After halting development of diesel engines and presenting their new PHEV cars at the 2018 Paris Auto Show, Peugeot is now looking at electrification for its future sporty models.
Part of their strategy to reduce CO2 emissions across the range, the electrified sports cars will launch from 2020 and will be developed in collaboration with the Peugeot Sport division.
“Driving pleasure is at the heart of the brand’s history. Electrification is a new opportunity to offer new high-performance versions to our customers looking for low-emission sports sensations. Driving sensations will be amplified by the performance provided by electrification”, commented Peugeot’s CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato. “New territories to be explored, new challenges to be met, the adventure of the Peugeot brand continues for an exciting future. Boredom will never be part of our DNA”, he added.
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the French automaker didn’t announce the exact Peugeot Sport models that will benefit from electrification. Still, one of them could be the rumored 508 R, which might pack a hybrid powertrain, with a 1.4-liter ICE, making in excess of 350 PS (345 hp / 257 kW).
This version of the midsize car will reportedly benefit from all-wheel drive, and should sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 4.5 seconds and max out at approximately 250 km/h (155 mph). The performance will place it in the same league as the Audi S4, among others.
It’s quite possible that we might see electrified versions of the next-gen 308 GTi and 208 GTi, in addition to sporty crossovers with similar electrified powertrains.
Additionally, Peugeot also said it will withdraw from the WRX championship at the end of the current season, stating that its “evolution towards electrification is uncertain”.
