Peugeot has joined forces with its long-term lubrication and fuels partner, Total, to create a technology concept that aims to be both efficient and fun. The key targets were 0-100km/h in eight seconds and CO2 emissions of 49g/km, without the loss of passenger or luggage space. The result is the 208 Hybrid FE, which debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Exterior
Aerodynamics shape the exterior of the 208 FE concept car in a bid to reduce drag by a considerable 25 per cent. The grille is less open at the front, the door mirrors are ditched in favour of rear-view cameras and narrow 19-inch wheels (with carbon aerodynamic flaps) are shod in low rolling resistance Michelin tyres. The rear track has been reduced by 40mm as well. The most significant exterior change is to the roof and rear end, which are both completely redesigned to make for a slipperier shape. The floor underneath is also flat. Peugeot quotes a coefficient of drag (Cd) of less than 0.25.
What's less apparent is the use of sophisticated materials throughout. Carbon fibre, polycarbonate and other polymers were employed to reduce overall weight by the target 20 per cent.
Interior
At the time of writing we haven't seen any interior images, but Peugeot's goal was to retain the five-seat layout with plenty of boot space. More lightweight materials have been used in the door cards and centre console, which we understand gives them a unique look. Air conditioning has been eliminated due to its impact on fuel consumption.
Mechanicals
Propelling the 208 FE is a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. It consists of a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing up to 68hp. On the face of it this is no different to the company's production engine, but all moving components are unique to the FE concept and it features a high compression ratio (16:1) plus direct injection. Weight and friction reduction were key targets as well.
The lithium-ion battery and electric motor come from the Peugeot 908 HYbrid4 racer. Pure electric driving is possible thanks to maximum outputs of 30kW (41hp) and 30Nm, while the car uses advanced energy recuperation techniques.
Anything else?
Peugeot has kindly broken down the gains for us. The weight reduction and improvements in aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance contribute to a 20g/km reduction in emissions, plus a considerable 4.0 seconds reduction in the 0-100km/h time. Hybridisation reduces emissions by a further 20g/km while knocking 2.0 seconds off the benchmark sprint time. And finally, the engine and gearbox changes result in a further 10g/km emissions reduction. A combined cycle economy figure of 112mpg is quoted.