Citroen releases more details for Hypnos concept

Last month Citroen revealed a few sketchy details for its new Hypnos hybrid crossover concept, and now following its debut at the Paris Motor Show the French carmaker has released the full gamut of information about the car and its high-tech powertrain.

The new concept is called the Hypnos, and given its relatively conservative styling – for a concept car at least – it could potentially preview an actual upcoming production model for the French carmaker.

The key element of the Hypnos is its innovative drive system, which itself is based on the carmaker’s new HYmotion4 hybrid AWD system that the PSA Peugeot Citroen group plans to start implementing into its production cars from 2011 onwards. The technology works by combining a diesel engine to power the front wheels with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle that powers the rear wheels.

Powering the Hypnos is a 200hp (147kW) 2.0L diesel engine with 420Nm of torque and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission connected to the front axle. At the rear is a 50hp (37kW) electric motor with an additional 200Nm on tap that drives the rear axle. Combined, the twin powerplants can accelerate the Hypnos from 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds and cover the standing kilometre in 31 seconds. Fuel consumption is an economical 52mpg (4.5L/100km), while carbon emissions are a correspondingly low 120g/km.