Peugeot SR1 Concept




















French automaker Peugeot will pull the wraps off a brand-new concept vehicle called the SR1 at the Geneva Motor Show later

this year. Unlike a number of recent Peugeot cars and concepts, the SR1 isn't hallmarked by quirky, love-it-or-hate-it

styling. Instead, we see a somewhat traditional long-hood, short-deck profile with some interesting details, such as the

creased indentation in the doors that's echoed in both the front and rear fascias. Also note the redesigned Lion logo, which

we surmise will show up on all future Peugeots from here on out.

Power for the SR1 (which, of course, has nothing at all to do with the Corvette ZR1) comes courtesy of Peugeot's HYbrid4

technology, which pairs a small 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels with a 95-horsepower

electric motor at the rear. The all-wheel drive, through-the-road hybrid system will make its production debut in 2011 inside

the 3008 crossover, with other models to follow not long after that.

Other concept-appropriate bits and pieces include a new removable plastic roof panel using technology that's borrowed from the

world of sailing, a three-seat layout with the third passenger behind the twin front seats and instrumentation that pairs

futuristic crystal tubes displaying current fuel consumption and remaining range with a classic timepiece designed by Bell &

Ross. Continuing the old versus new theme are black nickel and satin chrome trim with traditional wood and leather inlays.

With 313 combined horsepower, fuel mileage estimated at 57.7 mpg (European, 48 miles per gallon U.S.) and carbon emissions of

just 119 grams per kilometer, the Peugeot SR1 ought to be a mean, green performer. Plus, its speed-sensitive four-wheel

steering and lightweight structure should equal formidable handling prowess. Of course, we may never know for sure, as this

car, though signaling Peugeot's new styling direction, is nothing more than a concept at this point.