Paris 2008: Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Concept gets 52.3 mpg
by Sam Abuelsamid on Oct 3rd 2008 at 3:28PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Concept
The RC HYmotion4 concept is one of several hybrid concepts using a new through-the-road hybrid system being shown in Paris by Peugeot and Citroen. Unlike the hybrid systems used by current production vehicles, this one has no direct mechanical connection between the electric and internal combustion drive systems. The Peugeot RC has a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder in the back driving the rear wheels with 218 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, while additional propulsion comes from a 70 kW electric motor situated between the front wheels. This way, the RC can operate in either rear-, front- or all-wheel-drive modes. That means it can also operate using internal combustion, electric only or blended modes, respectively. The 3,141-lb four-door coupe accelerates from 0-62 mph in just four seconds when both gasoline and electricity are flowing. The electrons are stored in a lithium-ion battery pack of indeterminate size, but having the electric motor at the front instead of the rear axle means that more kinetic energy can be recaptured through regenerative braking. According to Peugeot, the RC can get 52.3 mpg and output CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. It's a trick system for sure, but there's no word on whether it's ever going to be produced.
[Source: Peugeot]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jcwolfe 3:36PM (10/03/2008)
So this is what a 4 door Audi R8 would like. Cool.
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Red 3:42PM (10/03/2008)
I thought the same thing, but honestly, if Audi were to make a 4 door R8 and it looked like this (obviously with a longer wheelbase or shorter front overhang), it would be a far better proposition than either Panamera or Estoque.
I don't love the front overhang is about a foot and a half too long, however, I wouldn't be ashamed to put this in my garage at all.
CarlosMC 5:13PM (10/03/2008)
Longer wheelbase and shorter front overhang? Check pic 5 and tell me how it would look like...
xpolarx 3:37PM (10/03/2008)
Not bad...could be better, but I kind of like it. Definitely screams Audi, though.
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Bluestreak 3:38PM (10/03/2008)
Something about the profile reminds me of the Jag XJ220 concept from the 90s.
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Randy 4:29PM (10/03/2008)
I totally agree! Look at the profile and window line, you can almost see Chrysler 300 (the older one) in the roof line too!
And um, very sorry for putting that disturbing thought in yours heads! :-/
Torrent 3:43PM (10/03/2008)
finally a hot, fast car with pretty good fuel economy. (besides the corvette)
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McLovin 3:45PM (10/03/2008)
Want it!
That's despite the high probability that it has almost no cargo capacity. With an engine in back and electric motor and battery pack up front, I can't imagine there is enough space for much more than hand luggage.
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sanimalp 4:23PM (10/03/2008)
why god why... forget cargo. i think having no cargo room should be a badge of honor for a sports car.. it means the designers were focused on the most important aspect of the car.. performance.
BoxerFanatic 10:55PM (10/03/2008)
Except the fact that a four door, four seat car is not a sports car. Sports cars have two doors, and only two seats, and are built for driving above all else.
It isn't a coupe, either.
It is a sleek sedan, and chances are, four people are going to want to bring at least something small along. Possibly groceries, or other purchased items.
McLovin 12:52PM (10/04/2008)
Thanks Boxer fan. I couldn't have said it better myself. This is not a true sports car. It is a very sleek sedan.
I still like the car. Maybe Peugeot should make a sleek roof rack to carry the luggage. Either that or you just make the wife or g/f wear tiny bikinis and lingerie on whatever trips you make in this car. Those can always be stuffed in a glovebox.
wonkydonkydotnet 3:58PM (10/03/2008)
[the sound of Panamera designers gnashing their teeth]
--
Otherwise: Awesome! -Frogs or no, I'll take 4.
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Will 3:46PM (10/03/2008)
52.3MPG and 4 seconds to 60?
If that's real it's revolutionary. I want one, even though it's French.
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P.V. 5:31PM (10/03/2008)
+a combination of FWD/RWD/AWD and gas/electric/both? Sounds like a winner to me.
Don't chicken out on this, PSA Peugeot-Citroën. DO IT!
innoc3nt 9:42PM (10/08/2008)
Agreed. Corvette acceleration with Prius mileage in a 4 door sedan. WOW. Digging the sleek styling and matte metallic paint job, too!
dsharp23 3:48PM (10/03/2008)
love it. Best looking......what do we call this kinda car? well it smokes the panamera & the lambo, and the Aston.....
awesome design.
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Huecifer 3:56PM (10/03/2008)
This is what that Lamborghini should have looked like, just with a few more creases.
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wonkydonkydotnet 4:02PM (10/03/2008)
I AGREE Com. plete. ly.!
-Take an S8 and Facet It. -Boom!
NO reason for the Estoque hood to be quite so long. If the E39 M5 can be the Benchmark 4-door Hammer, yet still not be more than 1 foot longer than my 2001 Jetta, high-end cars can afford good proportions, too.
My next job is going to be car Re-Designer, first stop: Estoque-ville, after that: All Current BMWs
Josh 4:31PM (10/03/2008)
Exactly what i was thinking. This kills the new lamborghini in every aspect... especially looks.
meshies 5:05PM (10/03/2008)
are yall smokin CRACK? The design is mad conservative and the front is hideous!