GQ by Citroen: first pics

Unveiled at an exclusive preview last night, the GQ by Citroen is powered by a plug-in hybrid with a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder direct injection petrol engine.

Full gallery: the GQ by Citroen

It is capable of travelling from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, whilst maintaining CO2 emissions of just 80g/km.

The car was designed to provide “the ultimate gentleman’s drive” and is the result of a collaboration between Citroen and GQ magazine – the first time a British magazine has collaborated with a car company in this way.

Designed by Citroen’s Mark Lloyd – who most recently brought us the Citroen DS3 – the GQ’s sculpted front end, rounded rear, strong body contours and sleek concave rear windscreen are reminiscent of the GT by Citroen supercar.

Gallery: GT by Citroen in London

Beyond the suicide-style doors, the interior has been designed to be "spacious, comfortable and futuristic". In true GQ fashion, the bespoke detailing and military-inspired interior were provided by the creative director of Savile Row tailors, E.Tautz Patrick Grant.

Lloyd said, “Where this car works so well with GQ is that it fits with the current attitudes of conspicuous consumption. It is understated rather than in-your-face and sleek rather than too macho.

“We wanted to create something that, like GQ, was aspirational, but also retained the classic automotive ideals. We didn’t want a car for the mass market. We wanted a car for GQ.’”

GQ Editor Dylan Jones added, “The GQ car needed to have the ‘want’ factor, but it also needed to look, feel and ‘drive’ like the sort of car no sane man could choose to ignore. We think it looks very special.”

There are currently no plans to build a production version of the car. The GQ by Citroen will feature in the April issue of GQ Magazine, out March 4.

By Rhian Angharad Jones