Previewed back in August as and officially unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the RC HYmotion4 Concept is a dynamic four-door coupé focused on performace and environment friendly features.

The hybrid powertrain includes a 1.6 litre THP engine which is fitted at the rear and a 70 kW electric motor under the hood. The units are coupled with an electronically-controlled six-speed manual gearbox and can be combined in different ways, including an all-wheel drive driving mode.

The performance figures are a maximum power of 230 kW (313 bhp), a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds and CO2 emissions in the combined cycle of only 109 g/km, or zero in electric only drive mode.

Among the technical highlights are the carbon body, mounted on an aluminum spaceframe, special double aluminium wishbones suspension and an optimized aerodynamic, with a Cx value of 0.25.

Exterior Design

The overall proportions of the car were directly influenced by the vehicle's architecture.

The driver’s seat is placed as far forward as possible, thereby benefiting available space for four potential passengers.

The sense of motion begins at the very front of the vehicle, where the Lion badge is framed by air intakes.

The character is enhanced by the headlamps, designed with Peugeot’s stylistic genes in mind, and enhanced by the use of LED technology.

These headlamps are the starting point of a waist line which lends structure to the car’s overall dynamic and flowing profile, supporting the plunging window line and highlighting the muscular design of the wings.

These lateral contours then come together at the rear to draw out a shape suggestive of the powerful claws of a lion.

The rear lights are contained within this area and also make a passing reference to the manufacturer’s long history, the 504 coupé and cabriolet from 1969, the 307 CC, and now the 308 CC.

The double glass roof is crossed by lines originating on the hood which merge into the Naca unit at the rear of the roof and end finally in an embossed area on the boot encircling the rear logo.

Technical Features

This engine is located transversally in a central position at the rear of the vehicle, allowing sufficient interior space to seat four occupants while at the same time ensuring a large boot capacity.

Under the hood is also a 70 kW (95 bhp) electric motor, powered by “lithium-ion” batteries and is recharged by an energy recovery system which operates during both deceleration and braking.

The batteries are ideally positioned in the central “transmission” tunnel running through the passenger compartment.

With no mechanical connections between the front and the rear power units, the system is controlled entirely and automatically by electronics using by-wire technology as used for the first time on the Hoggar, the concept car which appeared in 2003 and was equipped at the time with two HDi FAP diesel engines.

The RC HYmotion4 can thus be driven in different ways:

• in electric only mode (to start up, in town at low speed and when decelerating),
• in gasoline engine only mode, at constant speeds on the open road or on motorways, when the engine can achieve its optimal effi ciency,
• with both engines combined: during phases of acceleration for extra power (“boost” function), with a maximum power of 160+70=230 kW (≈ 313 bhp) and a maximum torque of 178 Nm at the front and 280 Nm at the rear

An additional benefit provided by the vehicle’s architecture is the optimal front and rear weight distribution, with minimal weight in both the front and rear overhangs.

Interior Design

The passenger compartment evokes the world of sport and ultra-modernity, thanks to the finish of particular details and its contrasting play of light and shadow.

Among the features are the high quality materials (leather, aluminium, chrome, carbon) and the four low-slung seats.

The very “aeronautical” design of the fascia panel helps give the interior space a modern feel, with a finish consisting of two horizontal sections.

Between the latter, numerous items of equipment are housed on a uniform black-lacquered background: digital displays in front of the driver (for instrumentation and visual feedback from the rear view cameras) and in front of the passenger (for leisure activities).

In the centre there is alarge touch screen controlling the audio functions of the Triangle® hi-fi system, the satellite navigation, the air conditioning and the car’s various settings.

In another original stylistic feature, the central“transmission” tunnel continues onto the roof, in the manner of a “scorpion’s tail”, making a passing reference to the RC ♠ and ◆ concept cars.

This feature can be back-lit, as can the digital readouts on the fascia panel, to create an original ambience which can be personalised according to the mood of the driver.

Structure and suspension

Its structure thus comprises an aluminium space-frame ensuring overall lightness and rigidity, to which are fitted the mechanical assemblies and the suspension.

Similarly, all bodywork components are manufactured from composite materials.

The suspension consists of double aluminium wishbones at the front and at the rear.

The system uses a particularly innovative technology known as “kineticTM H2 CES”.

This system, developed by the company TENNECO, allows a very high level of road holding with no adverse effect on comfort.

The principle is to control body roll and damping functions by means of a hydraulic link between the right and left-hand shock absorbers.

This system, which avoids the need for an anti-roll bar, ensures the car remains flat when cornering while at the same time providing excellent vibration fi ltration.

Brake system includes four ventilated brake discs, with the front electric motor which recovers energy in order to recharge the batteries.

The wheels are fitted with Michelin 225/45 R19 tyres. A system of carbon wheel “discs” improves the vehicle’s penetration through the air by covering and streamlining each wheel, while at the same time preserving their dynamic style.

Aerodynamics

The HYmotion4 has an aerodynamic Cx value of 0.24 and an SCx of 0.494. Air flows have been modelled in the wind tunnel to ensure the necessary cooling capacity for both engines.

The four-part front air intake overcomes the problem of heat build up in relation to the lithium-ion batteries: the extraction of the internal flow taking place upstream of the front wheels.

These air intakes are controlled by a system of movable flaps. Additional devices include the flat undefloor and the rear diffuser.

Cooling of the gasoline engine and its two intercoolers is by means of two side air intakes and the Naca unit located at the rear of the roof. Air is then extracted via two recesses in the lower rear panel.

This carefully designed aerodynamic also avoids the need for a spoiler, thereby enhancing the car’s pure profile.

(Source: Peugeot)