C42 - Where dreams come true

To some people, the number 42 is just another number, to others it represents the answer to the Universe, for Citroen enthusiasts, 42 has a very special meaning too: C42, located at number 42 on the Champ Elysees in Paris is Citroen's concept showroom.

From the outside, it looks like a very original glass building, but through the chevron-stylized windows, one can see some very interesting Citroen concept and actual cars.

Behind the windows, some of Citroen's 2011 collection is presented with, starting from the basement, the famous WRC C4 that claimed last year's title. Dressed in red and blue, the widebody Red Bull Citroen sits on a rotating platform, showing off her sleek carbon fiber spoiler, rollcage and  O.Z. Rims. This is the same car that was driven by Sebastien Loeb and his copilot Daniel Elena, and it seems to be ready to spring back in action at a moment's notice. On the walls behind the car, you can see Citroen's other racing achievements along the years and TVs showcase Citroen's WRC 2010 season highlights.

Going up to the ground level, visitors are greeted by the electric Revolte concept. Dressed in an unusual purple metallic paint and fitted with rear suicide-doors, the car unveils a unique interior featuring a bucket seat for the driver, facing a futuristic steering wheel, an equally futuristic-looking baby seat and a very intriguing red 'L'-shaped sofa for the rear passengers. I wonder if such a setup will ever be street legal. 

The design cues of this concept car have been reflected on other models such as the GT by Citroen and the Survolt, and are now slowly making their way on actual production vehicles.

Half a floor higher, the French car manufacturer spoils the public by showing off the upcoming DS4. The car being featured on an intermediate floor, I couldn't get close to it to get a more in depth look of it, but from this distance, it's clear that it will be featuring suicide rear doors. The metallic chocolate color is quite special, but it shows well the outer design cues, and the DS4 sure is a looker!

 
The second floor features a less extravagant-looking C4 than the WRC one, but this one is actually road legal. In its Exclusive trim, this red C4 is fitted with a sunroof and Pilot Sport Michelin tires. Half a floor higher was featured a matte black C5 Tourer and third floor was showing off a gorgeous white DS3R.

Only 2,000 units of the DS3R are produced, and once you see it you wish it wasn't so exclusive... This race oriented version of the already good-looking DS3 features carbon fiber wheel arches, concept stickers both on the outside and the inside, bucket seats, more carbon fiber inserts on the steering wheel and center console, and the whole package is just jaw dropping. The DS3R comes in two color: grey with orange highlights or in white with black, raw carbon fiber trim. As much as the grey one stands out, I am an addict to white cars, and this one is as sexy as they come. Sit at the wheel, in the hugging bucket seats, and enjoy the race gauges staring at you in the face and you'll notice that the round stick shift will naturally find its way in your hand.

If only you could have the keys...

Half a floor higher was featured the Airdream, a shared model with Mitsubishi, sitting in an "oxygen" bubble and advertising the zero grams of CO2 per kilometer carbon footprint given by the full electric engine.

The top floor of the showroom was featuring a matte black DS3 and Citroen's "color cafe", where you can order a drink and sip it while enjoying the lines of the DS3 rotating before your eyes.

Citroen is really making a big come-back. As much as PSA Peugeot-Citroen (the company behind those two French car manufacturers) concentrated on having the 'fun' car models in Peugeot's stables, such as the 206 RC, and used Citroen to provide more tamed cars to the common public, these last years have seen the chevron brand showing daring concept cars and building a real innovative and sporty identity, which came out with a bang with the GT by Citroen, followed by the Survolt, an electric super-car, and now coming into production with the DS3R. All I hope is that Citroen will continue on this road and produce more outstanding models.

I went a bit shutter crazy in there, and ended up with a lot of pictures. So here's a gallery with everything you haven't seen yet, enjoy!