Euro Competition: Peugeot 508 revealed

[nadepalma]

Peugeot 508 revealed
Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Peugeot has unveiled its new design language — and previewed a big-saloon push in the Chinese market — with its new 508, revealed today.

The French manufacturer’s latest saloon is designed to replace both the Mondeo-rivalling 407 and the larger 607.

Its front end is dominated by headlights that run deep into the wings, a large, wide grille, a Peugeot badge integrated into the bonnet creases, and a name badge that sits just beneath the bonnet shutline. There’s also a pronounced shoulder line that runs the length of the flanks.

The 508 is 4.7m long, around 10mm longer than the 407 but 20mm shorter than the 607, production of which ended last month. The estate version is 4.81m long. The car sits on a platform that also underpins the Citroën C5 and outgoing 407.

The increase in size is likely to signify that the 607’s sales did not merit an entirely new generation and reflect the key role large saloons are playing in the emerging Chinese market.

Few technical details have been released, although Peugeot has revealed that all of the car’s diesel engines will offer stop-start using Peugeot-Citroën’s e-HDi system.

A 508 with Hybrid4 tech will also be launched shortly after sales start. It combines a combustion engine driving the front wheels with an electric motor integrated into the rear axle. Peugeot says the Hybrid4 508 will offer four-wheel drive, a combined 200bhp and CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

MORE AT: http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/251315/

GALLERY AT: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/pe...-new-pics.aspx

[nadepalma]

The front end design looks somewhat Audi-esque to me, while the area where the C-pillar meets the truck looks almost BMW-like.

Overall, I find this design pretty attractive and I wish them luck with it.

Parting Thought: I think that with Mitsubishi having the problems they have, and with PSA's on-again/off-again possibility of a capital tie up, I think the folks at the tri-diamond brand should be talking with PSA about using this product. Even if that isn't a possiblity, they should certainly explore more and more joint platforms and powertrains. The 508 is a little generic looking, but handsome overall. They could do worse than offer a "Mitsu-ized" version of it in the US or other global markets (assuming, of course, that they meet crash/emission standards).

Just my two cents.

[megeebee]

Fairly conservative for a Peugeot, isn't it? A little Nissan, a little Opel, a little.........well lots of others. But it is a bit late to the party. I don't know much about the European auto market but I wonder how it will do.

I do like the design of the instrument panel.

[V8GMT360 Guy]

Interesting. Especially that interior, which looks like a BMW dash and seats adorned with Opel controls and switches. That control knob on the console looks almost exactly like the one in the Insignia/Regal.

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by V8GMT360 Guy

Interesting. Especially that interior, which looks like a BMW dash...

That's exactly what I thought of too. The shape of the dash made me thing of the newer BMW interiors.

Still looks good, but a little derivative.

[paul8488]

Without going back and comparing the pictures, this reminds me totally of the big Renault sedan we saw a few weeks back. Forget what it was called... started with a V I think... but they're both sedate sedans shown in white. Exhilarating.

Funny, the article says that the 607 was only 30 mm longer than the 407. That's pretty darn close! If this thing creeps up in price to sit somewhere between the 407 and 607, Peugeot risks losing a good chunk of market share. Europeans have yet shown the desire to pay German prices for French cars. Maybe this will push more PSA fans into the C5, which I'd be happy to see.

[blaksabb]

looks like a Renault Maxima

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by nadepalma

The front end design looks somewhat Audi-esque to me, while the area where the C-pillar meets the truck looks almost BMW-like.

I thought more Infiniti than BMW.
The center stack almost says "Genesis."

It's sharp and clean, but somehow, I expected more from PSA.

[commodore88]

Not quite as impressive as the Citroen C5 or Opel Insignia but it's another great French design.

[DetroitIron]

A Canadian friend of mine had a Peugot back in the 70's. Raging piece of junk, even when compared to American counterparts of the era.

[camaro_freak]

lol - everyone sees a "little something" different in it...

I think it is a really clean design a totally different direction for Peugeot - hope it works for them.

[mbukukanyau]

I love the interior layout alot, looks classic yet mordern, minimalist..

[tbirderic]

Don't really have much to add beyond what's been said. Like the exterior; simple clean and conservative design that still manages to look modern. Not so keen on the BMW inspired dash.

[Suziebob]

Am I the only one that's seeing LaCrosse? Reminds me of LaCrosse meets Maxima. Somehow, they took two cars I really like and created one I really don't. That takes skill.

[Bravada]

Very nice design, seems like this time Peugeot takes care of the "spacious" part of the segment. Actually, one of the most desirable vehicles in the segment, I'd take it over the Passat, Insignia or Mondeo.