208 HYbrid FE

BY Editor

208 HYbrid FE – Nov 04, 2013– Detroit, USA (Techreleased) – At the Frankfurt Motor Show, PEUGEOT and Total have unveiled their technological concept, the 208 HYbrid FE, a full petrol hybrid with exceptional characteristics and without a Plug-in energy source.

208 HYbrid FE

The Research and Development teams the two partners rose brilliantly to the challenge proposed by establishing a remarkable level of performance, based on a production PEUGEOT 208 hatchback: 0 to 100km/h / 0 to 62mph in 8.0 seconds and CO2 of just 46g/km over the official NEDC European Drive Cycle (Combined Cycle figure).

The objective of the 208 HYbrid FE is to combine real driving pleasure with low CO2 emissions. More precisely, the intention is to halve the CO2 emissions of the PEUGEOT 208, equipped with the 1.0-litre VTi 68 and to provide it with acceleration comparable to a performance hatchback, so quite a challenge!The challenge is made all the greater for the teams of the 208 HYbrid FE project as the production PEUGEOT 208 is already renowned for its weight-saving design and its latest-generation engines that allow it to offer a high-level driving experience.

The 208 HYbrid FE, all part of the Marque’s hybrid strategy

The policy goal in terms of CO2 is ambitious. It involves achieving 95g/km on weighted average of the new vehicles sold in Europe in 2020. To rise to this challenge without sacrificing driving pleasure, PEUGEOT is investing in several technologies which are already present on its vehicles and achieving substantial progress.

The HYbrid4 diesel-electric hybridisation, is part of this process. Launched as a world first by PEUGEOT on the 3008 Crossover, it has since been extended to the 508 RXH and the 508 Saloon.

With the 2008 HYbrid Air, PEUGEOT is innovating once more in the interests of the environment and of its customers in all of its markets. In fact, this breakthrough technology combines petrol and compressed air to fulfil customer expectations and rise to the challenges facing the motor industry.

On the current generation of B segment vehicles, the HYbrid Air considerably improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions. In fact, on completion of the homologated Drive Cycle tests, the figures are set at just 2.9l/100km (97.4mpg) and 69g/km. This technology is a key step towards the goal of reducing fuel consumption to just 2.0l/100km (141.2mpg).

The 208 HYbrid FE combines innovations which will make it possible to achieve this record figure.

PEUGEOT style, naturally efficient

Fluidity is part of the Marque’s stylistic heritage, it is in its DNA. On the 208 HYbrid FE, the aerodynamics experts took the exercise to an extreme.
On the body sides, any flow disrupting components has been eliminated to help improve the aero performance.

Cameras provide the rear vision, the image being reproduced on board on the interior mirror reminiscent of sporting disciplines like endurance racing. The rear track also contributes to this efficiency by being narrower by 40mm, further reducing the Cd. Finally, the design of the roof extends in an almost horizontal movement leading into the tailgate spoiler.

The rear aspect, with chamfered edges, has an air deflector in its lower section. It deflects the airflow which passes under the vehicle without hindrance due to the completely flat floor. Finally, to reduce its environmental footprint as much as possible, the LED lamps of the 208 HYbrid FE have thin vertical fins, inspired by the Onyx Concept supercar.

Taken from the end of the assembly line, the 208 retains its metal structure. Composite components replace bodywork panels and the floor, further reducing the weight of the body shell from 295 to 227kg. The one-piece outer skin) and the lower front panel are made from carbon fibre. The bonnet and the wings are constructed from a composite VER/Carbon, a material which is half the weight but with comparable structural properties.

Finally, with the exception of the door windows, the glazing uses polycarbonate to further save 5kg. The 208 HYbrid FE innovates in its use as this material has up until now be reserved for headlight lenses. It reduces the weight by more than 50% compared to conventional glass.

A passenger compartment for five occupants

The 208 HYbrid FE needed to retain the interior features of the production hatchback model. The result proves it: a very economical vehicle that can comfortably accommodate five people and their.

A hybridisation taken from endurance experience

The project has benefited from the expertise of PEUGEOT Sport with its experience acquired in endurance competition. So, the electric motor and the battery are those developed for the PEUGEOT 908 HYbrid4 endurance race car.

The principle of operation

During deceleration phases, whether by releasing the accelerator pedal or through braking, the vehicle is slowed down primarily by the electric motor. The hydraulic braking only comes into operation at the end of braking phase to maximise the recovery of the energy available. Over one homologation cycle, this recovery is 25%. Then, on acceleration, this energy is returned and assists the petrol engine according to various parameters: acceleration dictated by the driver and the gear selected.

The 208 HYbrid FE, Fun&Efficient and Fuel Efficiency

The PEUGEOT and Total teams, who have been working for months on creating this technological demonstrator, can be justifiably proud.

Up until now, there have been low consumption vehicles and high performance vehicles.  For the first time, these two qualities are combined in the same vehicle.

“At the beginning of the project, the objective seemed very ambitious, of a very high level. It was! The two partners, PEUGEOT and Total, achieved it by combining their technological expertise. PEUGEOT Sport has contributed its expertise to the project and has identified new areas of development. Production and competition are progressing together.” Christophe Mary, Technical Manager of the 208 HYbrid FE project, PEUGEOT Sport

PEUGEOT and Total are the major players in a modern vision of the motor vehicle.