Peugeot Reveals 908 HYbrid4

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot uncovered its new 908 HYbrid4, a diesel-hybrid endurance race car designed to compete in the 2012 edition of the 24 hours of Le Mans. Starting from 2011, regulations for the Le Mans race make hybrid vehicles eligible for top honors, with the objective being to encourage makers in developing hybrid race cars that can challenge the supremacy of diesel-powered Audis.

Even though the new 908 hybrid will not be entered in this year's Le Mans race – since the French car maker has already presented the diesel-powered 908 in February – Peugeot has big plans for its “eco-friendly” race car.

Designed to comply with the latest endurance racing regulations, the 908 Hybrid4 will play a major role in Peugeot's 2011 environmental strategy. The hybrid system uses the same 550 hp V8-diesel engine as the conventional 908, but adds an extra 80 hp boost thanks to an electric motor powered from the stored kinetic energy generated under braking. For short periods of time, the extra power is released automatically to the rear wheels under acceleration. The recovered energy (500 kJ between two braking phases) is stored in lithium-ion batteries and the system will allow for powering the car in electric mode only while in the pit-lane.

The first track test of the 908 HYbrid is scheduled for the end of March, with Peugeot aiming to run the car at the official pre-Le Mans 24 Hours test day on April 24.

By Dan Mihalascu

Peugeot 908 HYbrid4 – Technical Data

Chassis: Carbon monocoque

Gearbox: Sequential, hydraulic, six forward speeds plus reverse

Internal combustion engine: Diesel, V8 HDi FAP

Cubic capacity: 3.7 litres

Power: 550 horsepower

Hybrid system:

Power: 60kW (80hp), during energy delivery phases only

Delivery of recovered energy:

To the rear wheels;

500kJ between two braking phases;

Energy stored in lithium-ion batteries;

Automatic delivery of energy under acceleration (no "push to pass" function). It is also possible to use the electric mode only along the pit lane.

Dimensions

Length: 4,640mm

Width: 2,000mm

Wheelbase: 2,950mm

Height: 1,030mm

Weight: 900kg

Peugeot Reveals 908 HYbrid4

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot uncovered its new 908 HYbrid4, a diesel-hybrid endurance race car designed to compete in the 2012 edition of the 24 hours of Le Mans. Starting from 2011, regulations for the Le Mans race make hybrid vehicles eligible for top honors, with the objective being to encourage makers in developing hybrid race cars that can challenge the supremacy of diesel-powered Audis.

Even though the new 908 hybrid will not be entered in this year's Le Mans race – since the French car maker has already presented the diesel-powered 908 in February – Peugeot has big plans for its “eco-friendly” race car.

Designed to comply with the latest endurance racing regulations, the 908 Hybrid4 will play a major role in Peugeot's 2011 environmental strategy. The hybrid system uses the same 550 hp V8-diesel engine as the conventional 908, but adds an extra 80 hp boost thanks to an electric motor powered from the stored kinetic energy generated under braking. For short periods of time, the extra power is released automatically to the rear wheels under acceleration. The recovered energy (500 kJ between two braking phases) is stored in lithium-ion batteries and the system will allow for powering the car in electric mode only while in the pit-lane.

The first track test of the 908 HYbrid is scheduled for the end of March, with Peugeot aiming to run the car at the official pre-Le Mans 24 Hours test day on April 24.

By Dan Mihalascu

Peugeot 908 HYbrid4 – Technical Data

Chassis: Carbon monocoque

Gearbox: Sequential, hydraulic, six forward speeds plus reverse

Internal combustion engine: Diesel, V8 HDi FAP

Cubic capacity: 3.7 litres

Power: 550 horsepower

Hybrid system:

Power: 60kW (80hp), during energy delivery phases only

Delivery of recovered energy:

To the rear wheels;

500kJ between two braking phases;

Energy stored in lithium-ion batteries;

Automatic delivery of energy under acceleration (no "push to pass" function). It is also possible to use the electric mode only along the pit lane.

Dimensions

Length: 4,640mm

Width: 2,000mm

Wheelbase: 2,950mm

Height: 1,030mm

Weight: 900kg

Peugeot's Special Editions of RCZ and 3008 Hybrid4

Unless Peugeot is hiding a surprise in its pouch, the French carmaker's presence at the upcoming Geneva Salon will most likely go under the radar. Aside from the subtly facelifted 308 family which includes the hatchback models, an estate and the coupe-cabriolet, Peugeot's stand will also host the premiere of two limited edition models.

The first is the RCZ Asphalt which is based on the most potent variant of the coupe model with the 200-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, and is set to go on sale in Europe this spring. Exclusive features include a matt grey body colour, two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels and numerous other interior and exterior appointments.

The second model is a limited edition of the 3008 HYbrid4 crossover, which features a 163HP turbo diesel driving the front wheels and an 37HP electric motor at the rear for a maximum power output of 200-horses, a “zero emission” mode and an average fuel consumption of 74.4 mpg UK, equal to 3.8lt/100km and 61.9 mpg US. Production will be limited to 300 numbered cars, all of which get a Pearlescent White exterior finish and two-tone full leather trim.

The 308 facelift and the two special edition models will be joined by two older concept studies, the HR1 and EX1, plus the new 908 Le Mans race car which was unveiled by Peugeot Sport in February.

Peugeot's Special Editions of RCZ and 3008 Hybrid4

Unless Peugeot is hiding a surprise in its pouch, the French carmaker's presence at the upcoming Geneva Salon will most likely go under the radar. Aside from the subtly facelifted 308 family which includes the hatchback models, an estate and the coupe-cabriolet, Peugeot's stand will also host the premiere of two limited edition models.

The first is the RCZ Asphalt which is based on the most potent variant of the coupe model with the 200-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, and is set to go on sale in Europe this spring. Exclusive features include a matt grey body colour, two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels and numerous other interior and exterior appointments.

The second model is a limited edition of the 3008 HYbrid4 crossover, which features a 163HP turbo diesel driving the front wheels and an 37HP electric motor at the rear for a maximum power output of 200-horses, a “zero emission” mode and an average fuel consumption of 74.4 mpg UK, equal to 3.8lt/100km and 61.9 mpg US. Production will be limited to 300 numbered cars, all of which get a Pearlescent White exterior finish and two-tone full leather trim.

The 308 facelift and the two special edition models will be joined by two older concept studies, the HR1 and EX1, plus the new 908 Le Mans race car which was unveiled by Peugeot Sport in February.

225 lb Mother Killed in Crash, Peugeot Admits Not Crash Testing for Heavier Drivers

On the 20th of January, 2009, 56-year-old mother-of-three Judith Evans was killed when her Peugeot 107 hit a Vauxhall Vectra in a head-on collision in Buckinghamshire, UK. The matter recently went to court where it was heard that the victim sustained multiple fractures and chest and abdominal injuries which the Thames Valley Police noticed were unusually severe given the force of impact.

Experts from Peugeot and Vehicle Safety Consultancy Ltd believe that the 107 should have provided good protection for this sort of crash, and yet this was not the case. Why?

Evans' Peugeot 107 met all EuroNCAP safety standards, with the 107 and it's Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo siblings having scored four stars in a 2005 test. It was fitted with front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters along with front and side body airbags for both driver and passenger.

The investigation suggests it may have to do with weight. Not the weight of the Vectra compared to the 107, as Peugeot has suggested, but the weight of the 107's driver.

You see, Mrs Evans weighed close to 16 stone (102 kg / 225 U.S. lbs). Meanwhile Peugeot, following European regulations, never tested the 107 with a dummy weighing more than 12 stone 14 lbs (78 kg / 172 U.S. lbs). As such, the safety features built into the 107 weren't calibrated for a heavier occupant.

The Evans's family lawyer, asked Peugeot safety expert Richard Zeitouni: "Have you tested with any dummies more than 78kg?" Mr Zeitouni, replied that Peugeot had not.

Mr Horner then asked: "So you have not tested with a weight of dummy that corresponds to 50% of the male population?"

Mr Zeitouni answered: "When we designed this car we found it was good, adequate protection for the majority of occupants. It's an official dummy, a regulation dummy."

Peter Gloyns, a mechanical engineer from Vehicle Safety Consultancy (VSC) Ltd made this comment:

"The accident raises a serious question over the stability of the response of the total restraint system for an occupant of this build and weight in an accident of this severity in which it would be hoped that good protection could be offered."

The driver of the Vectra sustained fractures in her kneecap and internal bruising, but was otherwise unharmed in the crash.

A spokesperson from Peugeot told UK daily 'The Independent' that the company had no comment to make at this stage.

We'll have more on this case as we get it.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Independent

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225 lb Mother Killed in Crash, Peugeot Admits Not Crash Testing for Heavier Drivers

On the 20th of January, 2009, 56-year-old mother-of-three Judith Evans was killed when her Peugeot 107 hit a Vauxhall Vectra in a head-on collision in Buckinghamshire, UK. The matter recently went to court where it was heard that the victim sustained multiple fractures and chest and abdominal injuries which the Thames Valley Police noticed were unusually severe given the force of impact.

Experts from Peugeot and Vehicle Safety Consultancy Ltd believe that the 107 should have provided good protection for this sort of crash, and yet this was not the case. Why?

Evans' Peugeot 107 met all EuroNCAP safety standards, with the 107 and it's Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo siblings having scored four stars in a 2005 test. It was fitted with front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters along with front and side body airbags for both driver and passenger.

The investigation suggests it may have to do with weight. Not the weight of the Vectra compared to the 107, as Peugeot has suggested, but the weight of the 107's driver.

You see, Mrs Evans weighed close to 16 stone (102 kg / 225 U.S. lbs). Meanwhile Peugeot, following European regulations, never tested the 107 with a dummy weighing more than 12 stone 14 lbs (78 kg / 172 U.S. lbs). As such, the safety features built into the 107 weren't calibrated for a heavier occupant.

The Evans's family lawyer, asked Peugeot safety expert Richard Zeitouni: "Have you tested with any dummies more than 78kg?" Mr Zeitouni, replied that Peugeot had not.

Mr Horner then asked: "So you have not tested with a weight of dummy that corresponds to 50% of the male population?"

Mr Zeitouni answered: "When we designed this car we found it was good, adequate protection for the majority of occupants. It's an official dummy, a regulation dummy."

Peter Gloyns, a mechanical engineer from Vehicle Safety Consultancy (VSC) Ltd made this comment:

"The accident raises a serious question over the stability of the response of the total restraint system for an occupant of this build and weight in an accident of this severity in which it would be hoped that good protection could be offered."

The driver of the Vectra sustained fractures in her kneecap and internal bruising, but was otherwise unharmed in the crash.

A spokesperson from Peugeot told UK daily 'The Independent' that the company had no comment to make at this stage.

We'll have more on this case as we get it.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Independent

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________