Peugeot Sport outs 508-based hybrid concept
BY SPENCER LEECH | 22nd Feb 2019
PEUGEOT plans to offer electrified models across its line-up by 2023, including a new range of high-performance electric vehicles (EV), saying that 508 Sport Engineered concept is its first step towards electrification.
Revealed this week ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month, the hybridised 508’s turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine is supplemented by 82kW and 150kW electric motors for its front and rear axles respectively.
Further details for the PureTech 200 engine have yet to be disclosed, but Peugeot claims that the four-door sedan will sprint from zero to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds before hitting its mechanically limited top speed of 250km/h.
Using an 11.8kWh battery, the Sport Engineered concept has a driving range of 50 kilometres when switched to pure-electric mode, and its emissions are rated at 49g/km on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) when in hybrid mode.
Distinguishing the concept from the standard 508 is a redesigned front bumper with bespoke aero features, a new rear diffuser and a more aggressive body kit.
The car is finished in Selenium Grey paint, with carbon-fibre door mirrors and unique Peugeot Lion badges as seen on the French brand’s e-Legend concept from last year.
Leather and Alcantara upholstery lines the cabin, while a touch-sensitive gear lever, a sports steering wheel, carbon-fibre trim pieces and new ‘comfort fit’ seats also feature.
A 10.0-inch touch screen handles infotainment, and a 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument cluster displays vital information.
Peugeot plans to release its first commercial battery-electric vehicle (BEV) later this year, however, it is unclear if the electrified vehicle will be imported to Australia.
According to Peugeot UK managing director David Peel, the Sport Engineering concept hints at what customers can expect when it begins EV production.
“The work of everyone at Peugeot involved in developing our electric dream is starting to move faster than we ever thought possible,” he said.
“The 508 Sport Engineered concept shows what is possible and gives us a taste of things to come over the next five years as we continue the path towards the electrification of our entire line-up.”
