Citroen hails DS line with diamond-studded Divine concept car (pictures)

PARIS -- Citroen introduced its DS3 model in 2010, a compact car that had hot hatch written all over it. Shown here is the DS3 Racing model, a tuned up version on display at the Paris Motor Show.

The DS3 Racing followed shortly on the launch of the standard car, yet generated 207 horsepower from its 1.6-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine.

The DS3 was actually the production version of the DS3 rally car. As of the Paris Motor Show, the Citroen team ranked second in the 2014 World Rally Car season. Although still using a 1.6-liter engine, the DS3 WRC car produces around 300 horsepower.

Citroen came up with the DS name from one of its iconic historical models, the DS, launched in 1955. Shown here is a 1969 DS21 on display at the Paris Motor Show.

In 2014, Citroen officially designated DS a separate brand, and used the Paris Motor Show to highlight the logo and a new, DS-branded exhibit area.

Waving the flag for the new brand is the DS Divine concept, a car based on the production DS3, but featuring unique styling elements -- suggesting some future ideas for the DS brand.

Citroen says the DS Divine is powered by the same turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder engine as the DS3, yet in this case it produces 270 horsepower.

Citroen hides the door handles in the body, and unlike many concept cars, uses real mirrors on the sides.

A wide sail plane and rear fenders accentuate the back end of the Divine concept.

Louvers over the rear window boldly show the diamond pattern that pervades this concept.

Headlights also feature a diamond pattern, but more practically, the casings hold laser diode high beams, for more efficient illumination.

The LED tail lights also show the integrated diamond pattern.

Even the leading edges of the side mirror incorporate diamonds.

These 20-inch wheels incorporate floating spokes, where these interwoven spokes are not actually attached to the hub. Citroen's description makes it sound like the company is bringing back spinners.

The doors open in an offset carriage style, allowing easy access to the cabin.

Citroen gets very outlandish with the interior appointments, creating different themes that can be installed in minutes. Shown here is a haute couture-inspired theme called "Parisienne Chic." Citroen calls this interior concept "Hypertypage."

The rear seats look rather small, but embrace the passengers.