Built to perfection
A head-up display, retractable hardtop and broad shoulders are some of the features introduced or enhanced since 1996. Automotive News Europe wants all of them on its dream car
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Under the hood?
Something powerful and efficient.
We want a 2.7-liter, V-6 diesel engine from PSA that has more than 200hp and a particulate filter. It also has to have a seven-speed automatic transmission from ZF that drives all 4 wheels.
Up front?
It should have the Peugeot 307’s eyes and the Audi Q7’s mouth.
Since Peugeot introduced its current headlamps on the 206 in 1998, the eyes on the French automaker’s cars have been compared to those of Italian beauty Sophia Loren. Some think the Audi Q7’s grille makes it looks like the car is sticking out its tongue. We think that adds character.
Around the wheels?
Something that stands out; something Swedish.
The slab-sided shapes of 1996 are out, bold shoulders like those on the Volvo XC90 and XC70 are in.
What’s on the sides?
Curves and creases from current BMWs.
Ten years ago, side panels were almost flat with the odd crease line or bonded black rubber profile. Today, BMW is the champion of graphic design, with creases and profiles integrated in the sheet metal and feature lines running everywhere.
What touches the ground?
We want 20-inch wheels and 265mm-wide tires.
Our dream car needs wheels and tires this big so that the driver can enjoy its performance. The tires have to get noticed, so they should look like those on the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
What’s overhead?
A retractable hardtop like the five-piece unit on the Volkswagen EOS.
This easy-to-use feature provides better safety and more protection against the elements than a softtop.
How long and tall should it be?
About 4100mm by 2000mm.
When it debuted in 1996 the Citroen Berlingo defined a new segment, car-derived van. This car offers room for five plus 2800 liters of cargo space within an intelligent package that is 4114mm long and 1810mm tall. We want our car to have similar dimensions.
How about the hips and butt?
Look to the French.
Fat hips are applied by most designers. Examples are the Bentley Continental GT, BMW 7 series and Porsche Cayenne. Only Renault has come up with an elegant solution: the sloping, rearward pointing tail of the Megane, which also has a vertical wraparound rear window for plenty of visibility in the back. Some people hate the Megane’s backside, but it is the most intriguing solution to all the bulky hips out there.
What’s inside our dream car?
Enough technology to help – not hinder – the driver.
The car needs a digital dashboard and a head-up display like those from Faurecia in the Citroen C6 (right). One additional thing we want from our head-up display is a wider projection of the information. That way we can see all the available navigation, communication and infotainment data at once. The car also should have a controller system like the one from Harmann/Becker in the Audi A8 plus front seats like the ones in the Mercedes-Benz S class, which offer not only heating but also cooling and massage functions.
