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| Citroën Prototype Y | |
|---|---|
 Citroën Axel, a production model based on the Prototype Y | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Citroën |
| Assembly | France |
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TheCitroën Prototype Y was a project to develop a replacement for theCitroën Ami, conducted byCitroën in the early seventies. It built on the Citroën G-mini and EN101 projects. It was superseded by projectCitroën VD (VD standing forVoiture Diminuée).[1]
From 1965Robert Opron worked on the Citroën G-mini prototype and project EN101, a replacement for the 2CV, using the flat twin engine from the 2CV. It was supposed to launch in 1970. The advanced space efficient designs with very compact exterior dimensions and an aerodynamic drag co-efficient Cd of 0.32, were axed because of adverse feedback from potential clients.[2]
The goal of Prototype Y was to give birth to a small, robust and modern car which would have fitted into the Citroën range between the2CV and theGS.
The first prototypes were based on theFiat 127 platform, since Citroën was pursuing at that time an alliance withFiat (the only result of this alliance in the end was theCitroën C35 /Fiat 242). Later models employed a torsion bar suspension set up.
In 1974,Peugeot acquired Citroën, forming thePSA Group, and the project to replace the Ami was redefined as "Citroën VD", and then incorporated the floor pan of thePeugeot 104, thereby permitting the use of the 104 engine and transmission. The 5-door 104-basedCitroën Visa thereby replaced the Prototype Y. There was also abadge-engineered Citroën version of the shorter wheelbase 3-door 104 with only minor changes from it — theCitroën LN/LNA.
The original design from Project Y was sold toRomania where it became theOltcit Club, which has cosmetic similarities to the Visa, and was sold under the commercial name ofCitroën Axel in someWestern European markets.
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