Peugeot‘s racing division got hold of the 308. Here’s the result.
[Not a valid template]The Peugeot 308 hatchback. Yawn, right? Well, normally we’d agree with you. But not now. Not now that Peugeot has released a 308 with 493bhp and four-wheel drive.
Behold the Peugeot 308 R HYbrid, developed by Peugeot Sport and capable of hitting 100kph from standstill in 4.0 seconds. The design is a combination of the existing 308 styling with elements taken from the Quartz concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show last month.
The front and rear tracks have been widened by 80mm, the bonnet perforated with louvres and the grille modified to allow extra cooling air to the powertrain. Said powertrain comprises a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors, one on each axle. Combined, they make 493bhp.
The bad news is that the 308 R HYbrid is just a concept model, made for the Auto Shanghai show in China. But wouldn’t it be cool if they made a few of them? Sadly, we’re not holding our breath, but the director of Peugeot Sport, Bruno Famin, says the 308 R HYbrid shows the potential for “ultra-sport models” in the future. Let’s also not forget that Peugeot made the 908 race car, so it knows what it’s doing when it comes to performance hybrid technology.
Go on Peugeot, get us excited again.
