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MOTOR SHOW
January 26, 2015
On-Site Report from Paris | Peugeot
Peugeot
Showing Strength on Home Turf
It has finally opened,Paris Motor Show2012. With the show returning to its home ground after two years, Peugeot had announced a range of exhibition models, including a diesel hybrid with flashy coloring, a facelifted RCZ, a hot version of the 208, and models for emerging markets. What were the impressions of Yasuhisa Shimashita upon seeing the actual display on site?
Text by YASUHISA SHIMASHITAPhotographs by YASUHISA SHIMASHITA & HIROHIK MOCHIZUKI
Special Models to Look Forward to
Peugeot has been struggling under the significant impact of the European crisis. However, the Peugeot booth at the Paris Salon was remarkably vibrant, almost too much so to focus on a single highlight.
Peugeot's signature specialty model,The "RCZ" undergoes its first facelift.In addition to a styling refresh with a new front mask and rear end, aligning with Peugeot's latest design language seen in the "508" and subsequent models, the customization options for interior and exterior colors, materials, and wheel designs have been significantly expanded, enhancing the joy of creating a unique vehicle.
Furthermore, a concept car, theRCZ R Concept, has been unveiled. This model, with its striking matte black body paired with copper accents, boasts an enhanced engine output of 260ps. To match this, the chassis features a dedicated suspension and a Torsen LSD. The specifications are highly realistic, suggesting a strong possibility of it reaching production.
Peugeot 208 GTi
Peugeot 2008
The 208, which has just debuted in Japan,is joined by additional models:the "208 XY" and the "208 GTi".The XY features a dedicated grille and wheels, among other exterior enhancements. The interior embodies a premium feel with a PVC leather dashboard and seats combining PVC and Alcantara. Meanwhile, the GTi marks the "resurrection of an icon," arguably since the "205 GTi." It is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo engine producing a maximum output of 200ps, achieving 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds, making it a modern hot hatch.
The "2008 Concept," a proposal for a compact crossover, is notable for its搭載 of a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine. At the Beijing Motor Show, it was referred to as theUrban Crossover Concept, but the addition of a model name suggests a step forward towards production.
Furthermore, a concept car for a hybrid super sports car, theONYX, has also been unveiled. Its carbon fiber body houses a V8 diesel turbo engine and electric motor, the same powertrain used in the "908 HDi FAP" which competed in Le Mans until 2011. While the possibility of it reaching production seems extremely low...
Finally, the "301" is a compact sedan aimed at emerging markets. It will undoubtedly be a crucial model for Peugeot's future.
Mondial de l'Automobile 2012 Paris Motor Show
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