Automobile News

The much awaited wonder Peugeot 3008 has finally been announced. All the biggies of the automobile industry and the car lovers had witnessed this inevitable beauty in the Paris Motor Show last year, in the shape of the Prologue Hybrid 4. According to the company, the Peugeot 3008 is mainly meant to allure modern families, sport loving couples, senior citizens and those who are turnoff by hatchbacks and MPVs.

In terms of appearance the car lives up to the expectations and its unique complexion guarantees to turn you on. In the Peugeot 3008 more stress is laid on secondary safety which is noticeable via its intelligent design and structure. Clearly, the 3008 is intended as more of an environmentally friendly car, than, say, the Peugeot 907 V12 Evolution. Deliberately, the weight of the car is kept to a minimum to reduce the emissions and, therefore fuel consumption and running costs. To deliver more finished appearance the makers have utilized the laser welding technique replacing the normal spot welding. The glass roof of the Peugeot 3008 contains merely 5mm panoramic glass, assuring the similar level of security as promised by the current roofs fitted to the 308 SW etc. Generally, the traditional engine is located under the bonnet and powers the front wheels whereas under the load area an electric motor is placed in adjacent to the rear suspension. Apart from these finalized attributes there are some not finalized attributes as well under which the engine’s model and its BHP rate come. According to the sources, this is the group’s first Hybrid 4 technology equipped vehicle.

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 French manufacturer is pushing the generational car model change way forward with the new coupe cabriolet Peugeot 308 CC: the Cabrio, with a metal convertible roof, will first be showcased at the Parisian Auto Show in October, and roll onto dealer lots in early 2009.

The convertible variant of the 308 series maintains much of the looks and appearance typical of the series. The shark mouth front appearance, with the headlights as the eyes and the grill as the teeth, as well as a higher back than front, both highlight two of the car’s distinctive features. The new LED taillights are also quite noticeable. The transformation from coupe to cabrio takes around 20 seconds, and the driver can follow this metamorphosis on the colour screen in the middle console.

The four seater’s interior is focused on providing comfort: the seats are equipped with devices that warm the driver’s and passenger’s necks. Seat heaters and air conditioning are also on board. With the top down the boot room is 226 litres, but with the roof closed the space expands to 403 litres.

A 2.0 litre diesel engine with a performance of 103 kW/ 140 HP will power the car when it is released early next year. A model will follow later with a 1.6 litre petrol engine, featuring a turbo charger and direct petrol input, and an engine performance of 110 kW/ 150 HP. Both engines come with a manual six gear transmission, although an automatic is optionally available. An electronic stability programme helps provide added security. Prices have yet to be released for the 308 CC, but we can expect the upcoming diesel model to be going for around £23,000.