Peugeot EX1 Concept

The outstanding 100 percent electric Peugeot EX1 concept made its debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in September and has already set several records. The concept continued its record-breaking streak in the Chinese city of Chengdu in front of 200 Chinese and Western media.

The records were set by Nicolas Vanier, the French explorer, and Han Han, the well-known Chinese blogger.

Han Han set official records in the Montlhery for 1/8 mile and 1/4 mile run, returning times of 7:08.62 and 12:67.54, respectively. These records have been certified and will be approved by the Chinese Auto Sports Federation.

Unofficially, Nicolas Vanier achieved a record time of 3.49 seconds in a 0-62 mph run and also achieved the longitudinal acceleration of 1G, over 39 m.

Refresher: Power for the Peugeot EX1 comes from from two electric-motors, one on each axle, with a peak output of 340-hp and an available maximum torque of 177 lb-ft at the front and rear. The system also has four-wheel-drive, showing the benefits of HYbrid4 technology, available as standard on the 3008 from 2011, featuring an HDi FAP diesel engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear.

Peugeot EX1 Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

President Mahmood Ahmadinejad 1977 Peugeot

In a move to raise money for a low-income housing project in Iran, President Mahmood Ahmadinejad’s 33 year old white Peugeot sedan is being auctioned off. A website was set up on Saturday to accept bids from Iran and abroad, and there has already been a $1 million bid.

The car, which would otherwise be worth about $2,000 on the local market, was Ahmadinejad’s daily driver when he was the mayor of Tehran.

Lack of housing has plagued Iran for quite some time, and Ahmadinjad had made some major campaign promises to get that situation under control.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: MSNBC

PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW

BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroen announced today that they plan to expand their already successful cooperation by including  hybrid components for front-wheel-drive vehicles.

“The components are to be used in front-wheel-drive vehicles with electrified drive trains,” BMW said in a statement. “Joint development and production of components as well as joint purchasing will leverage significant economies of scale for both partners. It will also allow them to standardise key elements for the electrification of vehicles.”

“This cooperation will deliver a major contribution towards a competitive cost structure in the field of electrification. It also represents another important step on the road to sustainable mobility,” said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said. “We are pleased to broaden our long-standing cooperation based on the strong relationship that exists between our two companies,” added Philippe Varin. “Combining both partners” expertise in hybrid technologies will clearly create competitive advantage.”

As always, both groups have agreed not to give out any financial details of the agreement.

- By: Zain Haq

Peugeot HR1

Peugeot at the 2010 Paris Motor Show unveiled its new HR1 concept, a study that hints at an urban crossover that uses the company’s Hybrid4 gasoline-electric powertrain. The model evolves from the SR1 concept and gets a set of operated gullwing doors, an upgraded interior with room for four passengers and a tablet PC for the passengers along with a head-up display, navigation and information system which are controlled by a motion sensing system.

Power comes from a 1.2L 3-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a electric-motor. Working together the combination gives the all-wheel-drive Peugeot HR1 147-hp.

Peugeot says that the HR1 concept gets an average fuel-economy of 67 mph, in U.S. terms.

Peugeot HR1:

- By: Omar Rana

Peugeot EX1 Concept

Besides being a demonstration of the exciting possibilities for electric power, the new Peugeot EX1 celebrates the brand’s 200th anniversary. The two-seater roadster concept car gets a visually striking futuristic styling and an ultra-light structure.

Power comes from two electric-motors, one on each axle, with a peak output of 340-hp and an available maximum torque of 177 lb-ft at the front and rear. The system offers four-wheel-drive, showing the benefits of HYbrid4 technology, available as standard on the 3008 from 2011, featuring an HDi FAP diesel engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear.

Peugeot says that the EX1 has already broken several world records for acceleration from a standing start. No word on exactly what those world records are but Peugeot says that the series of records were established, by Nicolas Vanier, the famous French explorer and film-maker who drove the EX1. From now until the end of 2010, the EX1 will hit China to set some other world records.

The Peugeot EX1 will be making its world debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Click through for the high-res gallery and the press release.

Peugeot EX1 Concept:

Press Release:

The Peugeot EX1

100% electric Peugeot’s latest concept car is a visually striking two-seater roadster with a futuristic styling and an original architecture, designed to offer intense driving sensations as a celebration of the Marque’s 200th anniversary.

100% real The EX1 has already broken several world records for acceleration from a standing start.

It owes its stunning performance to its streamlined aerodynamics, its ultra-light structure and its two electric motors, which give the car a cumulative maximum power of 250 kW (340 bhp) and four-wheel drive.

As the preparations for the commercial launch of the iOn near completion, Peugeot demonstrates with the EX1 the exciting possibilities for electric power.

200 years of adventure

The powerful spirit of inventiveness is always present in Peugeot’s design offices and helps create an unceasing flow of ideas. The most daring, interesting and exciting of these ideas sometimes come together, to give the body and soul to an extreme dream car.

With the desire to unveil a stunning creation to celebrate Peugeot’s 200th anniversary, some of these exciting ideas quickly became associated with another ambition: that of highlighting the enormous possibilities offered by the use of electric power in the realm of creating new driving sensations. To this end, engineers and stylists explored the Marque’s history to find the most radical technical solutions to use as a basis to produce a futuristic performance car dedicated entirely to creating new driving sensations yet at the same time presenting responsible environmental credentials. The original architecture is reminiscent of previous charismatic concept cars like the Asphalte and 20Cup, while also benefiting from all of the Marque’s historical expertise in the field of electric vehicles.

At a time when the electric motor once again becomes 100% real for Peugeot, with the i0n about to go on sale, the EX1 propels us into a new dimension of raw emotion.

Efficient styling

The pure styling of this two-seater roadster is in keeping with its mechanical design, like a kind of “exoskeleton” highlighting the light-weight nature that guided the vehicle’s creation.

The design of the body incorporates Peugeot’s new stylistic design codes, first seen on the SR1 concept car earlier this year, with its “floating” front grille and flowing contours. Polished aluminium components adorn the door surrounds in a reference to the RCZ and BB1.

Architecture, structure and suspension. at the service of maximum efficiency

Far from being a “classic” roadster, the EX1 concept car is based on an architecture shaped like a “water droplet”, with a rear section built around two closely set rear wheels.

Based on the experience gained from creating the 1996 Asphalte concept car and the two 20Cup models from 2005. The chosen architecture of the EX1 has enabled the size of the passenger compartment to be reduced for optimal weight distribution and ensure that there is no extra weight at all in the overhangs.

The suspension employs a number of technical solutions that ensure road holding of a very high level. The front suspension consists of a drop link double wishbone arrangement. The rear suspension comprises of a single “swinging arm” linked to a centrally mounted shock absorber which is connected via a rocker arm to provide a variable damping rate.

The monocoque body structure is manufactured from a carbon/honeycomb composite to optimise weight and rigidity. It also incorporates all of the mounting points for the car’s mechanical components.

Finally, the dimensions of the car (0.90 m high with a width of 1.77 m) contribute to overall efficiency, a lowering of the centre of gravity and improved aerodynamics.

Engines: PEUGEOT expertise in the field of electric power

The electric motor is a potential source of new driving sensations thanks to its exceptional acceleration capabilities, but also because it is silent in operation and makes the car very easy to drive (no need for a gearbox). On the EX1 concept car, two electric motors are used, one on each axle, each with a peak output of 125 kW (250 kW / 340 bhp in total), and an immediately available constant maximum torque of 240 Nm at the front and rear.

This mechanical architecture allows not only the optimisation of weight distribution, but also four wheel drive. This reflects the positional benefits of HYbrid4 technology, available as standard on the 3008 from 2011, featuring an HDi FAP diesel engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear.

A futuristic and sophisticated passenger compartment

The driver and passenger climb into the passenger compartment through a reverse-opening door, giving access to the two sports bucket seats. This unusual arrangement instantly immerses the occupants in a futuristic and sophisticated environment, as does the on-board instrumentation (instrument panel screens for each occupant showing in particular the vehicle’s instantaneous performance) and the chosen materials (e.g. “pure” metals and embossed leather).

The driver, seated at floor level in a driving position that helps enhances the sense of excitement (legs outstretched), drives the vehicle with two control handles, providing an experience similar to that of an aircraft pilot or video game.

As well as the presence of harnesses inside the car, the occupants are also protected by the height of the carbon passenger cell, which has sufficient overhead clearance to include a roll-over protection bar. Similarly, the wind deflector, perfectly integrated in terms of style, allows the car to be driven on a daily basis without a helmet.

An electric dream car designed to be a record beater

The EX1 concept car benefits from characteristics that give it a high enough level of performance not only to leave behind the city centre, the preferred territory of electric vehicles, but also to challenge acceleration records. Its lightness, weight distribution and aerodynamics, the torque and power of its two electric motors and its high-output lithium-ion battery are just some of the characteristics that make this a car capable of lightning acceleration: the latter can exceed 1 G of gravitational force.

Indeed the EX1 concept car has already broken the following international records (approved by the International Automobile Federation) for an electric-powered terrestrial vehicle.

This series of records was established, by Nicolas Vanier, the famous French explorer and film-maker (“The Last Trapper”, “Wolf”) who drove the EX1 concept car.

Between now and the end of the year, China, the world’s largest car market, will be the setting for the EX1 to pursues other world records.

Watch this space.

- By: Zain Haq

The recently seen Peugeot SR1 Concept will be joined by the new 5 by Peugeot Concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show next month. According to the French automaker, both models offer another indication of the changing face of Peugeot and provides insight into the brand’s ambitions to venture into the large luxury vehicle segment… in a fuel-efficient manner.

The 5 by Peugeot uses the company’s new HYbrid4 technology (which will be launched in 2011 in the Peugeot 3008) mated to a 2.0L HDi FAP 163-hp diesel engine combined with a 37 electric-motor at the rear. Together, the 5 by Peugeot produces 200-hp and a low combined fuel-economy figure of 62 mpg. The concept also features four-wheel-drive and an electric-only mode.

Other than that, it’s one hell of a good-looking concept.

5 by Peugeot Concept:

Press Release:

THE “5 BY PEUGEOT” Concept Car

* Another indication of the changing face of Peugeot
* Powered by Peugeot’s Hybrid4 technology
* 200 bhp, four-wheel drive and zero emissions in electric mode

The “5 by Peugeot” concept car is another indication of the changing face of Peugeot and provides an insight into the Marque’s future ambitions in the large luxury vehicle segment. Its pure and elegant lines blend with subtle technical detailing to create an overall effect of a timeless, exclusive and modern design.

Powered by Peugeot’s HYbrid4 technology, it ensures both high levels of driving enjoyment and environmental protection – 200 bhp, four-wheel drive and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km or zero in electric mode.

Bold expressive design

Its dimensions, proportions and styling are a direct response to the changing trends in the large luxury saloon car market segment. It reflects the continual search for more status, quality and performance, combined with a modernity that encompasses the vehicle’s general efficiency in terms of architecture, engines and styling.

“5 BY PEUGEOT” expresses the Marque’s vision and experience in the large touring car market. This concept car is designed and built to have both elegance and precision, but without in any way sacrificing the personality and dynamism so beloved of the Peugeot Marque. The emotion aroused by its exterior design holds the promise of exceptional interior space, convenience and comfort.

A modern, prestigious and timeless styling

The contours of the exterior body flow smoothly, unruffled and without interruption or embellishment from the end of the bonnet to the top of the boot lid. All surfaces are perfectly aligned, with clearances between each element precisely determined to obtain a quality of assembly rivalling that of a goldsmith. The overall effect it creates is that of a vehicle that has been hewn from a solid block of material.

At the front, the interpretation of the Marque’s traditional feline appearance is spectacular; “LED” lights are highlighted by the use of illuminated surrounds that blend perfectly with the overall exterior body styling. The headlamps frame a unique front grille design, whose visual appearance is closely influenced by the Peugeot SR1 concept car. The innovative design of the front grille gives the impression that it is detached from the vehicle; it appears to be suspended in front of the car. The new revised Lion badge naturally takes pride of place in a specially shaped area at the front of the long aluminium bonnet.

The streamlined sides of the car are enhanced further by the bevelled, brushed-aluminium window surrounds and door handles, combined with sculpted 19” wheel trims. The rear design of the vehicle suggests both robustness and power. The bold design of rear lights, consisting of three separate linked light clusters, clearly distinguish the vehicle at night, but also provides a link back to some of the Marque’s historic models.

A new driving experience

The elegance, precision and dynamic appearance of the car’s exterior styling is also reflected in the car’s technical specification. The “5 BY PEUGEOT” concept incorporates Peugeot’s HYbrid4 technology which, will be launched in 2011 in the Peugeot 3008.

A 2.0 litre HDi FAP163 bhp diesel engine, mounted at the front of the vehicle, is combined with a 37 bhp electric motor at the rear. This arrangement provides an overall maximum power of 200 bhp, an electric only mode for low speed operation, four-wheel drive when required, and low fuel consumption and emissions of 74.3 mpg and 99 g/km of CO2 or zero in electric mode.

“5 BY PEUGEOT” is further proof of Peugeot’s environmental strategy. The modular technology of the Hybrid4 system can be combined with a range of naturally-aspirated engines according to market requirements, and can be fitted to different body shapes and different platforms, helping to ensure future driving enjoyment.

- By: Omar Rana

BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroen announced today that they will continue their engine collaboration.

“The two companies have agreed to develop the next generation of the jointly designed 4-cylinder petrol engine which will meet EU 6 requirements,” both said in a statement. “Currently, the engine is being used in several MINI, Peugeot and Citroën brand models.”

BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen have also confirmed to explore other possible areas of collaborations at systems and component level, “with the aim of leveraging synergies in the development, production and procurement of selected components.”

“We have always been very successful in our cooperation with our partners, and that is particularly true with regard to PSA. We are delighted to continue our engine cooperation and look into options for further collaboration.” said  BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer.

The cooperation between the two companies has produced 1.3 million engines since 2006.

- By: Omar Rana

Peugeot announced today that it will unveil its new SR1 Concept car at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The Peugeot SR1 Concept (Grand Touring Car) hints at the future design trend for Peugeot models so don’t expect it to enter production anytime soon.

Power for the SR1 Concept comes from the French automaker’s Hybrid4 technology, which consists of a 1.6L THP gasoline engine that sits at the front helping it produce 218-hp. The engine is mated to a rear electric-motor that produces an additional 95-hp for a total combined output of 313-hp. In electric-mode, the Peugeot SR1 becomes a zero emissions vehicle with a combined fuel-economy of 48 mpg.

The Peugeot SR1 concept car will be unveiled to the public at the next Geneva Motor Show, in March.

Follow the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Peugeot SR1 Concept:

Press Release:

Peugeot combines emotion with the pursuit of perfection

Through the Peugeot SR1, the Marque reveals the stylistic design trends for its future models. The concept car embodies the new world of Peugeot, reflected by the new Lion badge which adorns its body.

Dynamic, balanced, sensual, with an exclusive high-tech interior, this “dream car” explores and reinterprets the theme of the “Grand Touring Car”.

The use of HYbrid4 technology allows the Peugeot SR1 to offer an engineering specification in keeping with its styling: 230 kW (313 bhp) with emissions of only 119 g/km of CO2 (0 in electric mode), 4 wheel drive and steering…. for an ideal blend of excitement and efficiency.

Styling that predicts the future

Elegance, purity, dynamism, allure, controlled power… these ideas find their fullest expression with the Peugeot SR1, the dream car par excellence. More than ever, the aesthetic traits of this concept show the general design trends of the Marque’s future products, renewing Peugeot’s strong stylistic identity.

In short, this concept car creates a new design language.

The Peugeot SR1 is a vehicle with timeless, ideal proportions, revisiting the great traditions of grand touring cars of the past: a large bonnet, flowing wings and a very low centre of gravity.

The design of the body gives the car a new balance: a sculpted bonnet, sweeping sides and a chiselled rear design. At the side the styling lines merge into the side windows and the front windscreen, emphasising the design of the bonnet.

This overall effect blends easily with the design detailing: the design of the lights and the air intakes, the shape of the door mirrors. these elements merge seamlessly with the vehicle’s carbon “skin”. In parallel, some features (“full LED” internal headlamp functions, radiator grille contour); stand out, as if suspended. The hard top echoes the feel of this intense, high-tech assembly: It uses preformed profile technology derived from the world of sailing. It blends with the body, creating the illusion of a Coupé. The SR1, however, radiates the same visual strength, with or without the hard top. Finally, the SR1 displays the new Peugeot Lion badge. Redesigned, finely worked and sculpted, it mirrors perfectly the perception of the vehicle as a whole.

Overall the Peugeot SR1 concept car gives the impression it has been carved from a solid block of material, monolithic, protective, sculptural and dynamic. At every moment it makes a great play on contrasts: purity and technological sophistication, authenticity and advanced technologies, expressiveness and understatement. making it a car that is quite simply desirable!

A modern and exclusive “2+1″ interior

The interior, too, promotes the idea of contrast. While the driver’s seat and all controls are dedicated to out-and-out enjoyment for the driver, the passenger compartment is designed to provide optimum versatility and new sensations for all its occupants.

There is room in the vehicle for three people as the third rear seat nestles in the middle, behind the two front seats. Entry to this seat is facilitated by the centre console, which can slide forward to improve access.

The interior ambience blends colours and materials, with strong references to “a past motoring era” combined with “the latest advanced technology”. Inside the vehicle, patinated leather and different grained wood are examples of the use of authentic and natural materials, warm, sensual and charged with history, that blend seamlessly with, “high tech” materials such as nickel and satin-finished chrome.

The construction of the fascia panel, optimised to perfection, gives a visual prominence to certain mechanical components such as the steering column and a number of peripheral controls. Similarly, the instrumentation combines analogue and digital read-outs, giving clear emphasis to every item of information conveyed to the driver. This is the case for instantaneous fuel consumption and vehicle range, displayed on two glass crystal gauges directly in front of the driver.

Another technological innovation is the creation of an exclusive wristwatch, designed in partnership with Bell&Ross®. This timepiece, with milled inserts of solid aluminium, slots perfectly into a dedicated housing on the fascia panel.

Every component and every detail has, therefore, benefited from meticulous attention, both in terms of design and manufacture, to guarantee perfection and an unrivalled refinement of perceived quality.

Technologies at the service of movement

The SR1 concept also blends styles in terms of its technical characteristics. For example, it incorporates HYbrid4 technology, which will be launched in the Peugeot 3008 in 2011. In the SR1, at the front, a 1.6 litre THP petrol engine with a power of 160 kW (218 bhp), is combined with a rear electric motor developing 70 kW (95 bhp). In electric only mode, the car becomes a ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle), while its combined cycle fuel consumption is only 4.9 litres/100 km or 119 g/km of CO2.

When the two power trains operate simultaneously, the SR1 develops a potential maximum power of 230 kW (313 bhp) and also benefits from 4-wheel drive.

Using HYbrid4 technology, which will eventually become available on different models in the Peugeot range, the SR1 concept offers convincing proof that driving pleasure can be combined with environmental friendliness.

Exploiting the best of existing technology to offer road holding worthy of this exceptional concept, the suspension consists of double wishbones with drop links both at the front and the rear. For even greater driving precision, the SR1 benefits from the adoption of 4-wheel steering. The turning angle of the rear wheels is controlled as a function of the vehicle speed, via motorised links on the rear wishbones, giving the vehicle superb agility under all circumstances.

The Peugeot SR1 concept car will be unveiled to the general public at the next Geneva Motor Show, in March.

- By: Omar Rana

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen CEO Phillipe Varin targets to deepen its cooperation with BMW beyond engine sharing. According to a report by Automotive News, Varin said that he has been talking with BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer about cooperating in areas such as purchasing and components including transmission and climate control systems.

Right now, PSA and BMW’s Mini brand share 1.6L gasoline engines. Varin said that PSA is open to offer BMW a new 3-cylinder engine that the automaker will introduce in 2011. In return PSA would buy larger engines from BMW.

“We have set up groups of experts to work on deepening our cooperation on gasoline engines,” he said in an interview with German business daily Handelsblatt.

Varin said that PSA is not looking to merge with another automaker and will focus on building alliances. PSA also has a partnership with Mitsubishi on electric-vehicles and is scheduled to launch its own version of Mitsubishi’s MiEV electric-car.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot Citroen have both signed a cooperative agreement that signifies a new step in their partnership on electric vehicles.

The main points of this cooperative agreement are:

- The development of an EV for the European market based on MMC’s Japanese i-MiEV model
- The vehicle is to be sold in Europe, with both Peugeot and Citroën versions
- Production is planned to commence in October 2010 for commercial launch in the European market by the end of 2010.

Mitsubishi’s i MiEV was launched in Japan in June.  Starting April 2010, Mitsubishi will begin the official sales process to individuals and will start take orders in July. The i MiEV gets its power from a lithium-ion battery pack, which is comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells that are installed under the floor in the center of the vehicle. That in turn powers an electric-motor that allows for 67-hp with a peak torque of 133 lb-ft.

Mitsubishi i MiEV:

- By; Kap Shah

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and PSA Peugeot Citroen announced today that they have both signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” regarding teaming up on electric vehicles based on a vehicle currently under development by Mitsubishi in Japan.

Basically, that means that PSA Peugeot Citroen will now be selling Mitsubishi’s i MiEV in the European market with their badge on it.

Both companies are targeting a market launch by the end of 2010 or at the very beginning of 2011. The i MiEV will be sold in Japan later this summer. Mitsubishi said it “is examining several markets including the U.S. for the rollout of the electric vehicle.”

Shares of Mitsubishi Motors Corp jumped 5 percent today after Japanese business daily Nikkei reported that the company will start supplying France’s PSA Peugeot Citroen Group with a version of its i MiEV electric-car. It has been previously reported that the Japanese and French automaker will team up to develop electric powertrains for use in small vehicles.

Nikkei reported that Mitsubishi will supply 10,000 units of the i MiEV passenger car to PSA Peugeot Citroen Group by 2011 on an original equipment manufacturer basis, the Nikkei added.

“We are considering collaborating with PSA on electric cars as we said officially last June,” said company spokesman Fumio Nishizaki.

The i MiEV is a 100% electric vehicle that uses high-performance lithium-ion batteries to power its compact, lightweight motor. It does about 100 miles on a single charge. Mitsubishi hopes to build 2,000 units of the i MiEV in fiscal year 2009 and hopes to ramp that up to 10,000 units in fiscal year 2011. Pricing is expected to come in at less than 3 million yen ($32,410 USD).

Source: Reuters

Fiat Group SpA has shut down most of its Italian plants for a month, laying of 48,000 blue collar workers for an extended holiday break due a drop in demand for new cars. The shutdown will be effective until mid-January and will affect 20 Italian Fiat plants.

According to InsideLine sources, Fiat and PSA Peugeot-Citroën have been talking about a possible merger. Fiat Group’s CEO Sergio Marchionne predicted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show that the European car market would drop 5 percent next year. Fiat’s sales have declined 30 percent year on year in November in Italy alone and things aren’t looking any better for Fiat’s worldwide markets.

However, PSA Peugeot-Citroën is doing well in France, reporting a 17 percent drop year on year.

Insiders say that an alliance between the two companies could work really well. “For one thing, both companies are expert in smaller and inexpensive cars. Also, Fiat is number one in Brazil, a big emerging market where the French are weak,” said the source.

Both automakers are considered to be on the cutting edge of R&D when it comes to diesels and small-displacement engines.

Source: InsideLine

The new head of PSA Group’s Peugeot Jean-Philippe Collin is working on getting the upper-level executives on his side to meet some ambitious sales goals and expanding into new segments with new models. Collin said currently Peugeot is only covering 72 percent of the segments in the market and wants the brand to cover at least more than 90 percent.

CEO of Peugeot-Citroen has set a sales goal of 4 million vehicles for the two brands by 2010 – 3.4 million by the end of 2009. Things are looking good for the two if the current European trend continued.

So, what’s in the works? Collin said that Peugeot will introduce a diesel hybrid by 2011 in its upper mid-range and crossover segments. The automaker will show its new RC GT Coupe Hybrid Concept at the Paris Motor Show in October. Collin also said that a return to the North American market is also possible.

“We are not ruling out going back to the U.S.,” he said in an interview with Automotive News. “We are closely watching the opportunities resulting from the crisis in North America.”

However Peugeot will concentrate on South America, Russia and China first.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Peugeot has released some images and information on its new concept that will debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October. Known as the RC… (the full name will be revealed at the show), the GT Coupe (really a four-door) is said to be the missing link between Peugeot RC Concept cars shown in 2002 and the Peugeot 908 RC.

The four-door-coupe styled car is built on an innovative hybrid architecture. Power comes from a 313-hp engine mated to a hybrid system that allows for CO2 emissions of 109 g/km or ZERO when in electric mode.

Click through for more pictures.

Peugeot RC GT Coupe Hybrid Concept: