PSA Peugeot Citroen unveiled Tuesday two prototype cars featuring its new diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, the Peugeot 307 and the Citroen C4 Hybride HDi. (That's the Citroen C4 above.)
The cars achieve 25 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline-eletric hybrid - 3.4 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km (roughly 69 mpg combined city/highway).
Details and pictures after the jump...The Hybride HDi system includes a 1.6-liter HDi diesel engine, a diesel particulate filter system, a "Stop & Start" system, electric motor, inverter, high-voltage battery pack and motor control electronics. The Stop & Start system allows the vehicles to start and drive if the batteries are flat, using only the diesel engine.
The prototypes also feature regenerative braking, an all-electric mode (good for 50 kph), and an Extended ZEV (zero-emissions vehicle) mode in which electric power is used by default when battery levels permit.
On the highway, the electric motor is available for a 35 percent power boost for extra acceleration.
The company says its Hybride HDi vehicles could hit dealers as soon as 2010, if the price gap between the hybrid and standard diesel models can be brought down to an acceptable level. Major cost drivers are the high-voltage batteries, the electric motor/generator, the inverter and the regenerative braking system.
[Source: PSA Peugeot Citroen]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Greg Murphy @ Jan 31st 2006 4:15PM
This seems like the real answer to fuel mileage increases. I wish American car companies would consider this type of solution. From what I have heard Ford and Toyota think gas is the best solution.
Jeff Crew @ Jan 31st 2006 4:32PM
Very cool technology. This technology is the best of both worlds. You get huge torque from the diesel and the extra kick from the electric motor to overcome the hp deficit that diesels are known for while getting better mileage. We need diesels.
David Wiles @ Jan 31st 2006 4:35PM
We seem to be at a takeoff point for innovative high mileage, low emission and maybe even good performing vehicles. While I think we should have done something three decades ago in the US to drive down the use (and price) of oil, it looks like the market will do it, do it soon, and the lobbyists be damned. I just hope the home teams, especially GM and Ford don't get left behind.
WillDaThrill @ Jan 31st 2006 4:35PM
Damn fine looking car. Wrap it up and bring it to the States.
Jason @ Jan 31st 2006 4:36PM
Power considerations aside, that's a great looking car. Except for the dash.
Peff @ Jan 31st 2006 4:40PM
Are you serious?? I hope that post had sarcasm dripping from it...
We finally see a great combination of diesel and electric and we make it as ugly as sin...
Jason @ Jan 31st 2006 5:23PM
I was serious. Take the decals and crap off of it and I see a nice looking car there.
Andyduncan @ Jan 31st 2006 5:28PM
So, we're taking two high-torque, low power engine types and combining them. This thing should make a Prius look like a Z06. Sure, it'll pull stumps out, but it will stink on freeways. I've got to think that's at least part of the reason why American car companies aren't looking at this.
And flame on, but I actually think it looks cool.
Adam Singer @ Jan 31st 2006 5:52PM
I concur, that is an excellent looking car.
Jimbo @ Jan 31st 2006 6:07PM
That car is better looking than the Prius.
Makana @ Jun 15th 2007 6:25PM
Actually, I thought it WAS a Prius. It looks too much like a Prius. Why can't they make these cars look like regular cars instead of some kind of "cheat-the-wind" slick wedge? They'd sell a lot more of them if they looked like a Lexus or Mercedes.
bhtooefr @ Jan 31st 2006 6:59PM
To me it looks like a Prius Coupe.
And ONLY 69 MPG hwy? Pathetic. Seeing as the Lupo 3L TDI was able to get 75...
maniac1181 @ Jun 26th 2007 12:54PM
Only difference with the Lupo is that the Citroen C4 or Peugeot 307 can comfortably ans easily fit four 6'2" adults in it...
franke @ Jan 31st 2006 7:02PM
So, we're taking two high-torque, low power engine types and combining them. This thing should make a Prius look like a Z06.
Why ?? This one has a 1.6 Diesel, tha Prius has a 1.5 petrol,, not that huge difference. It still can travel with ease on the highway + more torque. I dont think the power difference is that big. And this one looks much much better than a Prius.
Jort @ Jan 31st 2006 7:15PM
the version with the 90hp 1.6 liter diesel is doing 0-60 mph in 12,4 sec
from a Dutch magazine:
http://www.autoweek.nl/newsdisp.php?ID=4503&cache=no
sprints from 50 to 75 mph take 10.6 sec (while a regular 110hp PSA diesel takes 13 secs)
fuel efficiency is 29.4 km/liter (too late here to convert properly), while a prius has 21.3 km/liter they say.
x23 @ Jan 31st 2006 10:47PM
"So, we're taking two high-torque, low power engine types and combining them. This thing should make a Prius look like a Z06. Sure, it'll pull stumps out, but it will stink on freeways."
diesels get better mileage on the highway than a gasoline-electric hybrid. highway travel is made for slow-turning mills. like a diesel. afraid i'm not following your reasoning. the prius isn't exactly a speed demon.
rygar @ Jan 31st 2006 11:05PM
I think this car is a great idea (and a good looking one too) I always liked the idea of a diesel powering a hybrid, but why not this for an idea. . . and by no means am I an automotive engineer so this idea might not even be possible; but why not have a small displacement diesel engine running at a constant speed acting strictly as a generator charging a set of batteries running an electric motor or in-wheel motors. Wouldn't that boost "mpg's" (I use that term loosely because the engine really isn't driving the car) tremendously? The car would be essentially all-electric, and if the diesel was to run on bio-diesel that would be ideal. I think I remember watching some TV show about giant dumptrucks and taht they worked off this principle. Maybe I'm nuts but I think it would be a good idea. Any ideas or thoughts on why or why not this would be an ideal hybrid vehicle?
Michael @ Jan 31st 2006 11:09PM
CItro? get that car to North America ASAP!
Will H @ Feb 1st 2006 12:46AM
For any diesel to make it in the USA, California will have to change its emission laws. Right now VW can't or won't sell their diesels in California.
Martin @ Feb 1st 2006 6:35AM
I don't know if Europe is ready for such powertrains. There isn't much difference between a regular diesel and this hybrid version, my Citroen C3 HDi goes 50 mpg with ease. Anyway, I'm considering of buying a C4 HDi, just like this one:
http://www.direct-vehicle-leasing.net/images/car_images/citroen%20c4%20coupe.jpg
Hell of a beauty.
Martin