The Citroën Survolt, later known as the DS Survolt, is a concept electric racing car presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It is a full-sized racing car based on the earlier electric concept car Citroën Revolte, shown at Frankfurt in 2009, and because it runs on batteries it is classed as a zero-emissions vehicle.
Citroën Survolt at a glance
| Maker | Citroën, France |
|---|---|
| Type | electric racing concept |
| Shown | Geneva Motor Show, 2010 |
| Based on | Citroën Revolte concept of 2009 |
| Length | 3.85 m |
| Width | 1.87 m |
| Height | 1.20 m |
| Motors | two electric motors, 300 bhp (224 kW) combined |
| Top speed | 260 km/h claimed |
| 0–100 km/h | under 5 seconds |
| Range | 200 km claimed |
| First track run | Le Mans, 12 July 2010, driven by Vanina Ickx |
Based on one source (English Wikipedia).
History of the Citroën Survolt
A racing car on batteries
The Survolt is a full-sized racing car built on the ideas of the Revolte, and its design is dominated at the front by the badge above a large oval grille. It has horizontal LED headlamps, which use less power than filament bulbs — important in a battery vehicle — and at the back it keeps the light cluster design of the Revolte and adds a spoiler for downforce. In 2011 an art car based on the Survolt was created with the artist Françoise Nielly.
Performance
Two electric motors produce a combined 300 bhp (224 kW). Citroën claimed a top speed of 260 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds and a battery range of 200 km.
On the track and on screen
The DS Survolt first appeared on a racetrack at Le Mans on 12 July 2010, with Vanina Ickx the first driver behind the wheel. Although production was never confirmed, there were rumours that Citroën wanted a limited run of a compact concept based on the car and a one-make racing series. It also appeared in the Gameloft mobile games Asphalt 6, Asphalt 8 and GT Racing 2 and later in Asphalt Legends, and as free downloadable content in Driveclub, while Top Gear drove it around its test track and rated it highly, though the presenters noted how hard it was to get in and out.
Design and features
- Two motors: 300 bhp combined, with a claimed 260 km/h.
- LED headlamps: chosen to save power in a battery vehicle.
- Rear spoiler: added downforce, with the Revolte’s tail lights.
- Zero emissions: classed as a zero-emission vehicle because it runs on batteries.
- Racing debut: Le Mans, 12 July 2010, with Vanina Ickx driving.
Citroën Survolt versions
- Survolt (2010): the concept racing car.
- DS Survolt: the later name under the DS brand.
- Art car (2011): a version made with Françoise Nielly.
The Survolt was based on the Revolte, and it belongs with the other electric Citroëns such as the C-Zero. More cars are in the Citroën collection.
Video: Citroen Survolt at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Video by What Car? on YouTube.
Sources
- Citroën Survolt, English Wikipedia: design, motors, performance, track debut, media appearances
