Citroen CX GTi Turbo
The Citroen CX was the DS's successor — an even more radical executive sedan that combined space-age styling, hydropneumatic suspension, and front-wheel drive in a package that defied conventional automotive wisdom. The GTi Turbo, introduced in 1984, was the fastest and most exciting CX variant, adding forced induction to Citroen's already advanced platform.
Robert Opron designed the CX's aerodynamic body with a record-setting drag coefficient of 0.30 when launched in 1974. The name 'CX' referenced this coefficient — a bold statement of aerodynamic achievement. The car won European Car of the Year in 1975, following the DS's similar achievement two decades earlier.
The GTi Turbo used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a Garrett T3 turbocharger, producing 168 hp — impressive for a 2.5L four-cylinder in the mid-1980s. This was enough to propel the aerodynamic CX to 137 mph, making it one of the fastest four-cylinder cars of its era. The turbocharged engine provided strong mid-range torque, perfect for effortless high-speed cruising on French autoroutes.
Like the DS before it, the CX featured Citroen's legendary hydropneumatic suspension with self-leveling capability. The car could be raised or lowered at the touch of a button, and the suspension automatically adjusted ride height based on speed and load. The ride quality was otherworldly — the CX seemed to float over road imperfections, absorbing bumps that would shake occupants in conventional cars.
The CX's interior was deliberately austere and modernist, with a single-spoke steering wheel, aircraft-inspired instruments, and controls grouped logically rather than symmetrically. The rear hatch design provided enormous cargo capacity, making the CX as practical as it was advanced.
The CX remained in production until 1991, selling over 1.2 million units across all variants. The GTi Turbo was the performance flagship, combining French technological innovation with genuine sports sedan performance. Today, the CX is appreciated as the last truly radical Citroen — the company never again produced anything quite so uncompromising.
The CX GTi Turbo is now a cult classic among Citroen enthusiasts. The hydropneumatic system is the primary concern — budget for sphere replacement, accumulator rebuilds, and hydraulic pump maintenance. The turbo four-cylinder is robust but requires correct LHM fluid levels (the hydraulic system lubricates engine components). Rust affects front subframe mounts, inner sills, and rear suspension pickup points. Electrical systems are complex — LHM fluid pressure operates switches. Series 2 cars (1985+) are more refined. The manual transmission is more engaging than the automatic. Parts availability through French specialists is reasonable.
Total CX production (all variants): 1,170,850 units (1974-1991). The GTi Turbo was introduced in 1984 as part of the Series 2 update. Early turbo cars had 160 hp; later versions (1986+) had 168 hp. The CX was available as a sedan (Berline), station wagon (Break), and long-wheelbase Prestige limousine. Diesel versions were extremely popular in Europe. The GTi Turbo production numbers are unknown but estimated at under 10,000 units.