Paris concept: Peugeot RC HYmotion4

Peugeot sent out scant details of its new hybrid concept a month or so back, the grainy, dark images unable to convey the beauty of the car it rolled out into the lights at the Paris show today.

What's all the fuss about?

Peugeot always likes to wow its home crowd and it's done a fantastic job with the RC HYmotion4 concept. The French let slip some details about this car back in August, but nothing prepared us for the sight of it up on the Peugeot stand in Paris. For beauty it's on a par with Citroen's similarly arresting Gran Turismo concept. If the rumours around Paris are right this show car demonstrates Peugeot's future design direction, and in particular how the 407 replacement might look.

Any new technology?

The innovative hybrid drivetrain in the RC HYmotion4 concept offers potential output of 313bhp, meaning it's got the go to match its show. The hybrid drive allows the four-door super saloon to deliver all that grunt with low CO₂ emissions - just 109g/km. It utilises a 218bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 95bhp electric motor, the two power sources able to work independently of each other or in series. The electric motor is provided power by lithium-ion batteries that are charged by a regenerative braking and decelerating system. Capable of running on fully electric mode for zero-emissions, the RC HYmotion4 also features a four-wheel drive system for when road conditions demand it. With a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds and the potential to reach 182mph the RC HYmotion4 concept underlines that greener motoring doesn't need to be dull.

Will it ever see the light of day?

Sadly the RC HYmotion4 concept isn't ever likely to reach the road in its current form. The word is though that it's a strong hint to how the 407 replacement might look. If that is the case it will signal a return to smart and striking rather than merely oddball looks from the French marque. Some of the RC HYmotion4 concept's hybrid technology will also eventually filter down to production models in the near future.

Kyle Fortune