Peugeot to launch electrified performance range

Peugeot will develop “as complete a line as possible” of electrified performance models, according to Peugeot Sport boss Bruno Famin.

The French firm has unveiled the 395bhp 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered concept at the Geneva motor show. It features a high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain that emits only 49g/km of CO2. Famin said the concept previews a production version that's due in late 2020 and it will be followed by a number of similar models.

Although the second model to receive the electrified Peugeot Sport treatment has not been decided yet, Famin said possibilities include the Peugeot 3008 or a performance version of the new electric e-208.

Famin said the need to develop low- and zero-emission electrified models has given Peugeot “an opportunity”, with the electric driveline of the hybrid 3008 providing ready-made hardware that produces substantially more power than the 270bhp version of the 1.6 THP engine, which is the most potent petrol engine the company makes.

The 508 concept uses a 197bhp version of this engine mated to an electric motor producing the same amount of power. The electric solution “allows us to develop what we couldn’t do before”, according to Famin. 

The strategy also allows the development of a performance car range. “Previously, we had one-shot models, like the 308 GTI,” said Famin. “We’ve never had a complete line-up before.”

Peugeot Sport is developing the models because that is much quicker than using the PSA Group’s mainstream product development operation. “Because we are a small team, and we do one project after another, it’s much quicker,” said Famin. The hot 508 will go on sale just two years after the idea was hatched at the Paris motor show last autumn.

One of Peugeot’s aims for these models is to develop a performance sub-brand that will enhance the Peugeot image, reduce its fleet emissions and generate profits. The need for profitability will mean that the models won’t feature bespoke bodywork elements. Famin said: “Using existing components and hardware means reasonable costs and short development times.”