Ad of the week: Citroen DS Aerodynamic Styling
This Citroen Ad from 1963 covers a key selling point of the DS which was that its Aerodynamic Styling allows it to have a fairly small engine giving good fuel consumption but still allowing a 100mph top speed. This shows a 2nd nose DS and shows various streamlining features that allow this performance and fuel consumption.
Citroen’s Aerodynamic Styling Pays Off
How Citroen breaks the long standing performance/economy barrier for sedans – with speeds in excess of 100 miles-per-hour and 30 miles-per-gallon economy.
Citroen is the world’s first – and only – full-size (123″ wheelbase) family car that can break the century mark in speed and deliver 28 to 34 miles per gallon in normal driving. Part of the answer for this breakthrough lies in the thrifty power output of the engine and in the superior mechanical efficiency of front-wheel drive. But the greatest part of the remarkable performance is due to functional body design as, on all cars, a large percentage of the horsepower output is used to overcome air resistance at higher speeds.
Citroen’s coefficient of air resistance is the lowest for any car in its class. Contours are designed to make the air layers hug the body, reduce turbulence – the main cause of friction and wind noise.
Citroen is aerodynamically designed – outside, underneath and under the hood! Note the absence of “fins” and other superfluous styling or “streamlining” gimmicks.
Front – The jet-shaped nose reduces frontal air resistance. The conventional radiator grill which causes friction has been eliminated.
Integral aerodynamics! Citroen reduces friction in radiator cooling. Intake delivers air through sealed duct systems to radiator. Power disc brakes are cooled by separate air intake and duct systems. Small air scoops provide air for heating and ventilation.
Top – The top contour including the hood that sweeps from the front bumper to the windshield is designed to minimize drag and turbulences.
Below – The full length body underpan eliminates air drag around mechanical parts. The pan is curved in profile to reduce lift and increase stability at turnpike speeds.
Rear – Fenders are fully skirted, Side, bottom, and top planes converge slightly towards the rear to reduce the drag of the air wake.
Sides – The convex sides, plus the long wheelbase give less hold to cross winds and increase stability.
Under the hood – With internal aerodynamics – new in 1963 – Citroen raises top speed 4 miles per-hour and boosts economy at higher speeds by up to four miles-per-gallon.
Citroen hugs the road closely (6 1/2″) for better stability in cornering and t high speeds. Adjustable road clearance enables the driver to raise the car – up to 11 1/4″ clearance to drive over deep snow, rutted roads, or other bad road conditions. Front-wheel drive, another engineering advance pioneered by Citroen offers great stability at all speeds – and stronger cornering power. it completely eliminates the driveshaft hump – and by placing the engine over the drive wheels helps develop better traction on all surfaces. That’s why Citroen owners never need chains or snow tyres in most winter driving.
Why not prove all this to yourself with a test drive! Visit your nearest Citroen Dealer – soon.
