Citroen Numéro 9 Concept becomes the future hatchback of Notre Dame

To help launch its DS line in China, Citroen will show this concept at the Beijing Auto Show next week, the Numéro 9 two-door hatchback with 295 hp from a plug-in hybrid capable of 166 mpg. Chances of it ever coming to the United States hover near zero, but given the new partnership between Peugeot-Citroen and General Motors, we can't say never.

Like many concept cars, the Numéro 9 imagines an all-wheel-drive hybrid future, where the rear wheels are driven by an electric motor and a liquid-fuel engine drives the front. There's some clear auto show sophistry in the design, between the massive wheels and a greenhouse just a few notches wider than a gunslit, but overall the Citroen looks like a modern piece of art rolling past the Seine, and Citroen says its cues will turn up in a few future models. See for yourself below.