PARIS — French automaker Peugeot will expand its low-emissions offerings soon with hybrid diesel-electric variants of the RCZ sport coupe and the 3008 crossover. Both the Peugeot RCZ Hybrid4 and 3008 Hybrid4 will be officially unveiled next month at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.
The concept vehicles' parallel-hybrid powertrain configuration provides for simultaneous or alternate operation of the electric motor and HDi common-rail diesel engine, which offer a combined 197 horsepower and enable a 35 percent reduction in fuel consumption.
The all-wheel-drive 3008 Hybrid4, which is now scheduled to launch in spring 2011, emits 99g/km (about 160g/mile) of CO2, while the still-conceptual RCZ Hybrid4 emits 95g/km.
Inside Line says: Clean-diesel technology continues to break new ground, while the diesel-hybrid concept is about to come of age, at least in Europe. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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