Peugoet 208 Hybrid Air Concept To Take The Stage At Paris
Peugeot will be reviving the petrol-air hybrid technology debuted in its 2008 Hybrid Air concept for next month's Paris Motor Show, transplanting the innovative powertrain into the 208 city car. Built in response to a French Governme
Peugeot will be reviving the petrol-air hybrid technology debuted in its 2008 Hybrid Air concept for next month's Paris Motor Show, transplanting the innovative powertrain into the 208 city car.
Built in response to a French Government challenge for a car capable of consuming just 1.6 l/100km, the 208 Hybrid Air concept will be substantially different from a regular 208.
Its three-cylinder 1.2 litre engine will be hooked up to a hydraulic pump, which transfers fluid between two reservoirs - one for low-pressure fluid, the other for high-pressure fluid.
Inside the high-pressure reservoir, an air bladder is compressed by the fluid and acts as an energy storage device - but without the cost, weight or complexity of a conventional petrol-electric hybrid's battery.
The pump can also be driven by the vehicle's forward motion while coasting, allowing a form of regenerative braking.
But it doesn't end with the powertrain. The 208 Hybrid Air sheds 100kg through the use of aluminium and plastic composites in its construction, and a lower ride height and tweaked aero helps cut drag.