The SM Tribute takes its cues from the Citroen SM, a sleek coupe that turned heads from 1970 to 1975. DS designers imagined how the SM might look if it had evolved into the present day.
The result is a low-slung coupe with a striking gold and black color scheme. It sports a long, tapered hood and a glazed nose section that nods to the original SM's innovative headlights. The concept rides on 22-inch rear wheels that are partially covered, a design touch that echoes its predecessor.
At the back, the SM Tribute features a swept-back C-pillar and a wraparound rear screen, adding to its futuristic look.
Inside, the concept car boasts ribbed, hammock-shaped seats. The upper dashboard follows the contours of the original SM, but that's where the similarities end. A fully digital gauge pack and a rectangular steering wheel with a built-in display bring the interior firmly into the modern era.
DS SM Tribute concept
DS hasn't said anything about what powers the SM Tribute, but given current trends, it's likely electric.
The original Citroen SM made its debut at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show. Designed by Robert Opron, it packed a punch with features like hydropneumatic suspension, swiveling headlights, and even an option for fiberglass wheels. Under the hood, it boasted a 2.7-liter V6 engine from Maserati.
Thierry Metroz from DS Automobiles shared some insights about the concept:
"It is not our habit to disconnect from our other work, we have included a lot of details about what DS Automobiles models and our future projects are."
This suggests we might see some of the SM Tribute's design elements in future DS models. The company has also announced plans for a new electric flagship inspired by the original DS sedan, which launched nearly 70 years ago.
While DS has come up with some interesting design details over the past decade, some feel it hasn't quite lived up to the iconic DS name. The next 10 years could prove more interesting for the brand as it continues to evolve.
For now, there are no plans to put the SM Tribute into production. It serves as a birthday present from DS to itself, and a glimpse into what might have been if the SM had continued to evolve over the past five decades.
Source: DS
