Peugeot unleash surprise c.500bhp hybrid 308
2015-04-24 17:32:55
Peugeot will blast onto the stage at the Shanghai motor show last week with this, a 308 R HYbrid concept. With a combined 492bhp, Peugeot claim the 308 R HYbrid will be able to accelerate to 62mph in 4.0 seconds before going on to an artificially limited 155mph, thanks in part to a whopping 538lb ft of torque. Even more astonishing is its ability to produce only 70g/km of CO2.
The surprise arrival has been developed by the company’s own in-house racing division and mates a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine to an electric motor on each axle to create a 493bhp all-wheel drive monster.
At last year’s Paris motor show, the company unveiled a 308 R Concept, but whilst a decision still needs to be taken on whether or not this will enter production, the 308 R HYbrid concept offers a totally different performance prospect.
The phenomenal increase in power has meant that the front and rear tracks have had to be widened by 80mm (and to accommodate the 235/35 R19 rubber) and in order to bring it to a safe stop, the company’s engineers have had to add larger brakes.
Under the bonnet is the RCZ R’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which produces 267bhp. It is mated to two electric motors, each individually producing 114bhp. The electric motor on the front axle is mated to the six-speed manual transmission whilst the one at the rear can be used for pure electric running in EV mode.
The 3kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located under the rear seats. Charging time is as little as 45-minutes, according to Peugeot.
The driver will be able to select from one of four drive modes: ZEV, Road, Track and Hot Lap. Each will offer a change in the performance available to suit the conditions. ZEV offers pure electric propulsion, Road offers up to 296bhp, Track up to 395bhp and Hot Lap the full 492bhp.
The company’s Quartz SUV concept – unveiled at last year’s Paris show – seems to have been the inspiration for the 308 R HYbrid in terms of styling. This is evidenced by the gaping 3D air intakes, angular bumpers and two-tone paint finish on the bodywork, the latter reminiscent of the 208 GTI 30thanniversary edition, but this time in blue with the matt black contrast.
Peugeot have been keen to emphasise that the 308 R HYbrid is very much a concept and there are no immediate production plans.
The Peugeot 308 R HYbrid will make its worldwide debut at the 2015 Shanghai motor show which kicks off next week.
This article was prepared by our car news team First4Auto
Reported By
Andrew Merritt-Morling
Chief Editor
Associate Member of the Guild of Motoring Writers
