Peugeot RCZ HYbrid4

The innovative hybrid diesel technology – HYbrid4 – comes into its own in a European car market where the popularity of diesel engines is largest, capitalising firstly on the group’s advanced knowledge in HDi engines, electric vehicles and the perfection of existing components (i.e. the 6-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox and Stop & Start systems).
It also relies on a parallel architecture: alternating in operation between the HDi diesel engine and the electric motor to ensure optimal efficiency according to how the car is driven – in town or on the open road. When used simultaneously, the two power units offer increased performance. The result: a real breakthrough in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of around -35% in the combined cycle, compared to engines of an equivalent power output.
With the HYbrid4 solution, the innovative location of the electric motor at the rear of the vehicle offers new benefits – four-wheel drive, without the drawback of a mechanical connection – and ensures technical and economic viability thanks to the preservation of an engine compartment at the front able to accommodate different conventional engines and offering the benefit of adaptability.
Because progress means little unless it can be shared by the greatest number, Peugeot intends eventually to develop a range of HYbrid4 vehicles offering renewed driving enjoyment and exceptional environmental credentials to enhance performance and road holding, but also through the automatic and unobtrusive operation of the combined power trains.
Two concept cars, unveiled for the first time on the Peugeot stand at Frankfurt, illustrate this commitment: The 3008 HYbrid4 (now CO2 of 99g/km) previews the production model scheduled to appear in the Spring of 2011, while with the experimental RCZ HYbrid4 (CO2 of 95g/km), the manufacturer proposes a synthesis of performance and environmental responsiveness.