The retro-futuristic concept now carries a DS badge.
One of the most iconic cars to bear the legendary double chevron emblem, the Citroën SM, is making a comeback—but not as a Citroën. This new concept is badged as a DS, marking the 10th anniversary of DS Automobiles as a standalone brand under PSA Group, now part of Stellantis following the 2021 FCA-PSA merger.
The French brand has introduced the SM Tribute, a bold, retro-futuristic one-off design. This concept imagines what the SM might look like today had it evolved continuously since its discontinuation in 1975. Key elements include a 3D light bar replacing the original car’s glass front grille and modernized LED strips in place of the SM’s signature swiveling headlights.
The SM Tribute is larger than its predecessor, stretching 1.1 inches longer and 5.5 inches wider, with ground clearance reduced by 1.4 inches to enhance aerodynamics. Instead of the original’s 15-inch wheels, this concept boasts imposing 22-inch alloys with aerodynamic covers. A cutout in the rear fender pays homage to the removable wheel spats of the 1970s model.
Notably absent are details about the revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension that defined the original SM. The side mirrors have been replaced with sleek cameras mounted at the base of the A-pillars to improve airflow. Despite these modern updates, the vehicle’s silhouette and Gold Leaf paint evoke its iconic ancestor.
Inside, the cabin diverges significantly from the original, save for the dashboard’s curvature and the seats’ design. Screens dominate the interior, eliminating physical controls. The steering “wheel” even integrates its own display, while a “curved screen console” features touch-sensitive keys.
DS has not disclosed the drivetrain for the SM Tribute, but it’s likely an EV. The original SM, named Motor Trend’s 1972 Car of the Year, was powered by a Maserati V6, a result of Citroën’s ownership of Maserati from 1968 to 1975. Today, both DS Automobiles and Maserati belong to Stellantis, and Maserati’s six-cylinder Nettuno engine could theoretically power such a concept. However, an electric drivetrain seems more plausible.
Stellantis, committed to investing in all its brands for at least 10 years, is developing new EVs for DS on the STLA Medium platform. Expected models include the production version of the Aero Sport Lounge (possibly named DS8 Crossback) and a fastback successor to the DS9.
There are no plans to mass-produce the SM Tribute, and DS’s future may hinge on its ability to remain profitable. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares recently warned:
“If they don’t make money, we’ll shut them down. We cannot afford to have brands that do not make money.”
While he didn’t name specific brands, DS may face greater risks compared to its counterparts within the Stellantis portfolio.
