A Golden Blast from the Past: DS SM Tribute Pays Homage to Citroen's Quirky Classic
Image Credit: Stellantis.
Ah, the French. Always a bit eccentric, always a bit dramatic, and always ready to throw a curveball into the automotive world. This time, the curveball is shaped like the DS SM Tribute, a concept car that pays homage to the iconic Citroën SM from the 1970s. And let me tell you, it's a looker. It's a love letter to the 70s, and it's got me all nostalgic for a time when cars were more about style than safety regulations.
The SM Tribute is essentially a modern interpretation of the original SM, a car that was so ahead of its time with its aerodynamic styling and hydropneumatic suspension that it makes Elon's Cybertruck look lame. The new concept echoes the dramatic bodywork of the original, with a long hood and a tapered rear end. It's about the length of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but it sits a good 5 inches lower, giving it a sleek and sporty stance.
Image Credit: Stellantis.
The two-door cabin features a black roof that peeks through the rear quarter panel, creating a floating look for the rear pillar. The wheel fairings are a modern take on the original SM's design, exposing the top of the 22-inch wheels and integrating part of the thin LED taillights. And the whole thing is finished in a stunning two-tone Gold Leaf paint job that highlights the car's elegant lines.
Step inside, and you'll find yourself in a futuristic lounge. The dashboard is dominated by a massive screen, and there's another one nestled in the center console. Even the steering wheel has its own display! It's all very Jetsons, but in a good way. The ivory leather and Alcantara seats look comfy enough to spend a cross-country road trip in, and the laser-engraved sun designs on the doors add a touch of whimsy.
Image Credit: Stellantis.
Now, here's the million-dollar question: what's under the hood? Well, DS is being coy about the details, but let's be honest, it's gotta be electric. I mean, it's 2024, and that front end doesn't look like it has room for anything but a charging port. Plus, an electric powertrain would be a fitting tribute to the original SM's innovative spirit.
So, when can we buy one? Well, I hate to break it to you, but the DS SM Tribute is just a concept car. It's not likely to reach production in this form. But DS says that the car will inform "the shape of future models that will come along at the end of the decade." So, there's a chance that we'll see some of these design elements in future DS models.
And that's something to look forward to. Because while DS has produced some interesting cars in its first decade, they haven't exactly lived up to the legacy of the iconic DS sedan. But with the debut of this concept, and an announcement earlier this year that the company is looking to the original DS for inspiration for a new EV flagship, the next 10 years could be very interesting indeed.
So, there you have it. The DS SM Tribute: a golden blast from the past that's sure to make you smile. And who knows, maybe it'll even inspire the next generation of automotive designers to think outside the box. Because, let's face it, the world could use a little more quirkiness, a little more style, and a whole lot more French audacity.
