02 Oct 08 15:13
Video: Peugeot RC Hymotion4
The RC RC Hymotion4 concept is a four-door, four-seater GT.
Peugeot describes it as the missing link between the RC Diamonds and Spades concepts of 2002 (small sports coupes) and the 908 RC (2006), a large Mercedes CLS-style four-door 'coupe'.
The RC Hymotion4hybrid can run in fully-electric mode. Peugeot promises a potential maximum power output of 318bhp, yet carbon dioxide emissions of just 109g/km on the combined cycle. Unlike the diesel-electric Prologue concept, it has a petrol-electric system, combining a 218bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 95bhp electric motor and six-speed manual gearbox to give 0-60mph acceleration in just 4.4 seconds.
The engine drives the rear wheels and the motor the front, with no mechanical linkages between. This 'by-wire' electronic set-up saves weight, as well as allowing for a roomier passenger compartment, and makes for rear-wheel-drive-type driving dynamics under most conditions, as the motor only kicks in for starting and low-speed urban driving. The batteries are recharged via regenerative braking.
The RC Hymotion4's cabin is suitably poshed-up, with swathes of leather, and aluminium, chrome and carbonfibre trim. The four seats are low-slung, and the fascia has an aeronautical theme.
Peugeot says that this new RC is unlikely to go into production as it is, but that it points the way to future ideas and brings together 'numerous stylistic, engineering and technological ideals in a single vehicle.' It added that the car 'demonstrates that respect for the environment and driving pleasure can be compatible'.
We reckon that this concept is testing the water for a model in the vein of the Volkswagen Passat CC, a new type of luxury range-topper to replace the slow-selling 607 conventional saloon.
Check out the rest of our Paris Motor Show coverage.
