From Stephan Joest….
A fictional short story around one of the most iconic vehicles from last century
In the year 2050, the moon is no longer a distant dream but a bustling hub of human endeavor. Lunar Colony Alpha, established in 2035, thrives with scientists, engineers, and astronauts working in harmony. Greenhouses yield fresh produce, solar panels hum with energy, and 3D printers churn out tools and structures. Yet, one persistent challenge looms: transportation. The moon’s surface, scarred with craters, jagged rocks, and fine dust, demands vehicles that are both robust and agile. Standard rovers, while dependable, are slow and lack the comfort needed for extended missions.
Enter a team of young, visionary astronauts led by Alex Chen, a 28-year-old mechanical engineer with a passion for automotive history. Alex proposes a bold solution: repurpose a vintage Earth vehicle for lunar exploration. After careful consideration, the team selects the Citroën SM, a 1970s masterpiece designed by Robert Opron. Known for its futuristic design and groundbreaking technology, the SM seems almost alien in its era, much like the Concorde. Its advanced features make it a prime candidate for the moon’s harsh terrain.
A Visionary Design
Robert Opron, a French designer whose career spanned Citroën, Renault, and beyond, crafted the Citroën SM as a grand tourer that blended elegance with innovation. Unveiled in 1970 at the Geneva Motor Show, the SM featured a sleek, aerodynamic body with a fully glazed front end housing six headlights and a tapering rear with faired-in wheels. Opron’s philosophy—marrying form and function—resulted in a car that was both a visual spectacle and a technological marvel. The SM’s hydro-pneumatic suspension, self-leveling lights, and DIRAVI steering were decades ahead, earning it the nickname “Sa Majesté” (His Majesty) among enthusiasts.
Alex and his team secure a pristine Citroën SM from an Earth museum and transport it to the moon. The retrofitting process begins, transforming the vintage coupe into the “Lunar SM,” a rover ready for the 21st century’s final frontier.
Retrofitting for the Moon
The first task is replacing the SM’s Maserati V6 engine, which powered the original with 170 horsepower. In the moon’s airless environment, combustion engines are obsolete. The team installs a high-efficiency electric motor, drawing power from solar panels mounted on the roof and fuel cells that convert lunar ice into hydrogen. This setup delivers instant torque and reliability, crucial for lunar missions.
The hydro-pneumatic suspension, a hallmark of Citroën’s engineering, is the SM’s standout feature. Capable of self-leveling and adjusting to uneven surfaces, it’s ideal for the moon’s craters and rocks. The team enhances it with smart algorithms that adapt in real-time, ensuring a smooth ride and stability in low gravity. This system allows the Lunar SM to glide over obstacles, absorbing shocks effortlessly.
The SM’s self-leveling lights, which swiveled with the steering, are upgraded with powerful LEDs. These adjust their beam based on speed and direction, illuminating the moon’s dark, shadowy landscape. The swiveling feature helps astronauts see around corners and over obstacles, enhancing safety during night missions.
The DIRAVI variable assist power steering, known for its self-centering capability, is another key adaptation. Enhanced with sensors, it adjusts to lunar gravity and terrain, offering precise control on steep inclines or slippery surfaces. This ensures the Lunar SM handles like a dream, even in the moon’s challenging conditions.
The braking system, featuring disc brakes at all four corners, is retained but upgraded with regenerative capabilities. This captures energy during deceleration, extending the vehicle’s range—a critical feature for long-distance expeditions. The team also adds a panoramic glass roof, allowing passengers to gaze at the lunar horizon, and equips the interior with advanced navigation, communication, and life support systems.
Testing and Triumph
The Lunar SM undergoes rigorous testing, navigating simulated lunar terrains with ease. Its suspension absorbs shocks from craters, its lights pierce the darkness, and its steering handles tight turns flawlessly. The colonists are thrilled, embracing the Lunar SM for scientific missions, personnel transport, and even recreational tours. Its iconic design — Opron’s fully glazed front and sleek rear — gives it a striking presence, blending retro charm with futuristic utility.
One mission proves the Lunar SM’s worth. A team of geologists ventures into an uncharted region, only to be caught in a sudden dust storm. Visibility drops to zero, but the Lunar SM’s swiveling lights cut through the haze, and its suspension keeps the ride steady over rough terrain. When the team encounters a steep drop, the self-leveling system prevents equipment spillage, ensuring a safe return. Alex reflects on the mission, marveling at how a 1970s car has become a lunar lifeline.
A Timeless Legacy
The Lunar SM is parked in a place of honor at Lunar Colony Alpha, a symbol of innovation and heritage. Alex and his team are celebrated for their ingenuity, but they credit Robert Opron’s vision. Opron’s design, which married beauty and practicality, has transcended time, proving that great ideas endure across eras and worlds.
In the decades that follow, the Lunar SM becomes an icon, inspiring future astronauts to think creatively. As the lunar sun sets, casting a golden glow over the colony, the Lunar SM stands ready for its next adventure—a testament to human exploration and the timeless allure of great design.
Oh, and for those who are still living on this earth: keep your eyes open, read about the famous vehicle designer on our Amicale Robert Opron engagement, visit the websites of the Citroen SM clubs world-wide and their forums to explore the capabilities of the car, and if you’d be ready to buy one of these design masterpieces – ask one of our club experts for assistance: you’ll not regret it…!
Voir les identifiants de contenuMy SORA AI creation which led to this story-telling…
Stephan Joest — SAccount Director @ Ericsson: 5G Private/Test Networks, Automotive & other industries I President, Amicale Citroën Internationale I Speaker | Innovator | Maximizing impact for chipset & device makers.