Just like every other model in Peugeot’s line-up, the 5008 MPV is also preparing to enter its second generation. It was first launched back in 2009 and its success was almost instantaneous. That being said, Peugeot has to keep up with the times in order for that success to continue.
The new 5008 will be based on a new platform that appears to be slightly wider than the current one, illustrated by the testing mule’s wider fenders. Other changes seen in the spy shots include five wheel bolts instead of the current four and the location of the fuel cap (it has switched sides). But no matter what changes are being done on the exterior, the 5008 will get bigger dimensions, especially on the inside. This will allow up to seven people the room that they need.
The engine line-up will be shared with the upcoming 301, the successor to the 308, which means a wide range of diesel and petrol engines as well as a diesel-hybrid. Just like with every other model in the line-up, Peugeot will be focusing on reducing fuel consumption and Co2 emissions.
Peugeot is preparing to put to an end their small 308 hatchback and they are already working on the car’s successor. Logic and previous history will tell us that the new model will be called 309, but back in 1993, Peugeot was selling a car in Europe by that name and that turned out to be a "not so successful car." Not to have that negative air to surround their new model, Peugeot has decided to name their new model the "301."
The upcoming 301 will be built on the same platform as the Citroen C4 and DS4, meaning that, compared to the 308, it will be slightly shorter but also wider. Peugeot will also work on making the car both lighter and more agile. Engines will be shared with the Citroen model as well as some new ones from the 208, meaning a wide range of both petrol and diesel engines with power ranging from 68 to 110 HP. The new 301 will also offer a diesel hybrid version and some engines from the new three-cylinder family.
As for its exterior appearance, the model will combine design elements from the 208 and the SR1 Concept car revealing a more elegant and compact body then the current 308.
The Peugeot 301 will be revealed in 2013 as a competitor for the Volkswagen Golf.
Updated 01/27/2012: The upcoming Peugeot 301 has been caught testing once again, this time in winter conditions.
As a response to Opel’s recently launched RAK e Concept, Peugeot has unveiled the VELV Concept in Paris. The VELV is a fuel-efficient electric three-wheeler that offers interior room for three and weighs only 1433 lbs.
The VELV concept delivers a total output of 26 HP and has an autonomy of 62 miles. The concept can hit a top speed of 68 mph and consumes only 85 Wh per kilometer, which means that its environmental footprint is equivalent to that of a train trip. The concept indicates in real time the area that can be covered based on the driving range and identifies charging stations that can be reached with the remaining charge.
The concept is aimed at corporate fleets, traditional rental companies, and self-service schemes like Autolib’, second-car buyers and numerous customers who want a better option for getting around town. It has been designed by Peugeot and Citroen in cooperation with a research laboratory who have joined forces to meet the mobility challenges of tomorrow.
In 2012, Peugeot will be organizing a one-make racing series with all teams fielding their very own race-prepped Peugeot RCZ.
Despite it still being months and months away, the French automaker is getting started by introducing the RCZ racer that will compete in the RCZ Racing Cup.
The race car is closely derived from the series, except for the fact that the all the interior amenities of the standard car were removed in favor of a more modest set-up that only includes racing seats and a roll cage, among other things. The bare interior contributes to a weight savings of 250 kg, even with the addition of new suspension dampers, AP Racing brakes.
As for the engine, Peugeot worked closely with Magneti Marelli to fine-tune the car’s powertrain. With all the changes in tow, the RCZ Racing Cup Racer will still carry the same 1.6-liter THP engine but with an increased output of 250 horsepower - from 200 horsepower - and 214 lb/ft of torque and mated to a SADEV six-speed paddle shift sequential transmission.
Interested racing teams that are looking to enter the series will have to shell out €54,900 - about $77,500 based on current exchange rates - for one of the race cars so it can participate in all seven races scheduled for the series’ inaugural season.
Peugeot drew some considerable attention at the Paris Auto Show last year when they introduced the EX1 electric concept for the very first time. This year, the French automaker is looking to repeat that with the introduction of their latest concept, the six-seater MPV concept called the HX1.
Blessed with a unique layout that makes use of Peugeot’s new design language, the HX1 is the company’s presentation of what their ’big’ models could look like in the future. The new revolutionary design includes "half-scissor" doors and a "floating" front grille akin to some of the company’s newest production models. The HX1 also features a hybrid powertrain system consisting of a 2.2-liter diesel engine and a rear-mounted 70kW electric motor.
All told, the HX1 Concept is Peugeot’s attempt in breaking new ground with their future models. No word yet on if the car is headed to production anytime soon, but that’s neither here nor there. For now, the important thing is that the French automaker is slowly stretching its legs, leaving behind the conservative ’label’ that they’ve been carrying for the longest time.
UPDATE 09/06/11: Peugeot has released a pair of new videos for the HX1 Concept. One is a walk-around video showing the details of the car while the other is a promo video that looks more like a product endorsement than anything else. Check out both videos by clicking the above photo.
Find out more about the Peugeot HX1 Concept after the jump
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