Citroën GT To See Small Production Run

Citroën GT? What an anomaly in today's world of fuel economy regulations and a slumping (or slumped) economy! While it seems like frivolous, expensive halo projects from the mainstream automakers are being cancelled, Citroën might be going forward with one of it's own.

In more ways than one - I thought Citroën was the luxury brand for PSA? - it's pretty amazing. The fact that it's even a consideration is remarkable.

The history surrounding the Citroen GT (or GT by Citroën as it is sometimes called) is amazing. It was designed by Japanese designer Takumi Yamamoto who presented the design to his childhood friend Kazunori Yamachi. Yamachi is director of Polyphony Digital (creator of the Gran Turismo racing game).

The design was created specifically to appear in the game but a real partnership with Citroën was sought and Yamamoto persuaded Yamachi to take it to Citroën, which he did. That is how the project was born, with the two working on the project since 2003. It really is a testament to the power of the Gran Turismo video game that Citroën would do something like this.

Citroën agreed with the project (obviously) and set out to produce a concept vehicle to debut at an auto show alongside the car's virtual debut. Now, word has come and it's not just speculation, it's official. The New York Times spoke with Anouk van Vliet, a Citroën spokeswoman about the GT and got the confirmation.

The GT will be extremely exclusive - only 6 are to be built. Price tag? A stunning $2.1 million. Wow! The GT will be the Citroën's first supercar, and the GT catapults them into the same category with performance greats like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bugatti.

No word yet on when it's coming or the powertrain it will utilize (but don't expect the hydrogen one from the virtual GT). Citroën is planning to make an announcement about the GT in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show.