Citroën M35
| Company type | Prototype vehicle |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën Ami 8 |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Defunct | 1971 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Coupé cars with Wankel engine and hydropneumatic suspension |
The Citroën M35 was a coupé derivative of the Ami 8, distinguished by its use of a Wankel engine and hydropneumatic suspension system. Manufactured by Heuliez between 1969 and 1971, the production run was limited to just 267 units. Its rotary engine, mounted longitudinally, had a displacement of 498 cc and produced and of torque. Performance figures were similar to the Morris 1300, achieving 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 19 seconds—an improvement of 10 seconds over the Ami 8—and reaching a maximum speed near . To increase driving range, it was equipped with an 11-gallon (43-liter) fuel tank, larger than that found in the Ami 8. The engine operated smoothly and featured an audible warning when approaching its 7,000 rpm redline. This powerplant was provided by Comotor, a collaboration established in 1967 between NSU and Citroën.
As a prototype vehicle, the M35 was not available for public sale but was entrusted to dedicated Citroën customers for extended evaluation periods. Each unit bore a banner signifying its prototype nature. Various components from the M35 were later integrated into production models: the rotary engine developed into the twin-rotor version used in the GS Birotor launched in 1974; its transmission was adapted from that of the GS 1015; suspension parts were incorporated into the GS series introduced in 1970; and its distinctive reclining seats were later featured in the SM.