5 By Peugeot: The Concept For A Future In Which The French Still Build Cars
Peugeot are going through a bit of a turbulent phase at the moment. They announced a loss of £1.02bn for 2009 (which was curbed by “Bangers for Cash”) and shareholders are pressuring management for more growth. So, Peugeot are revamping their line up, starting with the 407. The 407 was a bit bland and really only existed to sell to fleets, so PSA are going to give it a new lease of life…..by killing it. Car Magazine reports that the Peugeot 407 is going to be retired and replaced with the 508. The 508 will be showcased at the 2010 Geneva motor show. The car is still in concept phase, but is strongly suggesting that the design of the concept car will be spread across all ranges.
I won’t bore you with the ins and outs of the “massive shark’s gob” and let the pictures do the talking. What is interesting (as far as I’m concerned) is the powertrain. Peugeot are planning to make this car a hybrid using its own “PSA HYbrid4” system. It’ll combine a 2.0 litre, 163bhp diesel engine with a 37bhp electric motor, which will power the rear wheels. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s a system similar to the one Ford are planning to use in their new Ford Focus RS. Peugeot’s 508 hybrid will deliver (they say) 73mpg and emissions of 99g/km, which means it will be exempt from UK road tax. Which sounds great until you remember that Electronics and the French have never really mixed well together.
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Unlike the Americans they actually engineer and design their own cars. I can only think of one Ford built on a US developed platform. Our industry has become a international disgrace.
What a concept, improving drooping sales by offering models that consumers might actually want.
Alright... I live in the east coast of the U.S so I will probably never touch a Peugeot. However... That doesnt stop me from checking out the site and loving on the 206, 207, 308, 308sw or the 407sw. And seeing the 5 by Peugeot.. is a complete about FACE in the design of Peugeot. If I wanted a MAXIMA, Id BUY a MAXIMA. I was hoping.. for a further design of the aforementioned cars.. into a large sedan and this... isn't it. I don't know if the maw is confusing me, or the Maxima lights.. or the nose that's been cut off (to spite its face, but its confusing me.)
The Hybrid system is designed and supplied by Continental Cammy and the last time I looked, I sink zey were ze Germans!