
FIXED-GEOMETRY STYLING COMPONENTS
The C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L concept Fixed-geometry components include:
- New generation 19-inch "ultra ultra" low rolling resistance "tall & narrow" tyres. Their design improves both energy efficiency and aerodynamics. The large diameter also means they are better able to soak up bumps and dips in the road surface
- The wheel arches feature an “Air Curtain”. This is achieved with small aerodynamic slats on either end of the front bumper which channel the airflow along the wheels
- The spoiler has been lengthened and an air extractor added on the rear bumper in order to reduce the turbulence that can increase drag
- The conventional door mirrors have been replaced by smaller, slimmer rearview cameras to reduce the impact on air flow
- The vehicle sub-structure has been entirely streamlined so the air flows smoothly underneath the car
- LED light modules at the front and rear replace the existing lights. Consuming little power, these new modules save energy and benefit fuel economy
HYBRID AIR TECHNOLOGY
With the latest-generation Euro 6 engines, the production C4 Cactus already ranks among the best in its segment with CO2 emissions from 82g/km and fuel consumption starting at just 91.1 mpg.
The C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L concept goes even further by adopting the Hybrid Air drivetrain. Presented by the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group in January 2013, and featured on a Citroën C3 at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, this technology combines a range of proven sub-systems and technologies. Three operating modes are available:
- Air power (zero emissions) where the compressed air motor takes over from the petrol engine
- Petrol power, using only the combustion engine
- Combined power, drawing upon both the combustion engine and the compressed air
JUST 2L/100 KM
This very low level of consumption is the result of:
- Optimised design with a 20% improvement in aerodynamics
- Lower rolling resistance "tall & narrow" tyres
- Lighter parts to reduce overall vehicle weight by 100kg
- Hybrid Air technology, which cuts fuel consumption by 30%
