--- title: "The Iconic Citroen SM Has Been Reborn As God-Tier Concept Luxury Coupe" date: "2024-09-11" modified: "2024-09-11" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-iconic-citroen-sm-has-been-reborn-as-god-tier-concept-luxury-coupe" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Stellantis News" tags: - "Citroen" - "Citroen SM" - "Coupe" --- # The Iconic Citroen SM Has Been Reborn As God-Tier Concept Luxury Coupe ![Citroen SM Tribute, a concept car made by DS Automobiles]() *Stellantis* I don't think I'll ever understand [Citroen]()'s decision to separate its ["DS" model line]() and turn it into its own luxury car brand. DS is now a brand that feels like an afterthought, instead of the iconic model line that it used to be (even if the more recent Citroen DS models didn't live up to the name's history). However, despite the confusion, DS did get one thing right—this new SM Tribute concept car. The new SM Tribute concept is, well, a tribute to the iconic [Citroen]() SM, one of the coolest, strangest, and most fascinating sport luxury coupes ever made. The tribute to it was made, "as if SM had continued to develop over the past five decades," per a [press release](). And DS nailed the assignment, as it genuinely looks like an SM that's continuously evolved over several generations until this point. Every other car company needs to take note: that's how you revive a legend. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() You don't even need to see the name to know what it is. While the proportions are much more modern—with a shorter rear deck, longer front doors with a smaller back seat, a longer dash-to-axle ratio, and shorter overhangs—the spirit of the original SM is there. The SM's signature design elements always included its arrow-like C-pillar kink and rear wheel coverings. The former is more subtle on the Tribute but the latter was reimagined to be smaller and even feature a little window that shows the top of the wheel. It's also removable if you'd prefer to see the full wheel. I guess it never could be the same as the original, though, as modern brakes are far larger and require more cooling airflow. While the SM Tribute's stick-figure headlights aren't as charming as the original's, and its lower front fascia is too large and aggressive, the big glass panel covering the headlights and grille gives off the best sorts of vintage Citroen vibes. ![]() **Stellantis** Admittedly, the SM Tribute does get a bit too techy and messy inside for me. I like the skate-ramp center console but the rest of the interior design is an assault on the eyeballs. It's just too much. And even though it's so very [French to use weird steering wheels](), the rectangular one in the SM Tribute just isn't good. There aren't any specs for the SM Tribute, as it doesn't seem like a car DS is looking to build in real life. However, if it does end up becoming a reality (I'm crossing my fingers so hard I'm losing circulation), it will almost certainly be electric. The original had a Maserati V6—the unholy blend of French design and Italian reliability—so it would be amazing if this SM Tribute became a production car with [Maserati's current Nettuno V6](). But that seems unlikely at best. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() We get neither Citroens nor DS' here in North America, so if it does go into production, we likely wouldn't get it anyway. But since DS is part of [Stellantis](), never say never. Either way, the SM Tribute is probably the best vintage revival concept I've seen and more brands need to take note of how it's done. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()