Automobile News

PSA Peugeot Citroën and Robert Bosch GmbH have entered into an important strategic partnership to build and market diesel hybrid technology. Under the agreement, Bosch is now responsible to co-develop, industrialise and supply electric motors and power electronics for its partner’s four-wheel-drive diesel hybrid powertrain project.

This innovative and futuristic diesel hybrid technology was unveiled at the recently concluded Paris Motor Show on the Peugeot Prologue and Citroën Hypnos concept cars, and will be an integral part of the participating companies’ vehicles starting in 2011.

The decision to build diesel hybrid technology signifies the importance bestowed by PSA Peugeot Citroen to embrace technologies that will take into account the various environmental hazards. Environment friendly and fuel efficient cars are becoming essential in today’s modern world, and generally of more importance than other factors, such as having an in-car DVD player, or nice rims. In fact, the hybrid technology rates highly in the company’s environmental strategy. With this innovative collaboration, PSA Peugeot Citroën has really set the momentum for the rapid introduction of hybrid diesel vehicles in Europe. Meanwhile, Bosch, the world’s leading automobile equipment manufacturer, also has an important role to enact as the supplier of the various component parts to build the system.

Bosch is bound by the agreement to supply the rear electric motor, the front-mounted high voltage alternator and the power electronics that will control them. Further, Bosch will also provide PSA Peugeot Citroën specifications other important components like an interface between the electronic components, an antilock braking system (ABS), and an energy recovery enhancer in the form of electronic stability programme (ESP).

The collaboration, which will involve brainstorming sessions among the designers and engineers of the two parties, is expected to optimise the hybrid powertrain’s operation with the simultaneous acceleration of acquisition of mutual expertise in this area.

Tags for this article: citroen, diesel, hybrid, peugeot

The revamped Citroen C4 is coming to car dealers this autumn with new motors and a lightly retuned design. The immediately apparent changes include more chrome on the front, an enlarged company logo on the newly formed cooler grill, and an engine hood with more arch and convexity. The inside has also gotten a makeover as the instrument and armrest design have both been refreshed.

Two petrol engines, developed with cooperation from BMW, are located under the hood. The 88 kW/ 120 HP strong 1.6 litre motor with variable ventilator control replaces the 1.6 litre motor with 80 kW/ 109 HP, offered previously. In combination with the 5 gear standard transmission, the consumption should sink to 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres. A turbo-loaded 1.6 litre motor with 110 kW/ 150 HP is offered instead of the 2.0 litre petrol motor, and it should manage 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres with a manual six gear transmission. Both transmissions should also alternatively be available with four gears.

The prices, however, have remained stabile; the coupe-esque three door is available for around £13,000, while the five door hatchback limousine will cost a minimum of £13,250.

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