Peugeot's SR1 revealed!

By Jack Rix

07th January 2010

Peugeot is putting on a brave new face! The French firm has taken the wraps off a stunning new concept called the SR1, ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. And it previews an entire new design language for the brand.

But this is far from purely a design exercise. Under the skin is a powerful hybrid powertrain capable of producing 313bhp but emitting just 119g/km of CO2. And to mark such an important crossroads, the SR1 is also being used to introduce a revised version of the iconic Lion badge.

Peugeot has been heaped with praise for its decision to put the gorgeous RCZ coupe on sale this Spring, and it’s clearly taken the public’s upbeat reaction to the RCZ’s styling on board. Taking the form of a three-seater Grand Tourer, the SR1 exhibits classic proportions. With its expansive bonnet, flowing wings and short overhangs there’s echoes of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Jaguar XK in its shape.

Gone is the gaping grille so often associated with modern Peugeots, replaced instead by a narrower opening, flanked by swept back headlights. Elsewhere, the carbon-fibre ‘skin’ has been sculpted to create a modern, three-dimensional look to the bodywork.

Beneath the surface, it’s just as hi-tech. The SR1 uses the same HYbrid4 architecture as the 3008 hybrid, due to go on sale in 2011. A 218bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine powers the front wheels, while a 95bhp electric motor spins the rears. Working in tandem the total power output is a healthy 313bhp but combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are a paltry 57.7mpg and 119g/km respectively. There’s an electric only mode too, turning the car into a zero emissions vehicle for brief stints.

In order to deliver finesse along with all that power, Peugeot’s has chosen to build the car on a rigid and lightweight platform and fit an innovative four-wheel steer system. By varying its sensitivity as a function of speed, the all-wheel steering system offers better manoeuvrability at low speeds and greater control when the pace quickens.

At first glance the roof might look like an integral part of the SR1’s structure, but it is in fact a removable panel. The difference here is the use of a specialist preformed plastic, normally found in the world of sailing, which helps to create the illusion of a metal hood.

Removing the roof exposes a beautifully detailed three-seat cabin, with the third passenger nestled in the middle at the rear. Hi-tech materials such as black nickel and satin-finished chrome are used throughout and blended with more traditional finishes like wood and leather.

As with any concept there are a number of unique features that help to separate the SR1 from production models. Both the instantaneous fuel consumption and remaining range are displayed on two crystal tubes emerging from the dash behind the steering wheel, while a wristwatch, designed by Bell&Ross, slots into a purpose built housing next to the LCD screen in the centre console.

An that's not all, as part of Peugeot's makeover it has also announced that the odd-ball BB1 electric concept will definitely spawn a production model in the next few years. With so many new products on the way and the SR1 concept showing the way in terms of style, the future looks very bright indeed for the French manufacturer.