C8 V6 Automatic : driving pleasure and peace of mind

On 28 December, the C8 range gained a new executive model featuring a V6 208 bhp petrol engine mated with a sequentially controlled automatic gearbox. On the same date, the C8 2.0i 16V acquired an automatic sequential gearbox.

With the arrival of the V6 engine, the C8 clearly positions itself as a people-carrier with a strong identity, a vehicle to embody the stuff of dreams - and of leisure. This latest vehicle also reflects Citroën's ambitions of broadening the C8 range in order to take driving pleasure to new levels.

Available with a C8 Exclusive or C8 Exclusive Captain Chair trim, the C8 V6 offers a generous range of on-board comfort and safety equipment as standard for the well-being of the occupants.

Visually, the V6 model can be recognised by its 16-inch aluminium rims, the double exhaust outlet with chrome-plated rods and the V6 badge on the front doors.

Smooth power

3.0i V6 engine

This V6 engine with a capacity of 2 946 cm3 is the most powerful in the range. The technical modifications made for the launch of the C5, which mainly concerned the design of the combustion chambers, the timing system and efforts to reduce friction, have increased maximum power to 150 kW EEC (208 bhp DIN) at 6 000 rpm and maximum torque to 285 Nm at 3 750 rpm.

The upgrades concerned:

· A variable timing control (VTC) system, which varies intake camshaft timing by 15° in order to improve cylinder filling.
For acceleration at low engine speeds, the VTC system advances the closing of the intake valves. This reduces fuel consumption while increasing verve at low engine speeds.
The two positions of the intake camshafts are controlled by a double helix system, which is dependent on oil pressure. The engine control unit manages the oil intake through a solenoid valve, in accordance with the engine speed, load and oil temperature.

· A new definition of the combustion chamber and intake manifold.
The new intake manifold is made of composite material and comprises six ducts of equal length. They are mounted on an aluminium distributor, which is attached to the cylinder heads in the centre of the V. The distributor comprises twelve ducts, each with a variable cross-section. Each duct feeds a single valve, thus optimising the flow into the cylinders.

· New multi-jet injectors.
This engine endows the C8 V6 with a level of performance that places it clearly at the top end of the range.

Automatic sequential transmission

This type of automatic transmission is designed to meet drivers’ needs by adapting to their individual driving styles while leaving them free to change gears manually. It brings significant benefits in terms of driving pleasure and safety.

These transmissions can be used in automatic mode, or switched to "manual" or "sequential" mode by means of a sequential control system. In manual mode, the driver manages gear selection by pushing the gear lever forwards or backwards to adopt a sportier or more dynamic driving style. The gear currently selected is indicated on a multifunction display unit built into the steering column.

A number of safety overrides are also maintained, for example:

• changing up a gear below 1 100 rpm is prohibited to avoid engine stalling. Similarly, changing up a gear is not permitted when the engine speed is too low;

• protection against overheating;

• changing to a lower gear during sudden acceleration, for example when overtaking.
  

The driver can select sequential mode at any time when the gearbox selector is in the D (Drive) position. The currently selected gear ratio will then be maintained until the driver decides to move up or down a gear. If sequential mode is deselected, the gearbox will take over and select the most appropriate shift pattern automatically.

Automatic mode relies on a number of gearshift patterns, which are programmed to adapt the gearbox automatically to the driving style, to the programme selected (snow, etc.), external conditions (road profile, grip, vehicle loading, acceleration and decelerati0n, etc.) and internal conditions (gearbox oil) temperature and pressure, cold engine, etc.).

As well as controlling gear shift patterns, the control unit manages a wide range of parameters to optimise active safety for vehicle occupants and to avoid damage to the gearbox.

The dashboard-mounted selection lever with a stepped shift makes for smooth and easy gear-changing.

Running gear and 16-inch tyres

The running gear features a wide range of features available on all versions, including ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency braking assistance, ESP and traction control. All these functions sharpen the dynamic qualities of the C8.
The characteristics of the suspension at front and rear are identical on all models of the C8. Springing and damping control settings are adapted to vehicle weight and to the engine.
The C8 V6 is fitted with 215/60 R16 Michelin tyres with aluminium rims and a low tyre pressure detection system.
The sizeable braking system comprises four discs, of which two are ventilated at the front, and ABS with brakeforce distribution.