LEFT-HAND DRIVE... AND RIGHT-HAND DRIVE OPEN SPACES
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CITROËN PRESENTS THE C-CROSSER
Transformation at will
Well-being at all times Whatever the configuration of its environment, the versatile C-Crosser adapts to requirements. The C-Crosser is particularly at ease in the city, for example, with its 2.0 HPi engine, the autoactive automatic gearbox, and - above all - the four steered wheels that make easy work of the most complicated manoeuvres. Moreover, the long-travel Hydractive 3 suspension endows the C-Crosser with the same roadholding qualities as a saloon. On bumpy terrain, the C-Crosser can increase ground clearance from 140 mm to 200 mm to cope with all difficulties. Moreover, with its all-wheel drive ( and electronically controlled viscous coupling ), ESP and ABS, the C-Crosser sets high standards of safety whatever the driving conditions. The C-Crosser frees users from all constraints to bring them complete peace of mind. With the C-Crosser, Citroën is exploring new avenues in automotive design. The Marque has redefined leisure vehicle concepts by extending the field of use to a full range of everyday situations. This approach reflects the new concerns expressed by customers and illustrates Citroën's ability to come up with new concepts that are tailored to changing needs and lifestyles. Hydraulics and electronics: a high-performance double act Drawing upon the experience acquired with the Hydractive 3 suspension in the potential and flexibility of systems coupling electronics and hydraulics, Citroën has developed an off-road vehicle combining superlative levels of comfort and driving pleasure. With the C-Crosser, Citroën has extended the use of electronically controlled hydraulic systems to all dynamic functions, and developed an innovative electronic driver's station. The driver's station with electronic control: a new approach to life on board
Long-travel Hydractive 3 suspension: off-road hydraulics The innovative, simplified and highly reliable architecture of the Hydractive 3 suspension automatically adapts the height of the vehicle to its speed and the state of the road. Two suspension settings are available: comfort or sport, depending on the style adopted by the driver and the road conditions. On the C-Crosser, Citroën takes the electronic/hydraulic combination of Hydractive 3 one step further, by incorporating an electronically controlled long-travel function. The pressure in the suspension cylinders is monitored wheel by wheel in real time by a computer, which continually adjusts all the parameters for optimised dynamic control. The C-Crosser offers two levels of road clearance in accordance with the outside environment. 140 mm on-road or 200 mm off-road. In this last case, the suspension can travel by a distance of around 150 mm. This is made possible by a running gear configuration featuring a double wishbone layout, in which the upper wishbone acts as a rocker arm, and a ball joint pivot. This architecture is installed on a conventional structure. By combining the benefits of long travel, hydraulic suspension and electronic control, Citroën has developed an off-road vehicle that offers an astonishing level of comfort and driving pleasure. Four-wheel steering The hydraulic steering function features full electronic control. As a result, the steering wheel angle/wheel angle ratio varies automatically in accordance with the driver's requirements. In particular, this function makes parking much easier owing to the more direct steering ratio (a turning circle of two-thirds lock-to-lock compared with 2 ½ turns as a general rule. This feature also ensures pinsharp steering at high speeds. The C-Crosser also features steered rear wheels. At low speeds, the rear wheels can be turned in the opposite direction to the front wheels for exceptionally easy handling and manoeuvering ( in both urban and off-road driving ). At normal speeds, the driver turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels to increase stability when changing lanes. Optimised brake management The electronic brake control system brings real-time control of the pressure exercised on each brake disc. In consequence, the braking capacity of each tyre can be used to the full at all times, whatever the level of grip. The C-Crosser also features the additional functions already offered by Citroën such as emergency braking assistance and dynamic stability control. Citroën has taken a new approach to the dynamic capabilities of off-road vehicles and has enhanced safety levels by means of continuous electronic control. The combination of electronics and hydraulics proves to be a high-performance double act.
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Presented at the 2001
Frankfurt Motor Show, the C-Crosser is a vehicle that proves - once again
- Citroën's ability to imagine the vehicles of the future. This concept
car illustrates how a future leisure vehicle or SUV ( Sport Utility Vehicle
) might look. A highly adaptable vehicle, in terms of both its external
modularity and innovative interior design, the C-Crosser is aimed at all
those looking for a versatile vehicle that can satisfy their taste for adventure,
freedom, well-being and living. The C-Crosser is designed to place the focus
on living space. It is wider than a conventional vehicle and the front passengers
are placed further forward to increase the room available. The seating is
higher than on conventional vehicles, giving passengers a panoramic view
of the road and breaking down the barriers between the exterior and interior.
This impression is reinforced by the glass roof, which forms a continuous
line with the windscreen, bringing increased light and space to passengers
in the rear. The front of the vehicle is designed to accommodate three people.
The driver's station is built using advanced drive-by-wire technology, so
the driver can sit on the left, in the middle or on the right as he chooses.
A major innovation in driver's station design, drive-by-wire technology does
away with all the mechanical links between commands and components ( engine,
steering, brakes ). All the driver's station commands are grouped on the
steering wheel with its fixed hub. This completely frees up the foot well.
The C-Crosser is a compact vehicle ( 4.28 m ) but the passengers at the rear
enjoy exceptional space. They can stretch their legs out under the front
seats for a unique sense of well-being. The C-Crosser can accommodate six
people in all, three at the front and three in the rear.
The C-Crosser is designed
to adapt to a wide variety of everyday situations. With its modular bodywork,
it can easily be turned into a pick-up. The tailgate and roof disappear into
the floor at a push of a button. The rear seats can be concealed just as
easily, freeing up a perfectly flat load floor of generous dimensions ( 1.90
m x 1.20 m ). For increased comfort, passengers at the front can raise the
electric window built into the back of the seat to isolate their compartment.
Sliding side doors and a variable-height load sill provide easy access to
the platform. The driver simply presses a button at the rear of the vehicle
to lower the sill by 100 mm, making it easy to load heavy or bulky objects.
For increased convenience, the C-Crosser features built-in, electrically
controlled roof bars that slide along the roof arches, making it possible
to transport long objects, whatever the configuration of the vehicle.
The use of electronic
control systems for all the dynamic functions of the C-Crosser paves the
way for a new and revolutionary approach to the interior architecture. Styling
engineers were able to create innovative driving interfaces and look at a
host of new possibilities in terms of layout. The steering wheel, for example,
can be placed in different positions at the front. The control layout is
designed for the comfort and well-being of both the driver and passengers.
The absence of the pedal assembly frees up additional space, which is used
to improve the interior layout and also to increase safety. The absence of
mechanical parts such as the steering column and pedal assembly significantly
reduces the risk of injury in the event of impact. Having the controls on
the steering-wheel also increases the speed at which the driver's commands
are performed. Precious time is saved in braking, for example, since the
driver does not have to put his foot on the pedal. In addition to the usual
functions, the driver's station on the C-Crosser features the braking,
acceleration and gearshift controls. Steering relies on an electric link
with a sensor that works with the control electronics to monitor speed and
grip. The driver simply turns one of the two handles inwards to accelerate
and outwards to brake. Positioned on the outer edges of the steering wheel,
the two handles are integral with the wheel, and respond to input from the
driver at the same time.
