Peugeot announces electrified sportscars by 2020
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 19th Oct 2018
PEUGEOT has announced plans to develop a range of electrified sportscars from 2020 as part of a broader push to electrify of all of its new models by 2019.
After revealing a pair of plug-in hybrid production models at the recent Paris motor show, the French brand will also focus on a range of “high-performance, low-emission” sportscars.
Peugeot does not currently offer a dedicated sportscar, suggesting all-new models will be created for its electrified performance-car offensive.
The brand will likely use its EMP2 platform to develop a sportscar model for the C or D segment, given the architecture was developed for compatibility with hybrid and full-EV powertrains.
Furthermore, the two vehicles revealed at Paris – the 3008 Hybrid4 and 508 SM Hybrid – both ride on the EMP2 platform.
The powertrain in the 3008 Hybrid4 could form the basis for a small sportscar, combining a 147kW 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with an 80kW electric motor for a combined output of 220kW, making it the most powerful drivetrain in Peugeot’s current portfolio.
It even surpasses the 200kW/330Nm output of the 308 GTi hot hatch, the most performance-focused model in Peugeot’s line-up.
The smaller CMP platform, designed for A- and B-segment vehicles, can also support electrified powertrains, and could be used for a light performance hatch or even an electrified rival for the likes of the Mazda MX-5.
Peugeot will collaborate with the brand’s racing arm, Peugeot Sport, which announced it will be pulling out of the World Rallycross Championship at the end of the 2018 season due to uncertainty over whether or not the championship will switch to electrified powertrains by 2021.
Peugeot has recently hinted at its electric performance potential with the retro-inspired e-Legend coupe concept also from the Paris motor show, with its all-electric powerrtain capable of pumping out a formidable 340kW/800Nm.
Teamed to a 100kWh battery pack, the e-Legend concept sports a range of up to 600km, while the sprint from zero to 100km/h is done in less than four seconds.
Another performance concept that could give a hint to Peugeot’s sportscar future is the wild-looking L500 R HYbrid concept from 2016, built to celebrate the centenary of Peugeot’s victory at the 1916 Indianapolis 500 race.
The L500 R HYbrid teams a pair of electric motors to a petrol engine of unspecified displacement for a combined output of 373kW/730Nm, allowing the sprint from zero to 100km/h in 2.5 seconds.
A production performance car built on the CMP platform could be inspired by the Fractal concept from the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, using two electric motors for a combined 150kW and 450km of driving range.
Peugeot CEO Jean-Phillippe Imparato said creating an electrified performance range would provide the brand with a number of new opportunities.
“Driving pleasure is at the heart of the brand's history. Electrification is a new opportunity to offer new high-performance versions to our customers looking for low-emission sports sensations,” he said.
“Driving sensations will be amplified by the performance provided by electrification. New territories to be explored, new challenges to be met, the adventure of the Peugeot brand continues for an exciting future. Boredom will never be part of our DNA.”
