- Εγγραφή
- 18 Οκτωβρίου 2014
- Μηνύματα
- 6.420
- Reaction score
- 16.751
- Πόντοι
- 1.287
- Περιοχή
- Région parisienne
The Citroën CX
By the early 1970s, even the advancedDSwas beginning to look dated in many ways (even if other makers had only just started to catch up with it...) What could the irreplacable be replaced with? Only something even more advanced.
The styling cues from theGSwere to be expanded upon, to make an even more aerodynamically efficient car. The "DIRAVI" (DIrectionRappelAsserVI) fully powered steering from theSMcould be borrowed, giving the same pinsharp accuracy with perfect weighting. Hydropneumatic suspension and frontwheel drive were, of course, used, but with a transverse engine (a first for Citroen). Unfortunately, the high development costs of the CX, in conjunction with the 1974 oil crisis heralded the end for Citroen as an independent concern, and, rescued by Peugeot, the PSA group was formed.
Available with a range of engines inherited from the D Series (initially 2000 and 2200 only), as the CX matured it became available with Diesel (initially an underpowered 66bhp 2200, later 2.5 Intercooled Turbo-Diesels) and more powerful petrol engines - up to a turbocharged, intercooled 2.5 litre capable of a genuine 140mph cruise. The CX was available as either a very capacious 4 door saloon, or an unbelievably roomy 5 or 7 seat estate car. The lengthened platform from the estate ("Safari") was also used to provide a long wheelbase saloon named the "Prestige" - long the staple of the French ministerial fleet, and (long after the replacement of the CX as a current vehicle) used by President Chirac in preference to much newer cars.
Early cars, through a propensity for quick corrosion (soon rectified), harmed the CX in the eyes of trade and public alike. However, the series-2 cars from 1986 - with a simple, yet effective facelift - restored some of the CX's reputation. By the time the CX was discontinued in 1990, it was still a fresh, dramatic, dynamic, modern looking car. How many other cars available in 1974 could that be said of?
Was the CX the last "real" Citroen? Possibly, and yet cars like the Xantia Activa show that independent, advanced thought is still present at Citroen today.
Citroen Car Club UK
By the early 1970s, even the advancedDSwas beginning to look dated in many ways (even if other makers had only just started to catch up with it...) What could the irreplacable be replaced with? Only something even more advanced.
The styling cues from theGSwere to be expanded upon, to make an even more aerodynamically efficient car. The "DIRAVI" (DIrectionRappelAsserVI) fully powered steering from theSMcould be borrowed, giving the same pinsharp accuracy with perfect weighting. Hydropneumatic suspension and frontwheel drive were, of course, used, but with a transverse engine (a first for Citroen). Unfortunately, the high development costs of the CX, in conjunction with the 1974 oil crisis heralded the end for Citroen as an independent concern, and, rescued by Peugeot, the PSA group was formed.
The very name"CX"refers to the french for the Coefficient of drag - more commonly"cd"- and was chosen to represent the car's amazing aerodynamic efficiency. Detail design built on the good basic shape - for example, the large, concave rear screen was kept clean by airflow meaning there was no need for a rear wash/wipe system.Available with a range of engines inherited from the D Series (initially 2000 and 2200 only), as the CX matured it became available with Diesel (initially an underpowered 66bhp 2200, later 2.5 Intercooled Turbo-Diesels) and more powerful petrol engines - up to a turbocharged, intercooled 2.5 litre capable of a genuine 140mph cruise. The CX was available as either a very capacious 4 door saloon, or an unbelievably roomy 5 or 7 seat estate car. The lengthened platform from the estate ("Safari") was also used to provide a long wheelbase saloon named the "Prestige" - long the staple of the French ministerial fleet, and (long after the replacement of the CX as a current vehicle) used by President Chirac in preference to much newer cars.
Was the CX the last "real" Citroen? Possibly, and yet cars like the Xantia Activa show that independent, advanced thought is still present at Citroen today.
Citroen Car Club UK
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