WINDHOEK – Peugeot unveiled its latest 308 R HYbrid at the Shanghai Motor Show. The 308 R HYbrid combines the best of both worlds. It is based on Peugeot’s mainstream sedan, but upgrades with a high-performance, plug-in-hybrid powertrain.
Driving the front wheels is a 201kW 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and an 85kW electric motor allied to a six-speed automated transmission. Along the rear axle there is another 85kW electric engine. This set-up delivers a maximum output of 373kW of power and 730Nm of torque in Hot Lap mode. In Track mode, the 308 R Hybrid is throttled back to 298kW/530Nm, which is generated primarily by the petrol engine and rear electric motor, the front electric motor only kicks in when additional acceleration is required. With the vehicle set to toad mode, output is to restrained to 224kW/400Nm. In this mode, the front electric motor is cut out of the picture all together.
Produced by the same Peugeot Sport operation that ran the company’s Le Mans, Dakar, Pikes Peak and other recent racing efforts, the 308 R HYbrid also features 19-inch wheels with low-profile tires riding on a wider track, additional ventilation carved into the bodywork, a beefed-up body kit, upgraded brakes, a leather interior with four bucket seats and a two-tone metallic blue and matte black paint job.