Peugeot is ploughing ahead with its hybrid Air technology, as well as has shown its latest advancements in the 208 hatchback at the Paris motor Show.
This latest concept, unsurprisingly dubbed the 208 hybrid Air 2L, has its sights set on satisfying the French government’s goal of putting an budget-friendly 2.0l/100km (141mpg) vehicle into production by 2020.
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Central to this aim is the hybrid Air drivetrain itself – as driven by auto reveal back in July – which utilizes compressed air rather than costly batteries to boost a little capability petrol engine.
There are three offered modes, one utilizing compressed air only for zero emissions (ideal around town), one more that makes utilize of the 81bhp 1.2-litre PureTech engine alone (suited to motorway cruising), or a petrol-air combination.
A tracking system selects the very best setting for the circumstances, showing all info to the driver. just like more traditional hybrids, the system works in purely electric mode for as long as possible, changing when either the ‘charge’ (or in this case, air) is depleted, or when more acceleration is needed.
Recharging complies with a likewise familiar process: slowing down under braking or by easing off the throttle assists recuperate energy, with the three-cylinder petrol engine likewise able to begin as well as provide a boost.
Backing this compressed air system up in the 208 hybrid Air 2L, Peugeot has worked on the smoothness of its PureTech unit, as friction accounts for around a fifth of the power generated. By covering the camshafts as well as pistons in a so-called diamond like Carbon (DLC) coating, engine effectiveness is obviously improved by four percent.
The concept’s weight is down, too, compared to the production 208 it’s based on. A blend of steel, aluminium, as well as composites were utilized for the platform as well as body, together with a redesign for specific existing parts like the stainless steel exhaust system, resulting in a loss of 100kg as well as reducing the general kerbweight to 860kg.
Rounding off the modifications are a few tweaks to enhance the 208 hybrid Air’s aerodynamics, including a lower stance as well as air intakes that enable just sufficient air into the engine. Peugeot has likewise smoothed out the windscreen surround, added a bootlid-mounted spoiler as well as fitted an air extractor below the car. Finally, traditional wing mirrors make method for cameras as well as there are large-diameter, low rolling resistance tyres with aero hub caps.
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