Peugeot unveils hybrid BMW M3-beating Quartz crossover concept
2014-11-03 10:26:31
What you see here is Peugeot’s new Quartz Concept. As you can tell from just by looking at it, it is an all-wheel drive crossover. However, what isn’t obvious is that it is a hybrid which boasts more power than a BMW M3.
Underneath the bonnet sits a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder 270bhp petrol engine which has been donated by the RCZ R and produces a creditable 243lb ft of torque. This powers the front wheels. Additional power is provided by a pair of electric motors that are fixed to each axle, each producing 114bhp (85kWh). The power is transferred to the road via a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
There are three modes available. In ‘Road’ mode, only the front axle is engaged to provide increased efficiency. In full ‘Race’ mode, that’s when the combined power of the engine and the two electric motors comes together to develop a full 500bhp. However, the French manufacturer also claims that the Quartz could go 31 miles on pure electric only power.
All of its power source and the body that wraps it is bolted on to PSA Group’s new EMP2 platform. This is the same platform that underpins the Peugeot 308 and sister company, Citroën C4 Picasso. The Peugeot Quartz concept sits just over 2,000mm wide, 4,500mm long and sits on huge 23-inch wheels. The wheels contain composite flaps to help direct airflow around the wheels.
As if it doesn’t need anything else to make it stand out, externally, the Quartz is distinguished by its scissor doors, short overhangs at each end and two spoilers which reinforce its sporting intent. It has a long bonnet that contain subtle louvres hidden in the sides of the bonnet-bulge, and sloping roof, giving the Quartz the impression that it is a weight-lifting sports coupé.
At the front, the concept is purposeful and business like with its mesh grill and lens-free arching LED headlamps which are cloaked in a mineral grey finish at the front, inspired say Peugeot, by rock crystal. The rear wings are finished in matt black with flashes of red which disguise the fact that these indicate extending steps into the cabin.
Inside, there is space for four adults. The interior has been built from a range of materials, just like the Exalt and Onyx concepts. Therefore, expect to find materials as diverse as basalt (a material formed by cooling magma), woven textiles mixed with polyester fibre, leather, trim sourced from recycled material such as furniture, clothing and plastics, and door frames milled from a block of composite material. Peugeot say the interior is driver-focused with a wrap-around cockpit. Much of it is covered in what Peugeot describe as a “digitally woven” textile which has been produced from recycled plastic bottles. This technique allows the company to create large and complex patterns which require no cutting. This means less waste.
Gilles Vidal, Peugeot Design Director, told first4auto: “Peugeot’s style strength lies in its prowess in tackling a saloon or hatchback just as effectively as a crossover to create the kind of stylish car that people would really love to own.”
This article has been especially prepared by First4Auto on behalf of EcoCars4Sale.
Reported By
Andrew Merritt-Morling
Chief Editor
