2010 Citroen Survolt

Citroen sure knows how to capture attention at these auto shows, don’t they?

Remember Paris in 2008? Yeah, that’s when Citroen unveiled the GT by Citroen concept. This year, at the Geneva Motor Show, the French automaker is at it again, this time bringing the aggressively neoned up Survolt concept. It features the same design language as the GT, but taken to a more compact dimension. And if the GT made it to production - only six have been made at $1.8 million a pop - we’re pretty confident that somewhere down the road, we’ll see a production version of the Survolt too.

The concept’s front is defined by the same large oval-shaped grille, slim, horizontal head lamps with LED lamps. The rear features the elegant light signature of the Citroen Revolte together with a spoiler in a timely and essential reference to motor sport, all of which were made through the use of a combination of chrome and aluminum.

Although Citroen is still withholding further details surrounding the Survolt, it is expected that the concept will be powered by an electric drive-train.

UPDATE 07/07/2010: Citroen has announced that the Survolt will indeed make an appearance that’s not in an auto expo showroom, but rather at the Le Mans Classic on July 10. You read that right; the Survolt is getting prepped for its racing debut. Vanina Ickx, daughter of former racing ace Jacky Ickx, will drive the electric vehicle.

Citroen has also finally given us the inner workings of the Survolt, including the concept’s technical specs. The car measures at 3.85m long, 1.87.m wide, and 1.2m high and weighs in at just 1,150 kg. It comes with a tubular chassis, a flat underside with an extractor, and full carbon bodywork. As for capabilities, the Survolt can produce a 0-60 mph time of just a shade under five seconds with a top speed of 162 mph.

Updated 07/13/2010: Citroen today unveiled images with the electric concept at the Le Mans circuit, where the Survolt made its first laps. The concept’s driver, Vanina Ickx, said: "I am very happy to participate in this unique project. On the track, I had a very good sensation. It’s a real race car, with a very promising potential for the future."