This is a Peugeot 308 we could really love – the awesome 308 R Hybrid Concept.
Developed by Peugeot Sport, the 308 R is a 375kW/730Nm all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid with three sources of power each capable of powering the vehicle independently.
There is a turbocharged 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and two 85kW electric motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear (the front linked to the six-speed transmission.
The 3kWk lithium-ion battery pack sits under the rear seats where the fuel tank would normally be and the 50-litre fuel tank sits in the boot above the rear electric motor and two transformers.
In city driving you switch to ‘ZEV’ mode which uses primarily the rear (and under load the front) electric motor(s).
In ‘Road’ mode the Peugeot 308 R Hybrid the front electric motor is not used and the petrol engine is the primary drover (with help from the rear electric motor under full acceleration).
Then we have ‘Track Mode’ which sees the petrol engine and rear electric motor in use with the front electric motor chiming-in under full acceleration.
‘Hot Lap’ mode gets the full enchilada with all three power sources combing for 375kW/730Nm and zero to 100km/h in 4.0-seconds.
Styling is largely the 308 as we know it – with some leanings on the Peugeot Quartz compact car shown last month at the Geneva Motor Show.
But there is a unique front-end with bonnet louvres, side scoops and a chequered pattern grille.
Underneath the 308 R Hybrid runs front and rear tracks widened by 80mm and 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/35 R19 rubber.
Inside are four individual sports seats, a slate grey roof lining and other sporty modifications.
Brakes are also uprated with 380mm vented front discs and 290mm rear discs however, just like F1 racers, the electric motors themselves boost braking performance.
Peugeot says the 308 R Hybrid is a family hatchback with supercar performance.
It’s the kind of hatchback the www.carshowroom.com.au family could certainly warm to.
