Peugeot has unveiled its 308R, a four-wheel drive 308 with a plug-in petrol hybrid engine that produces an impressive 500hp. This 308 has an 80mm wider track then its regular 308 siblings, it sits low to the ground on 235/35 R19 tyres. Development of the Peugeot 308 R HYbrid was entrusted to Peugeot Sport. They were challenged to developing an efficient petrol hybrid plug-in powertrain, integrating it into the EMP platform and setting new limits in terms of performance. The powertrain combines three sources of power: a 4-cylinder petrol 1.6L THP 270 S&S engine, with the highest special power rating in the world for this engine size; an electric motor with power of 85 kW / 115bhp, linked to the 6-speed gearbox; an electric motor with the same characteristics on the rear axle. The result is quite simply astounding. Developing 500bhp with four-wheel drive, the Peugeot 308 R HYbrid has its speed limited electronically at 250 km/h, delivers 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and covering 1000 m from a standing start in 22.0 seconds. In spite of all that, CO2 emissions are just 70 g/km.
The driver can choose from one of four driving modes by using a toggle switch on the centre console. Hot Lap mode unleashes the full 500hp and 730Nm of torque, Track mode delivers 400hp and 530Nm. Road mode produces 300hp and 400Nm and the Zero Emissions Vehicle mode makes use of the electric motor. We certainly hope Peugeot make this 308R a reality.
