Citro�n set to enlarge DS line-up

Citroen is looking to extend its DS range beyond the DS5 with a DS sports car according to Citro�n executive Frederic Banzet.

Banzet let slip that Citro�n managers were talking about the likelihood of making a complete DS sports car that would hint at the Survolt concept, and the DS won�t be a standalone brand either.

Meanwhile, the baby DS3 will spawn several special editions with fashion brands and a drop-top. Sales of the DS3 have doubled what Citroen's expectations in the first year. As part of Citro�n�s worldwide expansion, the DS3 will soon be sold in China, with the DS9 model following. The DS9 has been green-lighted for production, exclusively for China and will strongly hint at the Metropolis concept.

Once the DS4 is on sale, Citro�n will be working on the DS5. A production-ready concept will premier at the Geneva motor show in March. Like the DS3 and DS4, the DS5 will be longer than the DS4 and Citro�n insiders guarantee it will be a �significantly different execution� of the DS concept.

The DS5 will underpin the current C5 but �not necessarily in terms of design and look�. Like the DS4, the DS5 will sit higher off the ground than the C5 and its sleek coup� profile will obtain inspiration from the Citro�n Hypnos concept.

The design brief for the DS5 was to create a car that stood out when queuing in traffic. The DS5 will also receive the Hypnos�s diesel-electric Hybrid4 powertrain. A 2.0 litre HDi engine with approximately 200bhp will power the front wheels, with a 37bhp electric motor powering the rear wheels, thus making the DS5 all-wheel-drive.

Despite the performance, the DS5 will not be a sports model and will be a luxurious grand tourer.