Peugeot 207 Epure Concept

Motoring Channel Staff - 26/Sep/2006

Paris, France — The Paris Motor Show is always a spectacular event, and every two years the show is home to a raft of concept cars, and in 2006 the French marques are pulling out all the stops to be the brightest stars on the showroom floor. 

Peugeot will reveal a range of vehicles at the Mondial de l'Automobile, including the intimidating 908 RC concept. Another prototype vehicle to be displayed by the French automaker is the 207 Epure concept. It builds on the success of the 206 CC and the 307 CC, but unlike like its production cousins, it does things a bit a differently. 

Representing the next generation of the 206 CC - the first vehicle in the small car segment to have a metal electric folding roof - the 207 Epure is a stylish coupe cabriolet that is a zero emission vehicle, silent in operation, and features the 207's styling with a metal electric folding roof.

With the launch of the 207 hatchback, Peugeot's designers naturally considered including a "CC" version in the new range, and with the 207 Epure concept car the styling is indicative of the new 207 CC, while the propulsion system represents a tangible future product. So, in addition to twin coupé/cabriolet adaptability, this styling blueprint also conceals an example of future fuel cell technology for a more distant future.

Using an experimental power train, the 207 Epure includes the latest advances of the PSA Peugeot Citroën group in this area, without any adverse affect on the vehicle's functional and stylistic features.

Peugeot explains that, in a global context, where the need to consume less energy and reduce CO2 emissions is paramount, the PSA Peugeot Citroën group is continuing its technological research into clean and economical vehicles. In addition to work on improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines, particularly with HDi engines, the ability of the Group's engines to run on fuels that incorporate biofuels, the invention of the DPFS (diesel particulate filter system) and research into HDi Hybrids, PSA Peugeot Citroën is also studying future technologies.

For example, the hydrogen fuel cell could represent a high-potential energy source for the future. The advantages of the fuel cell for the environment are many:

• It provides an alternative to fossil fuels.

• It helps to reduce CO2 emissions and therefore to control the greenhouse effect.

• It improves the quality of life in town, thanks to the silent operation of vehicles that use an electric motor and the elimination of local emissions.

This technology, however, still has to overcome a number of technical and economic challenges before large-scale production can be envisaged.

PSA Peugeot Citroën has therefore adopted a research strategy which aims to explore different solutions. The company says that this work has given rise to the production of a succession of demonstrators that could lead to final production models.

The 207 Epure, like previous demonstrators, uses the fuel cell as a source of on-board electrical energy (increasing the maximum distance the vehicle can travel - a "range extender" in Peugeot speak). It powers the electric motor (propulsion system) directly as well as helping to recharge the batteries.

The spirit of freedom inherent in this design is therefore closely bound up with the car's method of propulsion: the ensuing benefits - zero emissions, silent operation - which does much to enhance the pleasure of driving the car as a cabriolet. 

To operate, a fuel cell needs hydrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is drawn from the air, while hydrogen is stored on the vehicle. The combining of these two elements creates an electrochemical reaction that causes a displacement of electrons and protons which simultaneously produces heat, water, and above all electricity.

For the first time on a demonstrator, the 207 Epure uses a GENEPAC fuel cell. Combining simplicity and modularity, this French designed cell has been designed to be compact in installation and efficient in use. The principle of this new cell, featuring PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) technology, is based on the use of thin, stamped stainless-steel plates, which reduce the cost and volume of the cell compared to traditional plates.

This system also allows for simple gauging of the cell's power. For example, the cell used on this demonstrator, called the “GENEPAC 20”, is a 20 kW version of the GENEPAC system. The GENEPAC 20 consists of two modules each with a stack of thin plates and an assembly of electrode membranes. Five 15-litre cylinders containing 3kg of hydrogen compressed to 700 bar provides the electric motor and the lithium-Ion battery with as much extra power and range as possible. They are located at the bottom of the vehicle's boot, which frees up the two rear seats, does not affect the operation of the retractable roof mechanism and leaves part of the boot available for use in the coupé position.

Use of an electric motor allows the 207 Epure to consume energy only when in motion and to save energy during phases of deceleration. It also makes this demonstrator silent, an important quality for a vehicle driven in town and highly beneficial during use as a cabriolet. The PAC technologies give the 207 Epure concept car a considerable range - around 350km - while offering a pleasing level of performance with a maximum speed of 130km/h.

As well as exhibiting evolving hydrogen fuel cell technologies that would power an electric motor via batteries, the 207 Epure is likewise an exhibit for the new design of the 207 CC. Peugeot believes that the pearl white livery highlights the purity of the concept car's lines while symbolising the ecological credentials of the technology that powers it. The familiar, elegant and expressive design of the front of the 207 is strengthened by its bold and flowing contours.

From the side, the high waistline at the rear creates an effect which, combined with the angle of the front windscreen and the arch of the closed roof, enhances the car's dynamic presence by creating a sense of movement, even when it is stood still. The sculpting of the lower side panels adds further to the overall personality of the vehicle. Peugeot continues that its special 'Pitlane' alloy wheels strengthen the impression of a vehicle with superb road holding.

Chrome detailing circumvents the perimeter of the passenger compartment and includes a bold styling feature, located on top of the boot lid, helping to enhance the fluidity of the design of the rear of the car. Extending from the boot lid, the rear spoiler with its pronounced shape blends harmoniously into the rear diode-effect lights. Peugeot adds that meticulous surface finishes, eloquent style lines and perfectly balanced proportions give the vehicle the natural equilibrium, elegance and dynamism sought after by its designers, whether it is a coupé or a cabriolet.

The interior further expands on the theme of 'E-purity' expressed by the exterior, which can be seen in the fascia panel of the 207 Epure, which is fluid-like and covered entirely with white leather, as is most of the passenger compartment: the detailing, the trim on all four seats, and even the controls under the steering wheel. 

The white dials of the instrument panel and the chrome trims strengthen the modern and technological feel of the interior says Peugeot, and touches of absinthe green (inspired by the vehicle's floor colour) are subtly interspersed throughout the passenger compartment, particularly in the form of discreet beads on the fascia panel, the door panels, the rear of the front seats and the head restraints. This colour also appears in the perforations of the seat leather, like little bubbles of oxygen, echoing the vehicle's ecological method of propulsion. 

This harmony between white and mineral tones further accentuates the sensation of freedom, relaxation and energy that emanates from the car explains the French automaker, and from a functional point of view, the instrument panel incorporates all necessary information for monitoring the charge level of the battery and the quantity of on-board compressed hydrogen, while the colour display in the centre console displays the flow of power between the electric motor, the battery and the fuel cell.

A glimpse of the near future, the 207 Epure concept gives clues as to the next generation 207 CC's styling, and add impetus to the hydrogen fuel cell movement.