A performance hybrid-petrol system has been developed for the Peugeot 308 R, generating 372kW and 730Nm in a four-wheel drive package that immediately brings back that feeling of ‘wow’ when we first saw the Pikes Peak 208.
Although this is a radical modification of the Peugeot 308, it still uses the same platform but track width has been widened by 80mm with 235/35R19 rubber on either end. The fuel tank has been moved to the boot (above the electric motors) and the 3 kWh battery positioned as low down as possible. Rest of the styling borrows from the Quartz concept with sharper lines generating a grippy aerodynamic profile, including additional scoops around the bumper to keep the batteries cool.
While the exterior is coated in a combination of matte finishes embedded with fluorescent pigments and glass particles, the interior of the Peugeot 308 R is also a work of art. The cabin is unique because there are four bucket seats in place with materials usually reserved for their concept cars. The benefit of these materials is lightness but there’s no compromise on quality either.
Behind the small steering wheel, i-Cockpit and red stitching is the work of Peugeot Sport which connects performance to efficiency in awe-inspiring ways. The 4-cylinder 1.6-litre turbo engine is mated to two electric motors of 85kW. The 0-100km/h happens in 4.0 seconds with a top speed limited to 250km/h. That’s the performance side. The efficiency side of the Peugeot 308 R is shown in the 70g/km of CO2. That’s cleaner than a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo engine.
Larger brakes are not the only way of slowing down the Peugeot 308 R. Electric motors assist with deceleration, recharging the batteries in the process. Recharging of the batteries happens in a further two ways; the electric motor in the front acts as a generator (driven by the petrol engine) while plugging the 308 R into a terminal point provides maximum charge in 45 minutes.
