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Citroën Metropolis will be on show in the French Pavilion at the Shanghai World Fair from 1st May to 31st October, 2010. Citroën has revealed the spectacular new Citroën Metropolis Concept - a sleek and muscular concept car that pays homage to China's extraordinary development. Created by Citroën's international design team - based in Shanghai since 2008.

Citroen is one of the most creative and adventurous car makers in the world. Just a quick look at some of their past concept, and production, vehicles proves that. However for the Citroen Metropolis concept the company have decided to keep things a little more grounded in reality. It's still a fine looking machine, but it's not quite as crazy as some of their recent stuff.

Reflecting China's avant-garde status, grandeur and vitality, the sleek limousine concept immerses itself in 'Créative Technologie', balancing environmental responsibility with luxurious comfort and driving pleasure. Incorporating a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and Hydractive suspension, Citroën Metropolis produces CO2 emissions of just 70g/km - approximately one fifth that of a conventional engine with equivalent performance.

Citroën Metropolis Concept's distinctive silhouette is a vision of creative and sophisticated luxury with an imposing stature (5.3m long, 2m wide & 1.4m high), reflecting the dynamism and ambition of China in the 21st Century. Powerful and engaging, Citroën Metropolis' subtle 'Pearl Silk' body colour changes under different light conditions, revealing the model's generous curves and ultra-honed detailing.

Citroën Metropolis blends taut lines with smooth surfaces, evidenced particularly at the front where the sculpted, incisive wings and kite-shaped grille merge with the harmonious contours of the bonnet. The streamlined headlamps have an imperious and steely look, giving Citroën Metropolis a natural air of authority.

Citroën Metropolis' powerful hybrid drivetrain utilises an optimised 2-litre V6 petrol engine and a 7-speed, dual-clutch electronic gearbox. At low speeds, Citroën Metropolis runs in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode, with its electric motor developing a continuous 55bhp (40kW), peaking at 95bhp (70kW). At steady speeds on main roads and motorways, the petrol powerplant efficiently provides 272bhp (200kW) and 375Nm of torque. When additional performance is required, such as during overtaking, the car uses both the electric motor and the combustion engine to deliver a maximum power output of 460bhp (345kW) and 430Nm of torque - equivalent to a 4-litre V8 petrol engine. There's also a four-wheel drive mode for when extra grip is needed.

Delivering a smooth and cosseting ride experience, Metropolis is specified with Citroën's renowned Hydractive suspension, which dampens even the roughest of road surfaces and improves the car's aerodynamic performance - further helping to reduce CO2 emissions.

Chinais the world's largest automotive market and Citroën's second largest outside Europe - having been established there for 20 years. The Shanghai World Fair is the perfect opportunity for the brand to reassert its international character and to show, once again, the importance it places on the needs and expectations of this rapidly developing market. With Metropolis, Citroën demonstrates that a blend of Chinese and French sensibilities can create a beautiful vision for the future.