Sculpted using materials
processed as little as possible,
this supercar has been created
by enthusiasts who have drawn
their inspiration from the world
of competition. With its V8
engine in a central rear
position, the Onyx propels its
admirers into a world of high
performance, controlled in all
circumstances thanks to
intuitive instruments and
controls. In addition to its
stunning aesthetics, it explores
new ‘raw’ materials, to take
efficiency to another level.
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The sharp bodywork calls out with the striking contrast of its
materials and colours. Fashioned by hand by a master craftsman, the
wings and doors are pure copper sheet. A polished mirror, this metal
does not need to resort to tricks to protect itself. So, its appearance
will change over time, gaining a patina. The Onyx is alive! As for the
other panels of the bodywork, these are carbon fibre, painted matt
black.
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Slicing through the air with finesse, the front face unites the
vertical grille and full LED lamps, tapered, their surface area reduced
to a minimum. The flow then separates; some penetrates into the heart of
the vehicle, flowing inside the bodywork and the structure to supply the
engine with air. The remainder of the flow spreads, skimming along the
sides and the ‘double-bubble’ roof. Finishing off the Onyx with beauty,
the rear lamps adopt a light signature with three claws now
characteristic of Peugeot. They also support small spoilers which direct
the upper and side flows. These reunite as far as possible from the
bodywork to reduce drag. With a Cd of 0.30, the aerodynamic impact of
the Onyx is inversely proportional to its visual impact.
Bolted onto the carbon fibre shell, the 3.7-litre V8 hybrid HDi FAP
engine and the suspension bear all the experience of Peugeot Sport,
acquired and confirmed on tracks all over the world. Cooled by ducts
which begin at the roof via NACA take-offs, the V8 transmits its 600bhp
to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. This power
ideally exploits compact proportions: 4.65m long, 2.20m wide, 1.13m high
and of only 1100kg. Fitted with tyres specially developed by Michelin,
275/30 at the front and 345/30 at the rear, the 20" wheels see their hub
retained on the structure by a double wishbone and an in-board
controlled suspension, both at the front and at the rear.
Intelligent, the HYbrid4 technology recovers the kinetic energy which
is usually lost during braking. Stored in lithium-ion batteries, this
energy is then delivered automatically on acceleration, boosting the
power by an additional 80bhp. The management of this function is
transparent to the driver, as is that of the engine which has
represented a real challenge. In fact, the engine designers had to make
suitable for the road, an engine which, in competition, operates in an
extreme range.
With less than 2kg per horsepower, the Onyx achieves high performance
without altering the purity and elegance of its style. To obtain this
result, the Onyx is fitted with a flat carbon fibre floor, which creates
a powerful ground effect. So, the aerodynamic components could be
limited to a strict minimum, by means of extensions of the carbon fibre
structure and the moving spoiler which loads the rear suspension during
braking. Braking is provided by four carbon discs, 380mm at the front
and 355mm at the rear.
A 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine
In Beijing earlier this year, Peugeot revealed the ‘Urban Crossover
Concept’ to the Chinese public, a contemplation of the motor vehicle in
an increasingly urban world.
Now, at the Paris Motor Show, the Marque is presenting the 2008
Concept. This concept car gives further thrust to its international
conquest strategy, for which all its talents have been mobilised. The
engineers and stylists have worked together in Europe, China and Latin
America to create this seductive future vehicle of the range.
The 2008 Concept naturally bears the stylistic codes of the Marque.
With its athletic and sleek lines it imposes its bold posture which
overturns and reinvents the standards of the larger vehicles in the
small-vehicles segment.
It is painted fluorescent yellow with Velvet matt varnish, a very
luminous colour which is full of energy. The body is punctuated with
Dark Chrome details, accentuating the modernity and elegance of this
concept car.
From a coherent overall volume the 2008 Concept succeeds in combining
a variety of impressions. The front face is refined and full of
presence, where bonnet and wings give a reassuring impression of
protection and strength. This perception is identical at the rear where
the shape combines solidity with dynamism. The profile unites the two
faces by means of the slender link which begins with the inclined
windscreen and continues with the continuous roof line to the spoiler.
And so a profiled and very aerodynamic silhouette is outlined. The side
lines, traced in the direction of the road, give the impression of a
lively, sleek and dynamic vehicle.
The 2008 Concept pays particular attention to detail. The ‘floating
grille’ has a design cut into the metal, combined with a sophisticated
dual-aspect treatment following the example of the new marque emblem.
The headlamps, of a precise and unique design, bear the Peugeot
identity. Their contours follow the technical functions as closely as
possible and so form the sharp pupil of a cat. Chiselled in form, they
are aligned with the front face, giving it an even more expressive and
individual character.
The 2008 Concept also has very sensuous and sophisticated sculpted
wings and sides, indicating natural athletic qualities. The large
wheels, the design of their wheel arches and the ground clearance
symbolise an active life without restraint; agile, versatile and
lightweight.
In profile, the curve of the roof accentuates the upper decoration of
the rear doors. Exclusive, cut into the metal, it appears crimped into
the bodywork. This refinement also marks the precise design of the
aluminium spoiler and roof bars which give the appearance of a vehicle
designed for speed and leisure.
Under its sleek bonnet the 2008 Concept is equipped with a
development of the new generation 3-cylinder petrol engines. In harmony
with the dynamism and power exuded by this concept car, the 1.2-litre
3-cylinder engine has a turbo and direct injection. Developing its
energy while remaining lightweight, it contributes to the versatility of
the 2008 Concept with a power of 110bhp. This is combined with low fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions.
Components of the Group's down-sizing strategy, these 3-cylinder
engines permit a breakthrough in terms of consumption and CO2
while offering real driving pleasure.
