Peugeot 308 R Hybrid
Unexpected RS3/A45 AMG/Focus RS rival in shape of a 500hp, four-wheel drive hybrid Peugeot
The 308 R Hybrid shares its powertrain with the Quartz concept seen at Paris, meaning the RCZ R's 270hp 1.6-litre turbo is used in conjunction with a pair of 115hp electric motors. It's four-wheel drive and Peugeot claims 62mph in four seconds, a limited 155mph top speed and 70g/km. Very impressive.
While we shouldn't get lost in the details of a wild concept, a few aspects are worth discussing as they point the way to both more fast Peugeots and hybrid models. The four driving modes that vary the assistance of the electric motors and how the engine is used could surely be incorporated into a production car. 'ZEV' makes priority use of the rear electric motor, Road limits outputs to 300hp and 295lb ft, Track ups that to 400hp/391lb ft and then Hot Lap takes everything from every power source for 500hp and 538lb ft.
Is the R Hybrid a styling preview of a production 308 R with just a petrol engine? Perhaps. Being a Peugeot concept it has some silly two-tone paint, but it would be surprising to see a road car with tracks widened by 80mm front and rear. The 235/35R19 wheel/tyre combo is probably more likely to make production, plus a more aggressive front end like this concept. Those rear vents are for cooling batteries though so don't bank on those...
The R Hybrid has been developed by Peugeot Sport, the motorsport team behind the acclaimed 208 GTI 30th and RCZ R. Meaning if it ever does make production it'll definitely be one hybrid firmly on the PH radar.
Its like they are trying to make their cars looks st.
Maybe someone in the design department is a double agent for VW and is doing it on purpose.
The 308 has an nice classic approach to the relationship between rear side wndow and rear wheelarch. Not much metal
...much better...come on Peugeot. Get the 308 R done proper.
Or am I missing something?
Golf Mk 7 was launched January 2013, the GTi was on sale a few months afterwards and Golf R was rolling out of the factory before the end of that year.
Peugeot 308 was launched about a year after Golf Mk 7 and we're still waiting for the R.
Come on Peugeot! Are you trying to beat Honda's record for Slowest Hot Hatch To Reach The Showroom? Stop farting around with paint schemes and PR stunts about hybrids. Get the 308 R made, get it right and get them into showrooms.
No matter how good the 308 R is, you'll never make money from it until you bloody actually bloody sell some!
I would be very interested in any 500hp 4x4 hybrid super-hatch and I wouldn't really care so much about the badge on the bonnet.
I would be very interested in any 500hp 4x4 hybrid super-hatch and I wouldn't really care so much about the badge on the bonnet.
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