Sharp as a tack, and nearly as small.
That is an installment in a sequence of posts wanting again on present vehicles that we really feel deserved a bit extra consideration than they received. You probably have a suggestion for a Forgotten Idea matter, please shoot us a line or go away a remark beneath.
Citroën Karin Prototype
First Seen
1980 Paris Motor Present
Description
Butterfly-door coupe design examine
Designer
Trevor Fiore
Gross sales Pitch
“Highlights Citroën’s willingness to assume outdoors the field.”
Particulars
First seen on the 1980 Paris Motor Present, the Citroën Karin was purely a design examine. Commissioned on the final minute, the Karin was supposed to fill a void on the present left by the model’s lack of latest merchandise.
The Karin was design by Trevor Fiore, and per Citroën demonstrated the maker’s willingness to “assume outdoors the field.” Distinctive options included top-hinged butterfly doorways, and 3-passenger seating highlighted by the middle driver’s seat.
The Karin is smaller than it seems. At 150-inches in size the idea automotive is totally 4 inches shorter than a current-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Karin is 7 inches wider, nevertheless. Because it was by no means supposed for manufacturing, the Karin was not seen once more after its 1980 auto-show tour.
CG Says:
We applaud all idea vehicles that problem design norms. That mentioned, the Karin is just about ineffective as something however an idea. Given the automotive’s excessive bodyside slope (usually referred to by design sorts as “tumblehome”), we are able to’t picture that the facet passenger seats would accommodate even the smallest adults.
And, whereas we respect all of the glass, we expect it unlikely the Karin might ever be crash licensed. The sharp and angular styling does conjure automobiles seen in interval science-fiction films, and that’s cool with us. Query: Why cease at simply six headlights?
Hearken to the Shopper Information Automotive Stuff Podcast
Karin Idea Footage
(Click on beneath for enlarged pictures)