In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, the French luxury brand DS has breathed life back into the legendary Citroën SM. They’ve presented a futuristic, technology-packed concept that hints at the future design direction for the high-end brand.
Originally birthed by Citroën in the late 1960s, the SM was considered a sports upgrade for Citroën’s flagship saloon, the DS. Known for its innovative features including swivelling headlights, rain-sensitive wipers, inboard front brakes, and variable assist power steering, the SM was lauded for being a pinnacle of comfort, aerodynamics and speed. This groundbreaking model sadly exited production in 1975.
Fusing Past with the Future
The recreated Citroën SM, labelled the SM Tribute concept, has been imagined as a continuation of the original SM model, progressing through five decades of technological evolution. Sporting a low profile and a sleek coupe-like design, it features a striking front end and a long, tantalising bonnet. Its dimensions align closely with the original model, albeit sitting 35mm closer to the ground in a pursuit for greater efficiency.
The design showcases prominent nods to the original SM, with aerodynamic rear wheel spats, the unmistakable Gold Leaf 1970s style paintwork, and a distinct wraparound cover for the headlights and number plate. However, on this revamped model, the cover doubles as a 3D light bar.
Advanced and Allusive Design
Although DS has not specified precisely which features will make it into production models, a few contenders stand out. The distinctive three-spoke light signatures, the aerodynamically optimised rear-view cameras, and the large air-channeling vent on the bonnet are all likely to feature.
The interior design also cleverly pays homage to the original SM. Retro instrument clusters have been reimagined on a dashboard strongly reminiscent of the old model. The seats, adorned with horizontally striped cushions, clearly hark back to the 1970s. However, in a nod to the SM’s pioneering legacy, the new concept also includes a projection display for infotainment, a curved gauge cluster, and a steer-by-wire steering wheel.
While DS has not released any specific technical details of the concept, any production adaptations are most likely to be electrically powered, despite Citroën and Maserati now being closely related.
DS’s Future Plans
We are eagerly anticipating the launch of two mid-sized premium cars from DS in the upcoming year, with one being an SUV inspired by their Aero Sport Lounge concept and the other a high-riding saloon expected to replace DS 9. Both models are set to ride on parent company Stellantis‘s cutting-edge STLA Medium architecture, which allows options for plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains.
It’s an exciting time as we witness DS’s vision of the future, held delicately in the balance between respecting heritage and embracing innovation.
