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Citroen SM 2.7 V6 (170 Hp)
Overall Rating
Citroen SM:
The Citroën SM is a high-performance coupé produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1970 to 1975. The SM placed third in the 1971 European Car of the Year contest, trailing its stablemate Citroën GS, and won the 1972 Motor Trend Car of the Year award in the U. S.
In 1961, Citroën began work on 'Project S' – a sports variant of the Citroën DS. As was customary for the firm, many running concept vehicles were developed, increasingly complex and upmarket from the DS. At some stage in the 9-year project, it evolved from developing a faster variant of the 1955 DS to developing an entirely new, thoroughly engineered car – in terms of engineering effort, a replacement for the high volume DS model. Citroën purchased Maserati in 1968 with the intention of harnessing Maserati's high-performance engine technology to produce a true Gran Tourer car, combining the sophisticated Citroën suspension with a Maserati V6....(Read more on Wikipedia)
SM Overview:
Citroen SM (SM). With 230 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1450 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.9 s). The top speed reaches 220 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. A car with a sloping rear hatch that opens upwards, combining style and practicality. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Citroen SM was produced long before modern crash safety standards and Euro NCAP testing were established. While it featured advanced braking and handling for its time, it lacks contemporary passive safety features.
2.7 V6 (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 2.7 V6 Maserati engine delivered strong performance for its time, propelling the SM to 100 km/h in a respectable 8.9 seconds, making it a true grand tourer capable of high-speed cruising.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 12.5 l/100 km was typical for a V6 grand tourer of the early 1970s, reflecting its performance orientation rather than efficiency, and would be considered high by today's standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and futuristic design that stands out
- • Exceptional ride comfort due to hydro-pneumatic suspension
- • Strong performance for its era (170 Hp V6 engine)
- • Advanced technology and innovation for the early 1970s
- • Distinctive and luxurious grand touring experience
Cons:
- • Complex mechanicals, especially the Maserati V6 engine and hydraulic system
- • High maintenance costs and specialized repair knowledge required
- • Reliability concerns, particularly with engine timing chains and hydraulics
- • Poor fuel economy by modern standards (12.5 l/100 km)
- • Limited parts availability for some components
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Citroen |
| Model: | SM |
| Generation: | SM |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.7 V6 (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1970 |
| End of production: | 1972 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe, Liftback |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 63.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 230 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | C 114-1 |
| Engine displacement: | 2670 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7 l |
| Coolant: | 13 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 220 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.5 kg/Hp, 117.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.3 kg/Nm, 158.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1450 |
| Max. weight: | 1800 |
| Max load: | 350 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4893 mm mm |
| Width: | 1836 mm mm |
| Height: | 1324 mm mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 155 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc, 300 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 256 mm |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R15 |
| Front suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
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