Real cars are recreated in video games. Now a car from a game makes it into the real world.

No wonder it looks like the futuristic cars from the recent 'Speed Racer' film.

GTbyCITROËN is the result of a partnership between Citroën and the people behind driving simulation game 'Gran Turismo 5' on Playstation 3. In the game, the car features an electric drive train powered by a fuel cell with no pollutant emissions and was designed to square up to the strongest competition.

The actual car, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, is geared to the world of motor racing, with its dynamic styling, sculpted lines and sharp graphics. The rear end is oversized, and made exaggeratedly long with the idea of making the car look even faster. The white-to-grey gradation on the body side further underlines this impression of continuous movement.

In fact, the overall exterior design is about optimising aerodynamics, through flowing, taut lines, stretched to the extreme. The cleanly drawn sides, ribbed at the top, and the pearlescent shade of the bodywork enhance the vehicle's sleekly muscled looks.

The determined look of the front end is enhanced by wide air intakes and clear-cut horizontal headlamps. The headlamps feature penetrating blue LEDs in order to light the road effectively and keep rivals at a respectful distance. The chrome chevrons on the smooth bonnet express the Marque's identity.

The carbon rearview mirrors on their finely profiled supports appear to be suspended as if to cleave the air, giving GTbyCITROËN a more menacing on-road stance.

The large wraparound windscreen flows seamlessly into the roof and on into the rear mobile airfoil with its exaggeratedly long shape.

GTbyCITROËN also expresses power through generous volumes, (length: 4.960m, 2.080m and height: 1.090m) underlined by strongly marked wheel arches. The diamond-effect 21-inch aluminium wheels enhance the car's sporty personality.

Looking beyond the visual effect, the gullwing opening of the two doors gives GTbyCITROËN a level of accessibility rarely seen on this type of vehicle. The driver and co-driver can therefore slip into their seats and get out on the track as quickly as possible.

The dark interior of this show-car is a surprise, compared with the light bodywork. Upholstered in black leather with subtle touches of rare materials such as copper and steel, the cabin of GTbyCITROËN is distinctly sporty.

Two padded racing seats upholstered in dark leather, each fitted with a four-point harness, enfold the driver and passenger and are placed low down to highlight the impression of speed.

The dashboard, with its clean uncluttered design, flows into the receding lines of an imposing copper sculpture. The thrusting modern lines of the sculpture become the central tunnel of the vehicle, illustrating the power of GTbyCITROËN and appearing to catalyse its strength.

Created in a twist of this same copper sculpture, the leather-and-steel steering wheel also reflects the sporting spirit of the cabin.

To promote maximum concentration, the driver has a head-up display for driving information. Using red LEDs, this system projects key driving information — such as speed and navigation data — onto the windscreen in the driver's direct line of vision.

It's just like a game…