Peugeot Sport recently announced it would be developing a top performance range of electric production vehicles. As a prelude to this new product line, Peugeot has presented a world first at the Geneva International Motor Show – the electrifying Concept 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered.
#Unboring the future, the assurance of a future that will be anything but boring aboard a Peugeot. And because electric driving also rhymes with sheer driving pleasure, the obvious key was to develop a performance-dedicated model line.
Peugeot Sport engineering specialists were assigned to develop the Concept 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered, delivering high performances with low emissions and providing amazing standards of performance, not yet seen so far on a Peugeot vehicle, combined with a sleek, athletic design.
Peugeot’s GT and GTi lines already provide top performance levels, as will the Hybrid and Hybrid4 in the near future. The Concept 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered goes even further. It is a prelude to the development of a new range of compelling electric vehicles. With this strategy, Peugeot demonstrates that electric is the source of smart neo-performance levels, uniting power and efficiency.
Peugeot Sport, world-renowned for its sports model design, was given the task of developing this new model line.
Of course, Peugeot Sport is celebrated worldwide in top-level international circles and by competition clients, notably for 908 and 3008 DKR, which were triumphant in the Le Mans 24-hour race and the Dakar rally, and their renown extends to 208 R2, 308 Racing-Cup and 308 TCR.
This expertise is also noticeable on the road, as Peugeot Sport also developed Peugeot RCZ-R (2013), 208 GTi 30th (2014) and 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport (2015).
For this concept vehicle, Peugeot Sport drew upon the experience gained with two trailblazing electric concept cars: the ultra-efficient 208 HYbrid FE (2013) and the 308 R HYbrid Concept (2015) laid claim to absolute performance levels: 500bhp total power output, 730Nm torque and zero to 100km/h in a mere four seconds.
The Concept 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered leverages these achievements and features the latest advances in technology to provide efficiency and unparalleled panache. The Peugeot Sport engineers have united the potency of three engines (a PureTech 200, an 110bhp electric engine at the front and a 200bhp engine at the rear), two power sources and four-wheel drive to provide spectacular in-gear acceleration, developing a maximum torque of 500Nm.
New Peugeot 508’s exceptional chassis has been specifically modified to lower the vehicle body height, include new damping laws and to widen the front track by 24mm, the rear track by 12mm. The precision steering has also been improved to provide extra efficiency.
High-performance tyres were selected from the range of Peugeot’s partner, Michelin. The Concept 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered sports 245/35 R20 Pilot Sport 4S tyres, chosen for their ultra-grip.
The Concept 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered fits perfectly into the ethos of this new line of high class electric vehicles and opens up a whole new world of driving experiences. Without any compromise on performance, all the advantages of a plug-in hybrid vehicle are on offer. The battery (11,8kWh) deliver real fuel efficiency and 100 per cent electric mode up to 50km (WLTP).
In Sport mode, thermal and electric power sources can be aggregated up to 190km/h, providing impressive in-gear acceleration in all conditions! Incredible driveability but with a new, more stringent standard in CO2 emissions.
This concept car heralds a new, high degree of agility and lays the foundations for a new expression of electric performance. Vehicle aerodynamics constitute a whole new dimension with amazing styling results.
The design is enhanced by the special Selenium Grey body colour, which changes according to the light, thanks to the fine opalescent particles contained in the paint. By way of contrast, Kryptonite inserts provide a captivating, lively note, underlining the concept car’s modern, sporty character.
In addition to their dynamic design, the new 20-inch alloy wheel rims allow for improved brake cooling. The engraved finish is an elegant and sporty blend of onyx black and selenium grey. The wheel bolt covers are star-shaped, fully hiding the wheel bolts and providing unprecedented attention to detail. The wheel rims allow a glimpse of the Peugeot Sport Engineered signature on the brake callipers.
The chrome features now appear more assertive with their gloss black colour and the iconic Lion and the monograms sport the same anodised surface finish as on the recent Peugeot e-Legend Concept car.