2009 Peugeot 3008

Wheels and suspension

Unique driving pleasure and off-road ability Road holding, closely linked to the concept of driving pleasure as envisaged by Peugeot but also related to active safety, is central to the design of all vehicles in the range. Particular attention has been paid to this aspect on the 3008 to position the car as a new benchmark in the category of compact spacious vehicles in the widest sense, and particularly in relation to MPVs and SUVs.

Indeed one of the major motivations for potential customers when they are buying a car is driving pleasure, which can be understandably lacking in ‘‘large and tall’’ vehicles.
To attain this particularly ambitious objective in terms of road holding, driving precision and body control, Peugeot relied fi rstly on its solid know-how, and then on the already proven suspension and wheel options from the 308.

To reach even higher standards with the most effi cient engines and meet the expectations of the most demanding customers, without sacrifi cing comfort, a genuine and new innovative technology – Dynamic Roll Control – was developed.

In addition, to meet the criteria in terms of ‘‘all terrain’’ use, an all new Grip Control system was also developed and patented.

PEUGEOT’S KNOW HOW AND ITS BENEFITS FOR THE 3008

Structurally, the 3008 manages the considerable feat for a spacious vehicle of offering excellent torsional rigidity. With 0.86 mrd under a torque of 100 daNm, the latter is virtually equivalent to a 308 SW (considered a benchmark in its category in terms of road holding). This rigidity is essentially what allows the optimal operation of the suspension. Built on the same platform as the 308, it logically uses the same suspension that contributed to the latter’s recognised dynamic qualities.

For example, the front suspension is an inverted pseudo McPherson design with a linked anti-roll bar, a technology that provides rigorous control and a good level of vibration fi ltering. The rear suspension, consisting of a rear torsion beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar, is very compact and offers excellent rigidity, guaranteeing good vibration control and excellent body stability.

Its very wide front and rear wheel tracks (1,532 mm at the front and 1,527 mm at the rear with 17’’ and 18’’ wheels), as well as the wide tyres and wheels, also enhance body
rigidity and the car’s precision and stability, both in a straight line and when slowing or braking in a corner.

Designed and produced by Peugeot with an ability to be fi nely tuned during development, the multi-valve hydraulic shock absorbers of the 3008 (pressurised to 5 bar) actively contribute to achieving levels of road holding and comfort hitherto unseen in the segment. The dual-material mountings of the rear suspension, which fl ex in three dimensions, also go a long way to achieving this and will delight more dynamic drivers while still ensuring perfect ride control and comfort for all passengers.

DYNAMIC ROLL CONTROL: OPTIMAL ROLL CONTROL

The objective for the 3008 is to become a benchmark in terms of road holding, a feature made up of several characteristics: road holding, vertical comfort, body roll control, etc. This objective had to be met on all versions of the car, regardless of engine. The higher the performance of the engine, the greater the inertia and the more the body becomes subject to additional torque and power… these forces can give rise to excessive roll on cars with a high centre of gravity under certain conditions of use.

Therefore, to push back boundaries in terms of body roll control on the two highest-performance engines (1.6 litre THP and the new 2.0 litre HDi FAP); an all new Dynamic Roll Control system was developed in collaboration with the company KYBSE®.

This technology, appearing for the fi rst time in this segment of the market, enables the 3008 to be consistent with the potential of its two most powerful petrol and diesel versions and to further enhance its dynamic qualities while retaining a high level of comfort.

This passive hydraulic system consists of a central module connecting the two rear shock absorbers, built into the rear suspension crossmember. This module, acting like a third shock absorber, consists of a fl oating piston and a hydraulic compensation reservoir. The unit is pressurised to 20 bar.

In corners or when taking evasive action (roll phase), the system links hydraulically the right and left rear shock absorbers (the module internal piston does not move). This makes it possible to increase the damping effect in order to corner as ‘‘fl at’’ as possible, reducing body movements and therefore active safety.

In a straight line (potential “bounce” phase), the two traditional rear shock absorbers operate in an identical fashion and the module piston moves under the pressure of these compressions. This allows an optimal damping pattern to ensure the comfort of all the occupants. Dynamic Roll Control thus enhances driving pleasure while preserving comfort on a day-to-day basis thanks to the excellent fi ltration of road irregularities.

GRIP CONTROL: INTELLIGENT OFF-ROAD TRACTION

The ‘‘crossover’’ philosophy of the 3008 finds expression also through its traction system, the Grip Control.

This package combines an upgraded traction control system with Mud & Snow tyres. Available as an option, it can be chosen by users looking for a vehicle that offers enhanced
‘‘all terrain’’ capabilities and a performance in terms of traction that’s far superior to that of a ‘‘traditional’’ vehicle regardless of the type of terrain encountered.

The aim of the system is to optimise the traction of both front wheels by means of an improved traction control (developed and patented by Bosch), incorporated within the ECU of the ESP. Five modes are available to the driver and are accessible via a dedicated control on the centre console. Standard mode, where the ESP is calibrated for a low level of wheel slip based on different grip levels normally experienced on roads.

Snow mode adapts its strategy to provide the best grip conditions for each of the front wheels when the car is pulling away. As the car gains speed, the system optimises traction control to guarantee the best possible acceleration according to the existing grip conditions.

It returns to Standard mode when a speed in excess of 50 kph is detected. All-terrain mode (mud, dirt track, wet grass, etc) allows a high level of slip on the least stable wheel when puling away to encourage the elimination of mud and improve grip. At the same time, the wheel with the strongest grip level is given as much torque as
possible. The torque offset between the front wheels can be as much as 100%, well above the limits set for a limited slip differential (LSD).

As the car gains speed, the system optimises wheel slip to give the driver the best possible control over the car. This mode is active up to a speed of 80 kph. Sand mode allows slight wheel slip on both drive wheels simultaneously, to allow the vehicle to make headway and reduce the risk of getting stuck in the sand. Here too, the effect created by this mode is superior to that of a LSD system. In this mode, Standard mode is reconnected automatically above a speed of 120 kph. ESP Off mode allows the possibility of disconnecting the dynamic stability control (ESP) and Grip Control up to a speed of 50 kph, giving full control back to the driver. Above this
speed, ‘‘ESP Standard’’ mode is reconnected automatically. Grip Control includes Michelin Latitude Tour HP ‘‘Mud & Snow’’ 215/60 R16 tyres, also suitable for off-road use (see next section).

TYRES: THREE DISTINCT TYPES

16’’: versatile tyres associated with Grip Control

The Michelin Latitude Tour HP ‘‘Mud & Snow’’ 16’’ tyre (215/60 R16) is included with the Grip Control option. Thanks to its versatility on all types of terrain, this tyre encourages optimal operation of the traction control system in each mode.

This tyre uses a special Michelin technology. This relates to new StabiliGrip blades. These are able to lock together to guarantee stability of the tread rubber in contact with the road. In this way, the Michelin Latitude Tour HP contributes to the car’s road holding under all conditions of use while maintaining passenger comfort.

The mark ‘‘M+S’’ (standing for Mud & Snow) on the side of the tyre indicates this versatility of use. It meets German regulations requiring equipment to be adapted to winter conditions.

17’’: Michelin energy saver tyres

Used for the first time in the world with the launch of the 308 with Michelin Energy Saver 15’’ and 16’’ wheels, this technology reduces the rolling resistance of the tyres and has been adapted on the 3008 for Michelin tyres carrying the Green X label.

With this 225/50 R17 fit, these technologies allow a fuel reduction of nearly 0.2 litre per 100 km in the combined cycle, equivalent to a reduction of more than 4 g/km of CO2
(compared to traditional tyres of the same dimension). This is a result of the close co-operation between Michelin and Peugeot, Michelin having dedicated a special technical team to the T84 project to achieve this objective.

By reducing rolling resistance by nearly 20%, these tyres reduce the quantity of energy required to drive the vehicle. The challenge was to obtain this performance while increasing the level of grip and offering the longest possible service life in terms of mileage.

18’’: superb driveability

For the most demanding users in search of dynamic driving, Continental 235/45 R18 tyres are available as standard or as an option according to the trim level.

PRECISE AND RESPONSIVE STEERING

As well as benefi ting from three universal joints instead of two on its steering column, which provides a positive effect in terms of the driving position, the car’s steering conforms to the Marque’s acknowledged know-how in this fi eld. It is both precise and responsive ensuring excellent driveability. This rack and pinion system offers variable assistance controlled by a hydraulic electro-pump unit (GEP) in which assistance varies according to the speed of the car, the speed of rotation of the steering wheel and the temperature of the steering fl uid. This allows continuous variations of the assistance, thereby facilitating manoeuvres at low speed.

Two types of GEP corresponding to two types of power are available within the 3008 range. The new 2.0 litre HDi FAP engine has a GEP with an output of 710 watts while that of the other three engines (1.6 litre HDi FAP, 1.6 litre VTi and 1.6 litre THP) has an output of 650 watts. This allows optimal alignment with the engine and weight of the vehicle, for improved driveability and handling.

EFFICIENT BRAKING

A t the front, braking is assured by generously dimensioned ventilated discs with a diameter of 283 mm and a thickness of 26 mm on 1.6 litre VTi and 1.6 litre HDi FAP versions, and 302x26 mm for the 1.6 litre THP and 2.0 litre HDi FAP 3008. The front brake calipers have a piston diameter of 57 mm ensuring a good level of bite, performance and durability. At the rear there are two 268x12 mm discs.

The vehicle is equipped as standard with an ESP system which includes traction control (ASR or optional Grip Control), Hill Assist, stability control (CDS), ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBFD), and emergency brake assist (EBA). The system can be de-activated and is reconnected automatically above a speed of 50 kph.
Automatic activation of the hazard warning lights in the event of sharp deceleration completes this specifi cation.

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