New Peugeot 308 R HYbrid Super-Hatchback
Published Date: 16th May 2015
Take a look at the new ultimate 308. Peugeot has released a stunning new version of the award-winning compact family hatchback – Power output stands at 500bhp with four-wheel drive. Named the Peugeot 308 R HYbrid, it has been developed by Peugeot’s racing Sport arm, the carmaker’s famous in-house engineering and race segment, which last year unveiled the ever-popular RCZ R.
"Peugeot Sport’s expertise applies an uncompromising approach to meeting targets. With our experience in hybrid vehicles developed with the Peugeot 908, the high-performance hybrid powertrain fitted to the 308 gives a glimpse of the potential for ultra-sports models in the future," explained Bruno Famin, Director at Peugeot Sport.
The new grille shows a chequered pattern which allows air to cool the massive 500hp powertrain. The side scoops are home to the sequential LED indicators, while the central scoop sports the 308 R HYbrid signatures.
The 308 R HYbrid’s dramatic paint finish is similar to its 208 GT counterpart. Covered in an intense blue and developed using fluorescent pigments and glass particles, this colour salutes both the hybrid powertrain and the shade historically reserved for French competition vehicles. On the rear doors, the blue is matched with a matte black; this gives a new interpretation of the car’s design lines.
Looking at the rear, the Peugeot 308 R HYbrid is remarkably understated, with a swept spoiler at the top of the tailgate reinforcing the aerodynamics and stoping it from taking off. The bumper’s twin air scoops help keep the battery temperature to a minimum by drawing out the hot air, whilst the lower section is embellished with a touch of white emphasising the car’s dynamic character.
In a unique twist, the Peugeot 308 R HYbrid uses materials taken from the range, which the brand usually reserves for concept cars. Hence, the dashboard is covered in a fabric produced using a digital weaving technique. This innovative material can be used to produce large and complex parts that are soft to the touch with no need for foam, making for a lighter vehicle.
Peugeot 308 R Hybrid Engine
At the heart of the Peugeot 308 R HYbrid is an astounding technical innovation – a plug-in powertrain with four-wheel drive that develops 500hp. The unit combines three sources of power, each capable of moving the vehicle independently of the others. They are a four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP 270 S&S petrol engine, plus two electric motors – each with power of 85kW/115hp – mounted one on each axle. The front one is linked to the six-speed gearbox.
The result is a family hatchback which is capable of supercar performance. The Peugeot 308 R HYbrid can hit 62mph (100km/h) from a standing start in only 4.0 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155mph. In spite of such astonishing performance, CO2 emissions are just 70g/km.
"If we were able to reach this kind of performance on a C-segment, it is all down to our passion for a challenge and our desire for excellence. Peugeot 308 R HYbrid is part of a very select club of cars reaching 0-62mph in four seconds," explained Jean-Philippe Delaire, Peugeot Sport Head of Development, 308 R HYbrid powertrain.
Peugeot Sport has been involved in every stage of development of the 308 R HYbrid, using its technical expertise and successful racing record to define the specifications of each component. For impeccable dynamic handling, the car’s weight has been optimised and placed as low as possible. The lithium-ion 3kWh battery has an excellent ratio between power and size, and is housed under the rear seats in place of the fuel tank. In turn, the 50-litre tank has been placed in the boot above the rear electric motor and two transformers.
The Peugeot Sport engineers have equipped the car with four driving modes:
- Hot Lap mode is the most powerful, harnessing the full potential from the three power sources to reach a total of 500hp and maximum torque of 730Nm.
- Track mode delivers 400hp and 530Nm, mainly from the petrol engine and the rear electric motor. The front electric motor serves as an additional booster when accelerating.
- Road mode is specially designed for road use with power of 300hp and torque of 400Nm. The petrol engine delivers its full potential, while the rear electric motor helps during accelerations. The front electric motor is not used in this mode.
- ZEV makes priority use of the rear electric motor. The front electric motor comes into play, depending on the pressure applied on the accelerator pedal.