PEUGEOT

New Peugeot 508 RXH with AWD Diesel-Electric Hybrid Drivetrain Takes on Audi’s A4 Allroad Quattro 

Only a week after we brought you spy shots of Peugeot’s high-riding 508 SW, and the French carmaker released the first official photos of the production model that will carry the RXH moniker, ahead of its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September of 2011. The new nameplate isn’t the only thing that differentiates Peugeot’s new crossover from the rest of the brand’s Outdoor models as the 508 RXH comes with all-wheel drive, courtesy of the Hybrid4 diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain.
It is the same hybrid setup found on the 3008 Hybrid4 featuring a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine with 163HP turbo that drives the front wheels and a 37HP electric motor driving the rear wheels for a combined maximum output of 200-horses and 450Nm (331.9 lb-ft).
Aside from offering a four-wheel drive mode, the hybrid setup also allows the 508 RXH to run on pure electric mode with zero emissions. Peugeot says the high-riding estate model returns a combined fuel economy of 4.2 lt/100km (55.9mpg US or 67.2 mpg UK) with emissions of 109 g/km of CO2. More details on fuel consumption and performance specs will be released closer to the Frankfurt Show.
Peugeot did not say when or if it will offer more powertrain choices for the RXH.
The 508 RXH is based on the estate version of Peugeot’s mid-size model, which was presented last year and is also available as a four-door sedan.
In a similar fashion to Audi’s A4 Allroad quattro model, the 508 RXH rides on a jacked-up suspension, and also comes with distinct styling features including a new front bumper with vertical LED lights on either side, chrome roof rails, bigger 18-inch wheels and wheelarch extensions and sill mouldings to give it something of an off-road look.
Other standard features include an Open & Go system, electric front seats, head up display, panoramic glass roof, dark-tinted side windows, latest generation audio and satellite navigation unit.
The 508 RXH will go on sale across Europe in spring of 2012. 

SCOOP: Peugeot Trying Out New High-Riding 508 Outdoor 

 

It has only been a few months since Peugeot spun out its newly designed 508 mid-size model in both saloon and Station Wagon formats, but the French acarmaker is already working on a new derivative inspired by its high-riding 207 Outdoor model. Our spy photographers snagged a prototype version of the 508 Outdoor testing on European roads. Even though Peugeot’s full-body plastic wraps leave much to the imagination, it is obvious that the car rides on a jacked up suspension.
If the 207 Outdoor is anything to go by, the 508 Outdoor should keep its front - wheel drive layout adding the obligatory for any faux-4 x 4 wheel arch extensions, beefed up front and rear bumpers, along with a full-length glass roof.
The engine range will most likely mirror that of the standard 508 SW offering several choices including 1.6-liter gasoline and 2.0-liter turbo diesel units. 

Peugeot Announces Special Edition RCZ Asphalt for the UK 

 

Peugeot has opened the order books for a new limited edition version of its funky looking RCZ sports coupe. The United Kingdom will receive only 75 right-hand drive examples of the RCZ ‘Asphalt’ with pricing set at £29,995 (equal to US$47,840 and €33,540) a piece. The Asphalt is based on the top-of-the-range GT trim featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 200-horses.
The bespoke model is distinguished by the http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifexclusive Matt exterior Telluric grey paintwork with black roof, Asphalt’ badging, 19-inch Solstice black alloy wheels, complemented with matching black brake callipers.
Inside, Peugeot added ‘Asphalt’ branded and stitched Nappa leather trim, an Alcantara / leather steering wheel and gear stick, plus bespoke ‘Asphalt’ sill covers and floor mats.
On top of the standard equipment featured on the GT model, the Asphalt gains front and rear parking aid, auto lighting (with approach and follow me home modes), Peugeot Connect Media Navigation and an upgraded JBL sound system.

New Peugeot 107 Sportium Special Edition for the UK Market 

When automakers don’t have something truly new to add to one of their models, they tend to introduce special edition versions, which most of the times translates to added equipment features. And that’s the case with the new Peugeot 107 Sportium Special Edition for the British market. The Sportium combines the standard equipment features of the Urban trim level, namely electric power steering, four airbags, remote control central locking, electric front windows, height adjustable steering, stereo radio / single CD player with MP3 socket, ABS, EBFD and CSC, with tinted rear windows, 14-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning and “white” door mirror covers and interior detailing.
It is available as a three and five door model and a choice of five exterior body colours: Laser Red, Citrus Yellow, Diamond White, Zircon Grey and Electra Blue.
Power comes from 1.0-litre petrol engine coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox. It returns a combined fuel economy of 62.77 mpg UK with corresponding CO2 emissions of 103g/km.
On the road prices start from £9,945 for the 3-door version and £10,295 for the 5-door model.

Peugeot's EX1 Concept Breaks the Electric Car Record on the Nurburgring 

It's not very often we hear about an electric car taking on the fearsome Nurburgring-Nordschleife track. A concept version of an EV is an even rarer sight on the “Green Hell”, but that's exactly what Peugeot did as it put the EX1 design study at work on the world's toughest circuit. It wasn't just a pleasure ride, however, since Peugeot visited the ‘Ring to break the lap record for electric cars. And it did, with driver Stéphane Caillet lapping the 20.8-kilometer (12.92-mile) long track in 9 minutes and 1.338 seconds, at an average speed of 138,324 km/h (85.95 mph), in “very unfavorable weather conditions”, according to the French automaker. The previous lap record set by an electric car belonged to the Mini E racer, which lapped the German track last year in 9 minutes and 51.45 seconds.
WIGE Performance, the official timekeeper of the Nordschleife track, tracked Peugeot’s record. Revealed at the Paris motor show last year, the EX1 roadster is powered by a pair of electric motors, one on each axle, thus offering four-wheel drive. Each electric motor produces 125 kW (170HP) for a combined output of 340HP and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. Energy comes from a high-output lithium-ion battery pack.

Peugeot Unveils China-Designed SXC Crossover Study 

 

Peugeot has a very good reason to unveil the SXC concept at the Shanghai Motor Show, as the crossover model has been designed and developed by the Peugeot Style Studios of China Tech Center. In addition, the SXC name stands for “Shanghai Cross Concept”, with Peugeot claiming that the crossover study was build to suit the tastes of Chinese buyers. At 4,870mm long, 1,610mm tall and 2,035mm wide, the sleek crossover is a large vehicle. To put it in perspective, the BMW X6 measures 4,877mm long. The SXC features several styling cues seen in recent Peugeot concept cars, such as the SR1, HR1 and the EX1. The French firm said the study combines elements from both SUVs and saloon models.
The front end of the crossover model bears the new “floating” Peugeot grille and very slim LED headlights. The heavily sculpted bonnet adds drama to the SXC's “face”, as do the two generous air intakes in the bumper. There are numerous components made of brushed aluminum, such as the grille, the roof bars and the edge of the side glazed surface, to name a few. According to Peugeot, the lightweight material “enhances the exclusive nature of the vehicle.”
The profile features a coupe-like appearance, with suicide doors and a thin glasshouse, while the boomerang-shaped taillights and the unusual styling of the tailgate dominate the rear end.
The passenger compartment benefits from a two-part panoramic roof and is fitted with four individual seats. The shape of the dashboard, steering wheel and the gear-lever draw inspiration from jet fighters, while an array of touch screens eliminate the need for traditional switches.
The Peugeot SXC design study incorporates the HYbrid4 technology, pairing an internal combustion engine at the front with an electric motor at the rear for an all-wheel drive setup. The 218HP 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine drives the front wheels, while the 95HP electric motor drives the rear wheels. In total, the SXC has 313 horsepower and posts an average fuel consumption of 5.8 liters/100 km (40.55 mpg), while its CO2 emissions reach at 143 g/km.
The crossover study is able to run in zero emissions mode at low speeds using only the electric motor, although Peugeot doesn't say for how long.

Peugeot to Premiere China Market 508 Sedan and New SUV Concept at Shanghai Auto Show 

As China’s auto market continues to grow in numbers and significance, carmakers from both sides of the Atlantic and beyond are flocking to the world’s most populous country to reap the benefits. For its part, French automaker Peugeot plans to reinforce its presence in China by launching at least one new model per year into the market starting with the new local market 508 saloon that will be introduced alongside a brand new concept model at next week’s Shanghai Auto Show. The China market 508 will be produced locally with Peugeot claiming that 1 in 2 examples of its mid-size model will be manufactured and sold in the world’s largest car market for a provisional annual sales volume of 65,000 units in the first full year of production. The French automaker claims that the 508 will play a significant role in achieving it sales objectives of 200,000 cars in China this year.
The European market 508 received its world premiere in both sedan and station wagon forms at last year’s Paris Motor Show, and went on sale in late February.
Along with the 508 sedan, Peugeot will also unveil a new SUV concept in a world premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show. While the French automaker did not release any photos of the study, the company said the all-wheel drive prototype was designed and developed locally by the China Tech Centre in Shanghai. 

Toyota, PSA and BMW Closest to Achieving EU’s New CO2 Targets 

Toyota, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen and BMW are the carmakers closest to reaching their CO2 targets next year, according to a report by market research firm JATO Dynamics. The targets are imposed by the European Union, whose objective for 2015 is to enforce a fleet average CO2 level of 130 g/km for manufacturers selling cars in Europe. In order to reach that objective, CO2 targets are lowered progressively each year. In 2009 the average was 145.9 g/km and in 2010 it went down to 140.9 g/km. Emissions regulations will be imposed starting next year, with significant fines to be enforced to automakers that will not comply with the new emissions limits.
From 2012 to 2018, carmakers will be fined €5 per vehicle for the first g/km of CO2, €15 for the second gram, €25 for the third gram and €95 from the fourth gram onwards. For instance, a company that sells 1 million cars in Europe and misses the target by 1 g/km of CO2 will face a €5 million ($7 million) fine.
Toyota, PSA and BMW need to reduce their overall fleet emissions by 7 percent or less to reach the imposed threshold for this year, but Daimler, Mazda and Nissan are way behind, having to reduce their emissions with values ranging from 19.8 to 17.6 percent.
Fiat had the lowest group CO2 level last year – 125.9 g/km. Still, the Italian company needs to drop down to 116.1 g/km by 2015. That's because the EU calculates individual targets for each automaker according to a weight-based system. Since Fiat mostly sells small cars, it had the lightest average weight for its models in 2010, at 1,067 kg (2,352 lbs).

Internet Sales, the Next Big Thing for Renault's Dacia and PSA’s Rumored Simca Budget Brands 

A low-cost company has to find low-cost ways not only to produce, but also to market and sell its products. This is why Renault devised a strategy to sell Dacia models online, through an Internet sales program that will be implemented in Europe. “Internet sales will quickly become a reality. Many of our customers know what they want before they step into our showrooms, so an online sales channel makes sense,” said Gerard Detourbet, head of Renault's low-cost program.
But that isn't the only reason. Renault will be soon facing the threat of a low-cost rival coming from the French group PSA Peugeot-Citroen. Rumored to receive the abandoned Simca name, the new make could sell its vehicles exclusively through the Internet, as sales chief Jean-Marc Gales hinted at the Geneva Motor Show.
According to Gales, the cars will be built outside Western Europe, possibly in China, and could bring a higher profit margin for PSA than any other low-cost car manufacturer has managed to obtain until now.
"They're all selling cars at lower prices through the same high-cost distribution system that hasn't changed in 90 years. What we're talking about is a radically new approach to car distribution," said Gales. He added that cars will be sold exclusively through the Internet, with test-drive vehicles being offered through rental firms.
In doing so, PSA will not only increase profits, but will also avoid potential damage to the Peugeot and Citroen brands by keeping low-cost cars away from the showrooms.

Peugeot's Geneva Motor Show Debuts Limited to 308 Facelift and Special Editions of RCZ and 3008 Hybrid4 

Unless Peugeot is hiding a surprise in its pouch, the French carmaker's presence at the upcoming Geneva Salon will most likely go under the radar. Aside from the subtly facelifted 308 family which includes the hatchback models, an estate and the coupe-cabriolet, Peugeot's stand will also host the premiere of two limited edition models. The first is the RCZ Asphalt which is based on the most potent variant of the coupe model with the 200-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, and is set to go on sale in Europe this spring. Exclusive features include a matt grey body colour, two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels and numerous other interior and exterior appointments.
The second model is a limited edition of the 3008 HYbrid4 crossover, which features a 163HP turbo diesel driving the front wheels and an 37HP electric motor at the rear for a maximum power output of 200-horses, a “zero emission” mode and an average fuel consumption of 74.4 mpg UK, equal to 3.8lt/100km and 61.9 mpg US. Production will be limited to 300 numbered cars, all of which get a Pearlescent White exterior finish and two-tone full leather trim.
The 308 facelift and the two special edition models will be joined by two older concept studies, the HR1 and EX1, plus the new 908 Le Mans race car which was unveiled by Peugeot Sport in February.

Peugeot Shows the New Face of 308 Range Ahead of the Geneva Salon 

 

At next month's Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot will unveil its refreshed 308 range that enters the 2011 model year with some subtle styling changes, revised powertrains and the introduction of a fuel efficient micro-hybrid e-HDi variant with CO2 emissions under 100g/km. All three body styles of the Ford Focus-rivaling 308, including the hatchback, CC coupe-convertible and the SW station wagon, have been given a new face that subtly incorporates the latest stylistic codes of the Peugeot brand.
This translates to a less smiley and more compact sized front grille, reshaped LED headlamps and running lights, a new hood design and a re-sculptured front bumper. The fresh alloy wheel designs, new brand logos and some trim changes on certain models complete the exterior makeover.
Interior revisions come in the form of new available colors and materials for the seats and dashboard trim.
Without getting into any specific details, Peugeot said it has reduced the overall weight by an average of 25kg or 55 pounds across the range. Other improvements include the fitment of 16-inch wheels on ultra low rolling resistance tires on certain models, and the optimization of all available diesel and petrol engine options.
From the summer of 2011, Peugeot will also add a new micro-hybrid e-HDi variant that combines a stop-start system and a smart alternator able to recover energy during braking, with a 1.6-liter HDi FAP 112HP Euro 5 diesel engine, hooked up to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox (EGC). According to the French automaker, the 308 micro-hybrid e-HDi model reduces CO2 emissions to 98 g/km.
The new Peugeot 308 will go on sale across Europe shortly after its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.