In October 2018, Peugeot Sport announced that it would develop a high-performance range of electrified models.
The Concept 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered displayed at the Geneva Motor Show gives us a strong taste of what’s to come. According to Peugeot, the high-performance plug-in hybrid sedan concept is a “prelude” to its new product line of fast electrified models. And what an exciting prelude that is.
Hybrid power
Derived from the 508 Hybrid, the Peugeot Sport Engineered 508 sedan pairs a PureTech 200 turbocharged gasoline engine with an 110 hp electric motor on the front axle, while the rear wheels are driven by a 200 hp electric motor. That brings the total usable output to 400 horsepower, while the combined maximum torque sits at 500 Nm (369 lb-ft).
The rear-mounted electric motor makes the Concept 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered an all-wheel-drive car, and that’s obvious when looking at the performance specs. Peugeot claims the plug-in hybrid performance sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds, covers the quarter mile in 12.5 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
All that while emitting 49 g/km CO2 and being able to travel in all-electric mode for up to 50 km (31 miles) — both according to WLTP measurements.
To match the might of the powertrain, the Concept 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered also packs uprated front brakes with 380 mm (15 in) discs with four-piston calipers, a lower sports suspension, and wider tracks (24 mm/0.94 in at the front, 12 mm (0.47 in) at the rear).
Furthermore, the steering has also been upgraded “to provide extra efficiency and heightened pleasure at the wheel.” Power is put down via grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires sized 245/35 R20.
Just build it already!
All these changes are complemented by tasteful exterior and interior upgrades that look very much production-ready to us. Here’s hoping Peugeot will build it rather sooner than later.