Peugeot and Citroen Announce All-Electric Minis Based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV EV, Sales Start in 2010

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot Citroen announced that they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding collaboration on electric vehicles (EVs) based on the Japanese firm's i-MiEV EV. Today, Osamu Masuko, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors and Philippe Varin, CEO of PSA, finished the deal by signing a cooperative agreement in Paris. The vehicle is to be sold in Europe in both Peugeot and Citroen versions with production planned to commence in October 2010 and sales by the end of 2010.
Mitsubishi launched the new-generation EV i-MiEV in Japan in June, and will begin global sales of the right-hand drive vehicle this year with LHD versions following in 2010.
In Japan, the EV i-MiEV is priced from 4,599,000 Yen (almost $50,00 US / €35,00 at today's rates), or more than double the price of a JDM Toyota Prius that costs 2,050,000 Yen or $22,000.
The all-electric version of the i-MIEV is powered by an electric motor that drives the rear wheels and develops an output of 47kW or 64HP and 180Nm or 132.8-lbs/ft of maximum torque.
According to Japanese automaker, the vehicle's lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged in 7-14 hours delivers up to 100 miles or 160 km of pure electric driving.
It is expected that the PSA group will follow a similar path to that of the Toyota co-developed Aygo, 107 and C1 project with the i-MiEV, meaning that the differences between the Citroen, Peugeot and Mitsubishi models will most likely be limited to the front fascia and the rear end design.
*The Peugeot picture above is a Carscoop Photoshop

2010 Citroen C3: New High-Res Photo Gallery of French Hatch

We have no clue what's the hidden meaning behind a photo that shows the C3's buttocks, a sensual blond and what appears to be a photochoped statue of a horse wearing a lamp on its head, but it's refreshing to know that at least some automakers have good taste in women when it comes to hiring models for press shots. Just hit the jump to take a closer view at Citroen's updated gallery of the all-new C3 that will welcome the crowds at the all-important 2009 Frankfurt Show on September 15. For detailed info on Citroen's VW Polo rival, click here.

Citroen Teasing Frankfurt Show Concept on Facebook?

More and more automakers are using Facebook these days as a tool to spread the word out on their products. French carmaker Citroen has joined the fad by adding a photo of what appears to be a concept car on its dedicated FB page. There's nothing official on mystery model that features a 2CV inspired front-end but many believe that it's a teaser for an all new concept car that will make its grand entrance at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month.
From what we know up until now, Citroen's stand in Frankfurt will host the world premiere of the new C3 five-door hatch and the production version of the DS3 three-door premium supermini.
Via: Le Blog Auto

Citroen Releases Second Teaser on 2CV-esque Concept Car, May Hint at Next-Gen C2 Supermini

After playing the 'viral' game with the release of a shady teaser shot on its Facebook page, Citroen today not only published a second teaser photo but also confirmed its plans to unveil the mystery concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. With a little help from Photoshop, we enhanced the image to reveal what looks to be a B-segment hatchback, quite possibly a five-door model with "suicide" rear doors featuring 2CV styling traits.
Since Citroen did not release any details other than that the yet-to-be named concept will be officially revealed on September 15, the opening day of the Frankfurt Show, it's hard to say whether or not the study previews the C2's successor, a new member of the DS family positioned under the all-new DS3 or something different altogether.

2010 Citroen C-Crosser: Minor Interior Upgrades and New Dual-Clutch Transmission

Citroen's C-Crosser SUV, which is in essence a thinly "disguised" French version of the Mitsubishi Outlander, has received some minor updates for the 2010 model year. To be revealed for the first time at the upcoming Franfkurt Show, the C-Crosser benefits from the introduction of the DCS dual clutch semi-automatic transmission, enhanced interior trim design and according to Citroen, a re-homologated diesel engine that delivers lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy.
The new 6-speed DSC dual clutch transmission is available with Citroen's 156-horsepower 2.2-liter HDi turbo diesel engine.
With this drivetrain, the C-Crosser diesel hits the 100km/h (62mph) mark from standstill in 11.1 seconds (manual: 9.9 sec) and reaches a top speed of 198km/h or 123 mph while recording CO2 emissions of 192g/km and a fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 38.7mpg UK (7.3 lt /100km or 32.2mpg US).
Citroen said that the C-Crosser's 2.2HDi 16V 156hp DPFS engine with the manual transmission has been re-homologated and now boasts reduced CO2 emissions of 185g/km while fuel economy has been improved to over 40mpg UK on the combined cycle.
For the 2010 model year, the C-Crosser also receives interior enhancements as all versions benefit from an updated dashboard design with new chrome inserts around the dials and vents, plus an improved finish on the door panels.