Header: Courtesy of Stellantis
One question is going around those whose biggest passion is cars: will there really be an SM Tribute? DS Automobiles seems to have launched the SM Tribute concept, a vehicle developed as a modern interpretation of the Citroën SM, which was produced between 1970 and 1975. The concept, revealed at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance event, combines references to the SM’s design and the company’s engineering legacy with updates that align with current automotive development trends.
SM’s history
The Citroën SM is remembered for its aerodynamic shape, a platform and V6 engine developed in collaboration with Maserati, and Citroën’s hydropneumatic suspension. It was considered a high-technology vehicle for its time, and features like air conditioning, power-assisted steering, and circular dashboard instruments only contributed to its reputation.
The SM Tribute is inspired by this history, maintaining its signature long hood, narrow rear profile, and other defining elements. The design also updated some details, such as a 3D lighting display in place of the original grille, bi-tone paint inspired by the 1971 Gold Leaf finish, and additional features drawn from DS Automobiles’ current design language. The SM Tribute has a width of 1.98 meters, an increase from the original, and features 22-inch wheels with aerodynamic inserts.
Engineering and production
The SM Tribute is built on the Maserati GranTurismo platform, using the Nettuno twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine. This engine offers configurations of either 483 or 542 horsepower and is expected to power all four wheels. Additional parts from the GranTurismo, such as its windscreen, were also used in the concept. DS Automobiles has confirmed that the car will not have an electric powertrain, citing market preferences for internal combustion engines in vehicles of this type.
The possibility of limited production is under consideration, and Thierry Metroz, DS Automobiles Design Director, has suggested a production range of 50 to 200 units. Manufacturing would be handled by an independent coachbuilder, and the pricing is projected to be close to $1 million, with both Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares and DS CEO Olivier Francois expressing some support for the project, pending profitability.
Concept development
The SM Tribute began as a design exploration in 2020, when DS DESIGN STUDIO PARIS team members held a creative competition that ended up leading to the creation of the concept. Early sketches were shared with the public under the #SM2020 initiative, drawing feedback from the community, which ended up supporting the preservation of the original SM’s design.
The concept’s unveiling at Chantilly Arts & Elegance curiously coincided with the tenth anniversary of DS Automobiles, who, as an ode to its legacy, featured a display of the original car alongside newer versions. Among these versions, the SM Tribute made its first appearance, but one couldn’t help but also rest the eyes for a bit on the SM OPERA, the SM MYLORD cabriolet, and a racing version of the SM from the 1974 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
Interior design and technology
The SM Tribute’s interior mixes core design elements from the original SM and updated technology, something noticeable mainly in the dashboard, which preserves its signature form but incorporates projection-based displays and a steer-by-wire system. Materials such as ivory leather and Alcantara are used throughout the interior, with laser-engraved patterns on the door panels inspired by decorative arts and horizontal seat cushions referencing the original SM’s upholstery
The SM Tribute shows that DS Automobiles still wants to connect with its past even when the auto industry seems to be going through intense changes. While no production timeline has been confirmed, just the fact that fans were given a glimpse into what the past can look like in the present gives one hope that there can still be some familiarity in the future.
