Peugeot CEO Maxime Picat has taken to Twitter to sneak peek what appears to be a 308 R HYbrid hatch prototype, showing company chairman Carlos Tavares going for a spin.
It’s not everyday that a large company CEO tweets spy shots of a mysterious model. Well, these aren’t exactly spy shots and it is yet to be confirmed if the car is even an R HYbrid.
Peugeot revealed a concept version earlier this year, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor system. Overall output is an incredible 373kW and 730Nm.
For a potential production version, these figures are likely to be turned down somewhat. But even if it retained 300kW it would become easily the most powerful hot hatch on the market.
In concept form, the 308 R HYbrid is capable of 0-100km/h in just 4.0 seconds, offering a limited top speed of 250km/h. Despite this awesome performance, the special 308 can be recharged via a rapid charger in just 45 minutes.
Aside from the advanced powertrain, the R HYbrid, again, in concept form at least, features a number of high-performance components such as huge brakes (380mm front, 290mm rear), 19-inch wheels, racing-like bucket seats, and a bespoke body with bulging wheel arches.
As you can see on the prototype that Carlos Tavares is stepping in to, the bolstered wheel arches and racing seats might be something to look forward to in the future showroom.
If Peugeot goes down the ‘R’ hatch avenue, would could expect a debut in the next couple of years, after the 308 GTi is launched.
