Peugeot teases new supercar concept

PEUGEOT has released a short video that offers a glimpse of a sleek new concept sportscar, either marking the next step in the evolution of its Onyx hyper hybrid and the company's future design direction – or a computer game.

In the dimly-lit film, Peugeot style director Gilles Vidal presents a sneak peak at the enigmatic vehicle, revealing a low-slung and aerodynamic car bearing striking similarities to the Onyx concept that aired in 2012.

While there is every chance the concept could develop into a production road car, it is more likely the vehicle is the next in a growing line of Vision Gran Turismo virtual cars, that have been created by various manufacturers for use in the Polyphony Digital computer game series Gran Turismo.

The game's website lists more than 10 Vision Gran Turismo cars that have already been released, but the Peugeot section features just one silhouette of a vehicle that appears to be related to the car shown in the video.

Peugeot's “motion & emotion” strap-line also accompanies both the video and the Vision Gran Turismo profile shot.

Despite the resemblance, the latest concept has progressed significantly from the original Onyx in the three years since its Paris show reveal. While the bonnet lines, grille and low profile appear similar, its rear end now incorporates sunken tail lights surrounded by vents, while the front end has more exaggerated features and vents.

Some styling cues also point to the Exalt four-door concept of last year's Beijing motor show, but Mr Vidal's description of the nameless concept suggests something more thoroughbred.

“This concept car is a vehicle that blends the codes of the GT, the supercar, and prototype sportscars,” he said.

The vehicle's low outline can be seen under a sheet revealing a pronounced rear spoiler typical to many high-performance cars, while its veiled proportions also suggest a mid- or rear-mounted power plant.

No details have been released, but the video might also reveal the charge socket of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, which would continue the hybrid powertrain theme started by the diesel-electric Onyx.

The concept may not point to a complete future production model but, as with previous concepts including the Exalt, this latest arrival will almost certainly herald styling signatures that will surface in part on future Peugeot cars.

The French car-maker has not chalked a venue or date for the car's reveal, but the upcoming Frankfurt motor show is one possibility, where a debut would mark three years since the Onyx unveiling.