Set to be one of the most impressive concepts at this year’s edition of the Paris Motor Show, the Onyx is Peugeot’s vision of what a 21st century supercar should be.
The concept’s sharply styled body features wings and doors that are handmade from pure copper sheet, and whose appearance Peugeot says will change over time gaining a patina, while the other panels are from carbon fibre painted matte black.
The Onyx incorporates some design references to the RCZ such as the ‘double-bubble’ roof and aluminium arches, but overall, it’s a unique looking model.
“The silhouette of the Onyx is sculpted softly, sensuously, but it is also alive and technological,” explains Sandeep Bhambra, Onyx Exterior Stylist. “From the first sketches I wanted to create a showcase for technological excellence and craftsmanship by combining elements demonstrating high aerodynamic performance, Black Diamond lamps and copper bodywork panels fashioned by hand.”
The study is 4.65m long, 2.20m wide and 1.13m tall, and according to Peugeot, has a drag coefficient of 0.30 and tips the scales at just 1,100kg (2,425 pounds).
The Onyx is built around a carbon fiber central structure that consists of 12 parts and weighs only 100kg (220 pounds).
Power comes from a diesel-hybrid drivetrain comprising a 3.7-litre V8 hybrid HDi FAP engine (and not a 1.6-liter unit as previously rumored) capable of delivering 600-horses to the rear wheels via a 6sp sequential gearbox and a kinetic energy system that turns braking power to electricity that is stored in a set of lithium-ion batteries and which can offer an additional 80hp.
The concept features double wishbone and an in-board controlled suspension on both ends, while braking power is provided by four carbon discs, 380mm at the front and 355mm at the rear.
It is fitted with tires specially developed by Michelin, size 275/30 at the front and 345/30 at the rear, with 20-inch lightweight alloy rims.
The passenger compartment of the Onyx sports a minimalistic design and plenty of light thanks to the glass roof. Unusually, the concept doesn’t feature traditional seats but two separated areas with Peugeot using foam under the felt, in the areas of contact with the body.
“For the interior, I was inspired by an everyday object, the egg box. With remarkable economy of material, it protects very fragile items. I adapted the concept into an intuitive space, with a minimum of connected parts, to become one with the car,” explained Julien Cueff, Onyx Interior Stylist.
Other highlights include the materials used in the interior such as the dashboard that is made from recycled newspapers that are compressed to create new ‘logs’ from which the parts are made. Peugeot says this material is named “Newspaper Wood”.
Needless to say, Peugeot has no plans to produce the Onyx.
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