Last September, at the prestigious Chantilly Arts & Élégance Richard Mille competition, DS Automobiles caused a sensation by presenting its SM Tribute concept, a modern reinterpretation of the legendary Citroën SM. This concept, a tribute to an icon of French motoring, has just been awarded the Special Jury Prize at the 2025 L'Argus Trophies. A look back at this milestone event for DS Automobiles and car enthusiasts.
SM Tribute: A pioneering vision of Citroën's heritage.
Created by the DS Design Studio Paris, the SM Tribute concept is a celebration of the tenth anniversary of DS Automobiles. To be unveiled with great fanfare in Chantilly in September 2024, this concept is inspired by the original Citroën SM launched in the 1970s. Designed by Robert Opron, the SM was a concentrate of innovation and elegance and remains an essential reference for collectors around the world.
The SM Tribute project was launched in 2020 with a series of sketches shared on social media using the hashtag #SM2020. The result of an internal competition between DS Automobiles designers, these drawings demonstrate a deep affinity with the SM heritage and a resolutely contemporary vision. "With SM Tribute, we wanted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of DS Automobiles with this reinterpretation of the original SM, which represents the elegance and avant-gardism that the brand holds dear," said Thierry Metroz, DS Automobiles Design Director.
The SM Tribute concept presents an exterior design that is faithful to the proportions and spirit of its illustrious predecessor, while incorporating avant-garde elements. Meanwhile, the interior combines tradition and technology with a projection display, curved screen console and steer-by-wire steering wheel. This alliance between past and future perfectly reflects the DNA of DS Automobiles.
Unanimous recognition at the 2025 L'Argus Trophies!
On Tuesday 21 January 2025, the SM Tribute concept was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the 32nd edition of the L'Argus Trophies. The event, held at the Docks de Paris in Aubervilliers, brought together 31 professionals from the automotive sector, including 16 journalists and experts from L'Argus and 15 representatives from regional and national media. This award recognises the audacity and excellence of the work carried out by the DS Automobiles teams.
The highlight of the evening was the joint presentation on stage of the SM Tribute and the original Citroën SM. This meeting of two generations of automobiles evoked palpable emotions from the audience, testifying to the timeless charisma of the SM. "The car is a human adventure. To receive this award surrounded by members of my team is a source of joy and pride," said Thierry Metroz. According to him, this award underlines DS Automobiles' commitment to reinventing heritage with boldness and passion.
With the SM Tribute concept, DS Automobiles shows that it is possible to celebrate an iconic model without falling into the trap of pure neo-retro. By playing on the nostalgia and emotions evoked by the Citroën SM, the brand reaffirms its ability to reinterpret the past while looking to the future.
This strategy clearly won over the jury and the public. Although the SM Tribute concept remains a style study for the time being, it is not out of the question that the success of this initiative will encourage DS Automobiles to consider putting it into production. A prospect that would certainly please fans of Citroën and exceptional automobiles.
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