Peugeot Hybrid Sports Car: Concept Study

Motoring Channel Staff - 21/August/2008

Paris, France — The Paris Motor Show comes around once every two years, and French car makers like Renault, Citroen and Peugeot always save their best work for Paris.

One of the new models that Peugeot will be exhibiting at the 2008 Paris Motor Show is generating quite a bit of buzz, as it is believed to be the closest working concept to the car maker's upcoming diesel hybrid, which is sheduled to be on sale in 2010.

It was originally thought Peugeot's first diesel electric hybrid car would be a small car, based on the 207 or 308 hatchback, but this new model could signal otherwise.

Peugeot says the new concept is an "exciting, eco-efficient vehicle which has all the characteristics that also ensure great driving enjoyment; a synthesis of ideas which demonstrates that respect for the environment and driving pleasure can be compatible".

Though the sporty new hybrid concept car's name hasn't been released yet, a number of images have, all of which provide clues as to Peugeot's future design direction as well as its hybrid ambitions.

Clearly, the impending age of electric, hybrid, and fuel cell cars will not be limited to compact, conversative, uninspired transportation, but will include flair and verve as seen in this French design concept.

Peugeot has revealed that the concept car will be able output up to 230kW (313hp) with its combustion and electric engines combined, which would make it potentially very athletic in terms of performance.

When driving in combined mode, Peugeot says the car has a minimal effect on the environment, emitting just 109g/km of CO2, which is very low. 

In certain situations when the car is using only the electric motor, the car can reduce its CO2 emissions to zero.

The name of the new concept will include the initials RC, and is a "working laboratory of many future ideas" says Peugeot, one that "brings together numerous stylistic, engineering and technological ideas all in a single vehicle."

The 4-door sports coupe appears to be a large vehicle, with optimised aerodynamics and flowing lines to reduce wind resistance.

It's likely to be labelled a luxury grand tourer because of its size, and could be a rival for vehicles such as Volkswagen's new Passat CC, another sporty 4-door coupe, and possibly even Porsche's upcoming Panamera.

Peugeot's new design will also pave the way for a slight change in the car maker's evolving design philosophy, and it could herald a new model for the marque. 

The aggressive front end looks good, and together with strong character lines on the hood it is one of the French car maker's best designs yet, and has sparked rumours of a new performance push for the European company.

Stay tuned for more information on the new Peugeot.

Related Links:
- Peugeot 308 CC (2009)
- Peugeot 308 (Road Test)
- Peugeot 308 GT (2008)
- Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept (2007)
- Peugeot 207 GTi (Road Test)
- Peugeot Flux Concept (2007)
- Peugeot 308 Hybrid HDi & SW (2007)
- Peugeot 207 GT (Road Test)
- Peugeot 207 CC (2007)
- Peugeot 407 Coupe HDi (Road Test)
- Peugeot 307 HDi (Road Test)
- Peugeot 4007 SUV (2007)
- Peugeot Spider 207 (2007)