Good performance, excellent utility, top of the class fuel economy and even the possibility of a PHEV_variant sometime after 2012... [fimg=right]http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_Peugeot_3008_Exterior.jpg[/fimg]Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 16, 2009 Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 Crossover – 57 mpgUS on the NEDC. At the Paris Auto Show last year, the 3008 HYbrid4 concept car was shown with Peugeot’s 2.0L HDi turbo-diesel engine powering the front and an electric motor powering the rear for a total output of 200 HP. In terms of torque, 220 Lb-ft. at the front and 145 Lb.-ft. at the rear make the 3008 Hybrid4 a very quick mid-sized Crossover indeed. With the powerful combination, the 3008 Hybrid4 is rated at 57 mpgUS on the NEDC and would be EPA rated higher than ANY vehicle currently available in the US until the 2010 Toyota Prius-III arrives. This 4WD Hybrid4 would be rated at an incredible 47 mpgUS combined on our own 08 EPA! Several months ago, Peugeot Citroën’s Mulhouse and Sochaux plants launched pilot projects to process engineer the new HYbrid4 hybrid diesel 4WD technology. Applying the latest process technology and lean manufacturing methods, the two plants have already begun designing the facilities to incorporate Peugeot’s HYbrid4 technology for a scheduled 2011 consumer launch. HYbrid4 technology combines one of Peugeot’s world renown and fuel efficient HDi turbo-diesel engines and an electric motor powering the rear axle. To support this hybridization method, the Group developed a unique rear-axle assembly on which the electric motor will be mounted. The modular architecture of this technology means that it is portable across several vehicle types, regardless of engine size. In recent months, teams at the Mulhouse plant’s mechanical assembly group have deployed a series of lean manufacturing projects aimed at improving the sub-assembly line for the all-new electric drivetrain. PSA Peugeot Citroën’s lean manufacturing enables efficiency, quality and costs to be optimized through engineering up front and employee teamwork on the backend. This is a highly complex process, because it involves the assembly of both conventional mechanical parts and newer electrical components. By using a full-scale 3-D model to create a virtual production line, team leaders and technicians are identifying ways to drive improvements in both efficiency and quality. These simulations are designed to optimize precious floor space, enhance worker ergonomics and generally facilitate handling and assembly while streamlining part and sub-assembly flows. Their initial outcomes will be used to prepare precise specifications for suppliers. Several prototype Peugeot 3008 vehicles fitted with HYbrid4 technology have rolled off the prototype assembly line at the Sochaux plant in recent months. The Integration of the hybrid drivetrain into the vehicle was completed in record time by leveraging the extensive hybrid-drivetrain expertise acquired in recent years, most notably on the Citroën C4 and Peugeot 308. Development work was further accelerated by routinely using digital tools, which model both physical and virtual aspects of the process and by locating the entire Hybrid project team on-site. Several months from now, Peugeot Citroën will finalize how the production and incorporation of their ideas of the future will be implemented. PSA Peugeot Citroën unveiled its HYbrid4 diesel-electric technology at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. With an HDi diesel engine powering the front wheels and an electric motor powering the rear, the innovative technology delivers a multitude of benefits. In addition to considerable fuel savings and around a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions, the technology introduces a new breed of all-wheel drive thanks to an electric motor, which powers the rear wheels. It also opens the door to more extensive use of electric vehicles. From 2011, the crossover Peugeot 3008 followed by the Citroën DS5, will be the first of the Group’s vehicles to benefit from this cutting edge Hybrid technology.
Very, very effecient way to make a car AWD. I wonder how handling and driving such a car is in snowy slick conditions? I would guess that that's a major engineering challenge in the design of the car. I also think this car looks far sexier than the prius and insight models. Perhaps I have something for hatchbacks.
Isn't it interesting that Chrysler Europe was sold to Peugeot? Boy chrysler sure knows how to make bad decisions...
Just a few weeks ago I was asking why there are no diesel hybrids. ETA: In memory of 9-11 I am making note that this is my 911th post.
