GTbyCITROEN brings Gran Turismo 5 to life

It may be destined for the game console rather than the garage, but the GTbyCITROËN concept is still one of the most outlandish examples of automotive design to emerge from the 2008 Paris Motor Show where it's making its global debut. The car is the result of a collaboration between Citroën and the creators of Gran Turismo and will appear in its virtual form in the 5th installment of the popular Playstation game. The imposing real world version stands at five meters long and features a wrap around windscreen, gullwing doors, huge air intakes and an over-sized, mobile rear spoiler. Not surprisingly for a car inspired by a computer game, tech specifications for the GTbyCITROËN are a little light on, although within the game it will do its bit for the promotion of greener motoring with a fuel cell powered electric drive train that's totally emissions free (apart from the electricity running the console of course).

The overblown concept design sits on 21-inch, diamond-effect, aluminium wheels with white-to-grey flared paint work and sleek carbon fiber rear view mirrors that run back behind the wheel arches towards the low-slung front end. Inside the two padded racing seats are finished in black leather with touches of copper and steel used throughout the cabin and a red LED head-up display for key driver information to create what's described as an "opulent and powerful racing environment".

Kazanori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital Inc and creator of Gran Turismo, commented, “GTbyCITROËN shows how the worlds of virtual and real-life motoring can join together to create a truly innovative partnership. To see the GTbyCITROËN take shape in our game studios and then for real has been a truly unique experience - as our work normally stays in the digital world.”

Visitors to the Paris Motor Show this weekend will have the opportunity to "drive" the car in simulator on the Citroën stand.

Lots more images in the gallery.