When it comes to delivering daring designs, French automakers always stay ahead, and DS Automobiles has just unveiled another standout. The latest creation from Citroën's luxury offshoot, the DS SM Tribute, is a striking homage to the iconic Citroën SM—a groundbreaking luxury coupe from the 1970s. With its wild aerodynamic styling and futuristic features, the original SM turned heads, and DS's tribute car aims to do the same.

Revealed under the Stellantis umbrella, the DS SM Tribute is a modern interpretation of the car that, while revered for its innovation, ultimately led Citroën into bankruptcy in 1974, forcing its merger with Peugeot. The SM’s engineering feats, including a hydropneumatic suspension and a low drag coefficient of 0.26, made it one of the most advanced cars of its time, but the market wasn’t ready for it.

Fast forward to 2024, and DS has resurrected the spirit of the SM with a sleek, concept car featuring key elements that made the original so distinctive—partially covered rear wheels, a stretched, low-slung profile, and those unmistakable rectangular lights. Aptly named the DS SM Tribute, this concept is not just a nostalgic nod but also a showcase for DS’s future design language, offering a glimpse of what's to come.

The SM Tribute will officially debut at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance event in France, running from September 12-15, marking the 10th anniversary of the prestigious gathering.

Front-side view of the DS SM Tribute concept

A fresh take on iconic SM design

The DS SM Tribute introduces several modern design elements that elevate the original 1970s SM’s iconic look. One of the most striking updates is the glass section at the front, which in the original SM housed the headlamp modules and registration plate. In this new tribute, that space has been transformed into a 3D screen that lights up in the center, bordered by a light signature of three modules on each side—just like its predecessor, but with a futuristic twist. Vertical daytime running lights, designed with diamond-shaped tips, add a sharp, modern edge to the front fascia.

Maintaining its aerodynamic DNA, the SM Tribute’s side profile retains the flowing lines that allow air to move effortlessly from the front to the rear, where the car tapers. Behind its large windows, the rear quarter panel has been cut in half, creating a distinctive S-shape that gives the illusion of a floating or sloping rear section.

The iconic wheel fairings, which were a hallmark of the original, have been reimagined for the SM Tribute. These removable coverings wrap around the rear wheels, enhancing the car’s aerodynamics while giving it a sleek, futuristic profile.

Measuring 194.5 inches long, roughly the size of a modern Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the SM Tribute maintains the dramatic proportions of the original SM with a long hood and a tapered rear. Sitting about five inches lower than its modern-day counterparts, the coupe’s front end features a reimagined version of the original SM’s glass section, now illuminated by a 3D display. Thin LED strips form a striking angular three-pointed star, framing the headlights and drawing attention to the concept’s pointed, futuristic nose.

The SM Tribute also plays with visual weight and balance. Its two-door cabin sports a black roof, which peeks through the rear quarter panel, giving the rear pillar a floating appearance. The rear design is further enhanced by a sleek two-tone color scheme, finished in satin Gold Leaf paint that accentuates the elegant yet dramatic lines of the concept.

Luxurious and minimalist interior design

The interior of the DS SM Tribute is a perfect blend of luxury and innovation. DS Automobiles has chosen a sophisticated ivory palette, combining leather and Alcantara to create a light, airy ambiance. This elegant color scheme complements the minimalist design approach, most notably in the dashboard, where a large display case replaces traditional screens. According to DS Interior Designer Luc Quirin, this projection-based display eliminates physical screens, reducing distractions and giving the cabin a more open, spacious feel.

The design is inspired by decorative arts, with intricate laser-engraved leatherwork and sunburst patterns adorning the door panels, adding a touch of refinement. The horizontal cushions on the seats retain the classic styling of the original SM, merging retro charm with modern comfort. The cabin’s futuristic atmosphere is heightened by the wide dashboard screen and a supplemental screen that curves gracefully down the center console.

The steering wheel, rectangular in shape and featuring its own embedded screen, continues the theme of blending old with new. Unlike the original SM's button-heavy design, the SM Tribute opts for a sleek, curved screen console and a steer-by-wire system.

The futuristic interior of the DS SM Tribute concept

Powertrain speculation and future influence

DS Automobiles has remained tight-lipped about the powertrain in the SM Tribute concept, leaving plenty of room for speculation. While the original SM famously featured a Maserati-sourced V6, the 2024 concept is notably devoid of exhaust tips and has a minimal front grille, strongly suggesting an electric powertrain.

Given DS’s position within the Stellantis group, it's likely that the SM Tribute could be riding on one of Stellantis’s STLA electric vehicle platforms, though no official confirmation has been made. Although the SM Tribute is unlikely to make it to production in this exact form, DS has hinted that this concept will heavily influence the design of future models, expected to arrive by the end of the decade.

Source: DS Automobiles