Citroen DS Wild Rubis Concept headed for Shanghai

Offering an early look at a vehicle destined for sale in China as well as in other markets, the Citroen DS Wild Rubis Concept will be making its world debut later this month at the Shanghai Auto Show. This high-styled crossover SUV due to spawn a production offshoot that will become part of Citroen’s premium DS line features a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a character its maker defines as being as "wild and rebellious as it is refined and sophisticated."

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With an overall length of 185.0 inches and a 114.2-inch wheelbase, the Citroen DS Wild Rubis Concept is roughly the size of a Mercedes-Benz ML-Class and rides on distinctive 21-inch alloy wheels. Finished in a hue-shifting Ruby Red Metallic, the vehicle’s sleek bodywork and trim greenhouse are complemented by aggressively styled front and rear fascias set off with LED lighting and prominent brightwork accenting — a feature also found on the DS Wild Rubis Concept’s flanks.

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Save for confirming that it was designed to be driven by full-hybrid plug-in technology, Citroen offered no additional details on the powertrain that motivates the DS Wild Rubis Concept. However, it’s possible the same setup used in the Numero 9 Concept shown last year in Beijing will make an appearance here. If that’s the case, this latest DS one-off would be have its front wheels driven by a 221-horsepower/1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine supplemented by a 70-horse electric motor that drives the rear wheels and is linked to a lithium-ion battery pack that can be replenished on a 240V outlet in 3.5 hours.