Peugeot 308 R Hybrid
This head-turner is the Peugeot 308 R HYbrid which is a concept car due to be unveiled at the Shangai motor show but could be seen on our streets.
Based on the popular compact Peugeot 308 family hatchback, the concept car has hybrid plug-in technology which will produce 500 HP.
It’s been developed by the firm’s in-house Sport team, comes with four-wheel drive and will reach 0 to 62 mph in four seconds.
Despite its supercar levels of performance, the Peugeot 308 hybrid concept will produce CO2 emissions of 70g/km.
This is one concept car that will attract a lot of attention and Peugeot hints that it might, in some shape or form, end up on our streets.
Peugeot 308 is 2014’s Car of the Year
The design cues are from the 2014 Car of the Year with the Peugeot 308’s look being clearly visible.
There are some very good ideas on board, the cabin is cloaked in an intense blue which uses glass and fluorescent pigments in a nod to the hybrid powertrain.
Otherwise the cabin is a new creation with four individual leather sports seats which makes the interior a dramatic place to be.
There’s a narrow spoiler at the rear for reinforcing the aerodynamics and the twin air scoops in the bumper help to keep the battery temperature down.
Peugeot has created its 308 R HYbrid with the purpose of developing a world-class performance vehicle with petrol and battery power.
The firm has also used a clever idea for using less foam in the interior to make the car lighter; they’ve used an innovative material which is a woven fabric to replace foam.
Get this car on personal contract hire
There’s also a compact steering wheel which is being geared to offer precise positioning while cornering and the steering wheel paddles give finger tip control over the six-speed gearbox.
In addition, there’s a head-up display where all of the relevant information for the driver is displayed on to the windscreen.
This Peugeot 308 also has a couple of buttons on its central console to enable the driver to check immediately on the mechanics and alter its driving modes.
However, most car fans will be intrigued by the fact this Peugeot 308 R HYbrid comes with a plug-in powertrain that offers 500 HP in a four wheel drive format.
Essentially, the unit uses three sources of power, all of which can move the car independently of the others.
The first is a 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol engine and there are two electric motors – one for each axle.
There’s no doubt that this is a very impressive concept car with some very clever ideas so watch this space for an announcement later this year about a new Peugeot 308 …