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MANILA: At a global online event yesterday, Peugeot unveiled a plug-in hybrid with an all-wheel drive design and touted it as its most powerful production car to date, the 508 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered).
Manufactured by PSE, the French automaker’s new high-performance division, the new 508 will come in two body types, a fastback and a station wagon, but both will have what Peugeot calls “neo-performance.” It sounds very classy, but think of it as the brand’s new age take on sportiness and technology.
The new 508 is inspired by Peugeot’s experience participating in international competitions such as the World Rally Championship, Dakar, Pikes Peak and the World Endurance Championship, which explains why it has a lower driving position than a standard 508, it comes with three-mode variable damping. (Comfort / Hybrid / Sport), a widened front and rear track, 380mm diameter front brake discs and four-piston fixed calipers, and 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
It has three kryptonite claws along the C-pillar to identify it as a PSE unit, but it will also continue to sport the signature of the lion’s foot light, mimicking the taillights of the 504 Coupé.
Under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engine complemented by a pair of electric motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear. The combined power of 360 hp and 520 Nm of torque is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
It goes from zero to 100 km / h in just 5.2 seconds and has an electronically controlled top speed of 250 km / h.
There are five driving modes available that vary the driving dynamics and performance of the vehicle. These are:
- Electric: Has a zero emissions range of 42 kilometers under the WLTP protocol
- Comfort: Hybrid mode with softened suspension for “high comfort” driving
- Hybrid: Automatically selects combustion or electrical power according to circumstances to optimize fuel efficiency.
- Sport: Delivers maximum power and incorporates a digital engine sound system to amplify the sports environment on board. This mode also adjusts the steering, suspension and accelerator pedal mapping.
- 4WD: Provides maximum traction in slippery conditions
The new 508 charges in less than seven hours using a standard household plug and charges in less than two hours using a 7kW wall box charging point.
The interior sports the same interior and trunk volume as the internal combustion versions thanks to the smart design of the electric motors and battery. It has the i-Cockpit, a 100% digital front display and a 10-inch central HD capacitive touchscreen. The seats come in a mix of Nappa Mistral and Alcantara leather, while the passenger compartment is decorated with Tramontane Gray and Kryptonite double stitching.
Safety features include night vision, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, lane departure warning system and automatic emergency braking.
Peugeot Pictures
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