Citroen CX 25 GTI Turbo ´1984-1989

'Big cat'

There's a small place in my heart for the big Citroen's. The Kamm tail 5-door design adds a pinch of drama for the scene when appearing and very few other car have reached similar feline essence. CX (meaning 'Cd' drag coefficient in French) was introduced in 1974 to replace the avant gardist automobile of them all -DS. Around 1,2 million CX's were produced during the long producing period until 1991. The Turbo models came into the picture in 1984. CX Turbo is not the brettiest of big cats or not even the fastest, but matches the Wolf car values with its slight hooligan attitude and as well it was even compared to M535i in time.

Source: Flickr/Rich007

Bimmer is almost overshadowed by the feline lines. Source: Flickr/azu250

Technically CX was a state of the art combining hydro-pneumatic integral self-leveling suspension, speed adjustable power steering and originally designed even for the rotary engine! Praised and astonished suspension that moderates bumpy roads, offers adventurous driving experience and enables car to sit on its belly has peen licensed for the Rolls-Royce. 

Daddy of the low riders! Source: motor-classic.de

Series 1 and 2 are easily recognized by the more aggressive plastic bumpers of the series 2. Basically Turbo models are similar to basic GTI models (138hp) and only notable difference is the added turbocharger without intercooler. GTI turbo stands for more high speed cruising than cornering that is supported with a comfortable and spacious interior. Some say that CX is the last real Citroen before Peugeot spoiled the thrilling brand :)

In details (1989 model):

Engine

Straight 4, 2500cc, 8-valve, Bosch LE/LU2-Jetronic fuel injection
compression ratio 7,75:1

Garrett ‘T03’ turbo
Numbers
168hp/5000rpm
294Nm/3250rpm
Top speed: 223km/h

0-100km/h: 7,8s

0-400m: 15,7s

0-1000m: 29s
1370kg
Transmission
5 speed manual, FWD
Chassis

Front: equal length wishbones, hydro-pneumatic self-leveling

Rear: trailing arms, hydro-pneumatic self-leveling

Ventilated disks/disks (260/224mm)

Aero 5,5x15” alloys with 210/50VR39TRX tires
Exterior
One piece front bumper with fog lights

Streamlined mirrors

Composite rear wheel aerodynamic covers

Rubber rear spoiler
Twin tip exhaust
Interior

Analogue dials (check above the grazy ones they had before!)

Special GTI/Turbo trim
 

Crazy dials of the first series. Source: Flickr/CitroenAZU