Published on the executive’s personal Twitter page, the pictures show PSA Peugeot – Citroën CEO Carlos Tavares next to and behind the wheel of the 308 R HYbrid. The grille, the bumper and the wheels are less futuristic than the ones fitted to the concept, which seemingly indicates the car pictured is a close-to-production mule.
Like the concept, the production model will pack a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain made up of a 270-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine – the same unit found under the hood of the 308 GTi – and two electric motors each rated at 115 horsepower. One of the motors will be mounted above the rear axle, and the second will be located next to the six-speed manual transmission on the front axle.
Buyers will be able to choose from four driving modes called Hot Lap, Track, Road and ZEV. In Hot Lap mode, all three power sources will join forces to deliver a total of 500 horsepower, allowing the hatchback to reach 62 mph from a stop in four seconds flat. At the other end of the spectrum, the 308 will be able to drive on electricity alone for at least 20 miles when ZEV mode is selected.
Peugeot has not officially announced plans to build the 308 R HYbrid, and Picat’s pictures ask more questions than they answer. If the hatchback does get the proverbial green light for production, we expect to see it unveiled next March at the Geneva Motor Show.
Live images by Ronan Glon.
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