Citroën and Tesla…

It’s hard for me not to put together these two car brands and for similar reasons. First, I see revolutionary designs in both the Tesla model S introduced in 2012 and the Citroën DS-19 launched in 1955. While Citroën’s model might have been the most innovative car for the 20th century, Tesla ushered in the 21st century by also upsetting the automotive rules through innovation. 

In 1955, the DS-19 offered ground breaking aerodynamic design in an effort to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Its hydraulic suspension, called “hydro or oleo pneumatic”, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, as well as automatic self-leveling capabilities. 

The car also featured power steering and power brakes to make driving more effortless and safer. There was also more advanced technology inside that car, like a semi-automatic (“Citromatic”) transmission, disc brakes, and later on, swiveling headlights that improved visibility into corners. 

Finally, there were more innovations like a fiberglass roof, one-spoke steering wheel and safety features such as a collapsible steering column, a padded dashboard, and engineered crumple zones to prioritize passenger protection.

As for the 2012 Tesla model S, the internal combustion engine was gone and replaced by an electric motor that offered practical long-range capabilities as well as an impressive performance only found in true sport cars. 

The package was rounded up with the firm’s supercharger network that provided free access to high-speed charging infrastructure, addressing range anxiety that, from the get go, was a major perceived downside with electric vehicles. 

Then, features like autopilot and the perspective of self-driving capabilities. The model S Autopilot could control the vehicle's steering, acceleration, and braking under certain conditions. Another total innovation were Tesla’s over-the-air updates, pushing software modifications directly to the car's systems in order to enable continuous improvements, add new features and enhance performance over time. 

Finally, the car’s interior and infotainment were as minimalist as they were futuristic, with a large touchscreen infotainment system consolidating controls, including vocal commands, and displaying vehicle information.