At first glance, the Citroën C4 Cactus Airflow 2L Concept may seem like a souped-up version of the standard model, and that’s due to its upgraded aerodynamic package.
However, it’s not the dynamic performance that has been enhanced, it’s the crossover’s fuel-efficiency, as the study features the Hybrid Air technology also used by the ultra-economical Peugeot 208 Hybrid Air 2L prototype.
More specifically, the Citroën C4 Cactus Airflow 2L Concept combines an 82PS (81hp) 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, a hydraulic pump with a compressed air energy storage unit and an epicyclic automatic transmission for a combined fuel economy of 2 l/100 km (117.6 mpg US or 141.2 mpg UK).
The impressive result is also due to the concept’s refined aerodynamics (it is 20 percent more aerodynamic than the standard car) and 100kg (220lbs) lighter weight – not that the C4 Cactus was a heavy car to begin with. The result of the diet is a curb weight of just 865 kg (1,907 lbs), achieved by replacing many structural components with lighter materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, high-yield steels, composite parts and translucent polycarbonate.
The concept can run on three different modes including Air Power when the compressed air motor drives the wheels, petrol power only, and a combination of the two units.
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