Peugeot launches most powerful model yet, the 2021 508 PSE

MANILA: In a global online event yesterday, Peugeot unveiled a plug-in hybrid using a four-wheel drive layout and touted it as its most powerful production car to date, the 508 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered).

Made by PSE, the French automaker’s new high-performance division, the new 508 will come in two body types, a fastback and a station wagon, but both will have what Peugeot calls “neo-performance.” It sounds very fancy but just think of it as the brand’s new age version of sportiness and technology.

The new 508 is inspired by Peugeot’s experience participating in international competitions like the World Rally Championship, Dakar, Pikes Peak and World Endurance Championship, which explains why it is has a lower driving position than a standard 508, comes with variable three-mode shock absorption (Comfort/Hybrid/Sport), a widened front and rear track, 380mm diameter front brake discs and fixed four-piston calipers, and 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

It has three Kryptonite claws along the C-pillar to identify it as a PSE unit but will continue to sport the lion paw light signature as well, taking after the rear lights of the 504 Coupé.

Under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine complemented by a pair of electric motors, one on the front axle and one at the rear. Combined output of 360hp and 520Nm of torque is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It goes from zero to 100kph in just 5.2 seconds and has an electronically-controlled top speed of 250kph.

Five driving modes are available that vary the handling dynamics and performance of the vehicle. These are:

• Electric: Has zero-emissions range of 42 kilometers under the WLTP protocol
• Comfort: Hybrid mode with softened suspension for "high comfort" driving
• Hybrid: Automatically selects combustion or electric power depending on the circumstances for optimized fuel efficiency
• Sport: Delivers maximum power and incorporates a digital engine sound system to amplify the sporty environment on board. This mode also tunes the steering, suspension and accelerator pedal mapping.
• 4WD: Provides maximum traction for slippery conditions

The new 508 charges in less than seven hours using a standard domestic socket and charges in less than two hours using a 7kW wall box charge point.

The inside sports the same interior and boot volumes as the internal combustion versions thanks to the smart layout of the electric motors and battery. It has the i-Cockpit, a 100% digital head-up display, and a central 10-inch HD capacitive touchscreen. Seats come with a mix of Mistral Nappa Leather and Alcantara, while the passenger compartment is decorated with double Tramontane Grey and Kryptonite stitching.

Safety features include Night Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning System and Automatic Emergency Braking.

Photos from Peugeot

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