Peugeot Blog
Geneva 2010: 5 by Peugeot is just five by usFiled under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Peugeot
5 by Peugeot - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ze Germans may be known for their efficiency, but try this on for size: French automaker Peugeot is gearing up to replace two sedans with - wait for it - just one! Feigned enthusiasm aside, this is the one that stands to take the job, and it's a pretty sharp looking sedan.
More telling, however, though dubbed a concept car, the 5 by Peugeot looks fairly close to production-ready status, especially compared to design studies like the RC HyMotion4 concept, another four-door concept from Peugeot unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. Oh, and we're disregarding the lack of any interior on this show car.
We expect a production version of the 5 by Peugeot to replace both the 407 and 607 within the next couple of years. In the meantime - particularly since Peugeot doesn't market in North America - you can take a closer look in the gallery below.
Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: 5 by Peugeot is just five by us originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Peugeot SR1 Concept excites our inner FrancophileFiled under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Peugeot, Diesel
Peugeot SR1 Concept - click above for high-res image gallery
When we first saw the Peugeot SR1 Concept, we were less than impressed. Why? The press photos just didn't do the car any justice. But here in person at the Geneva Motor Show, the SR1 Concept has us drooling. First of all, the proportions are spectacular. Long hood, short deck, wide, low - just a great, potent stance coupled to classic proportions. Also, this here Peugeot is one of the rare convertibles that looks just as good top on or off.
There's a boat load of fancy tech that comes with this concept car (all of which you can read about here). The long story told short is the SR1 Concept is a turbo-diesel hybrid that makes 313 total horsepower and gets 48 miles per gallon. It also has a four-wheel-drive, through-the-road HYbrid4 tech, The plastic roof uses sailboat technology and the instruments are displayed via crystal tubes. But as most of the SR1 Concept's bells and whistles won't ever see production, we'll just go ahead and enjoy this stunning show car for what it is: beautiful.
Geneva 2010: Peugeot SR1 Concept excites our inner Francophile originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: 5 by Peugeot foretells the future of the 508Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Peugeot
5 by Peugeot Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Despite the ridiculous name, the "5 by Peugeot" concept is the inspiration for the next 508 sedan, Peugeot's competitor the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia.
Coming in at 191.3 inches long and 74 inches wide, with a wheelbase of 110 inches, the 5 by Peugeot is rather staid looking compared to the French automaker's previous offerings. Aside from the overly-stylized headlamps, the front fascia looks surprisingly production ready, incorporating a massive front air dam with a combination of brushed aluminum accents and a chromtastic grille. Out back, it's pure Peugeot, with taillights that stretch into the rear quarter panels, an Insignia-esque trunk and dual exhausts.
Underneath the marque-specific hood bulge lies a 163 horsepower 2.0-liter HDi FAP diesel which, combined with a rear-mounted, 37-hp electric motor, brings output up to 200 hp. The system, dubbed Hybrid4, sends power to all four wheels and, according to Peugeot, will allow the new 508 to run on electricity alone for an unspecified range. Naturally aspirated gasoline engines are expected to be included on the all-new 508 when it hits the market, and judging by the near-production ready exterior, we'd expect Peugeot's new midsizer to arrive in European dealers late this year or in early 2011. Make the jump for all the details and check out the gallery below for a host of high-res images.
Continue reading Geneva Preview: 5 by Peugeot foretells the future of the 508 Geneva Preview: 5 by Peugeot foretells the future of the 508 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLooks like a winner: Peugeot 207 S16Filed under: Hatchback, Peugeot, UK
Peugeot 207 S16 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Kris Meeke is the 2009 Intercontinental Rally Champion, and Peugeot UK wants to celebrate that accomplishment. As such, it's releasing the 207 S16 - a 207 Sport tarted up to evoke the Peugeot 207 IRC car Meeke pilots. To that extent, you can get an optional graphics package (which is still more restrained than race car's nose-to-tail Union Jack livery), along with a body kit including "pseudo rear diffuser" (Peugeot's words), upgraded wheels, a mesh grille, tinted glass and special interior badging. All 250 Peugeot 207 S16s are mechanically identical to the regular 207 Sport 1.6 VTi they're based on. Oh, and Kris Meeke signs every one. If you're in the UK, owning the 207 S16 will dent your wallet to the tune of £14,695. The full press release is pasted after the jump.
[Source: Peugeot UK]Continue reading Looks like a winner: Peugeot 207 S16 Looks like a winner: Peugeot 207 S16 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsToyota gas pedal recall woes spread to Peugeot / Citroën in EuropeFiled under: Europe, Recalls, Toyota, Peugeot, Citroën 
The massive Toyota sticking-accelerator pedal recall has spread from the United States to Europe and even beyond Toyota-branded vehicles. Approximately 90,000 Peugeot 107 and Citroën C1 minicars have been added to the list of afflicted models. PSA, the parent of Peugeot and Citroën, has a joint venture with Toyota in the Czech Republic that produces the 107, C1 and the related Toyota Aygo.
The minis share the same electronic pedal assembly design used in the 2.3 million Toyotas being recalled in North America, as well a 1.8 million vehicles in Europe. In addition to the Aygo, Toyota has identified the iQ, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, Verso, Avensis and Rav4 in Europe. In total Toyota is recalling 7.5 million vehicles worldwide.
We don't know for sure but it seems unlikely with this many vehicles involved around the world that CTS is the sole supplier of these parts. If CTS is not the only supplier then it appears likely that the issue is more of a design problem than a manufacturing issue at one plant or supplier. It is also possible that it could be a software issue unrelated to the hardware itself.
Update: We checked with Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister who confirmed that Denso is the other major supplier of this pedal assembly.
Update 2: Curt McAllister sent us a note to clarify that CTS and Denso are the pedal assembly suppliers for North America only. We're not sure who the suppliers are for overseas markets including Europe and Asia but we'll look into it.
[Source: The Guardian]Toyota gas pedal recall woes spread to Peugeot / Citroën in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsThe Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools editionFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Dodge, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Pontiac, Saab, Misc. Auto Shows, Peugeot, Canada, Skoda
The Autoblog Weekender - Click above to find out what you missed
This week's bag of news is all about cars, cars and cars. Was anyone else aware that the Canadians know a thing or two about tuning Lamborghinis? That's a new one on us. Peugeot and Dodge have new logos, and the Pugs have a new, Ratatouille-esque commercial that involves a blender, a bicycle and a three-wheeled car. The as-yet-unveiled Nissan Patrol Safari gets caught with its doors open, and a bespoke Ferrari, the P450 Superfast Aperta, gets introduced in Florida. It's a little odd. And when some Mercedes engineers get a prototype SL Coupe stuck in the snow and it takes two other Mercedes' to rescue it, let's just say a good time was had by all. Except the Mercedes engineers. Finally, back to those Canadians, while those first lads will get crazy money for their wares, another Canuck wants crazy money for a 1975 Pontiac. Must be the weather. Follow the jump for the feast.Continue reading The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsBeijing Preview: Peugeot to debut new 408 in the middle kingdomFiled under: Sedan, China, Peugeot, Beijing Motor Show
Peugeot 408 - Click above for high-res image gallery
In another sign of China's growing importance as an automotive market, Peugeot will use the upcoming Beijing Motor Show to debut its new midsize 408 sedan. The 408 was jointly developed by Peugeot stylists in Europe and China with the aim of appealing to the latter market. The mid-sized segment where the 408 competes comprises 45 percent of the market in that country, so this car could represent a major growth opportunity for the French brand if it succeeds. Peugeot is hoping to follow up its 44-percent sales growth in China last year with another 30-percent jump in 2010.
Aside from the 4.68-meter length, Peugeot hasn't revealed any other technical details at this time. The new sedan will be produced in China by the Peugeot Dong Feng joint venture for the local market. The press release is after the jump.
[Source: Peugeot]Continue reading Beijing Preview: Peugeot to debut new 408 in the middle kingdom Beijing Preview: Peugeot to debut new 408 in the middle kingdom originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsThe Autoblog Weekender: Mobs in Detroit, motorsport in Monte Carlo, and the Führer has words for Ken BlockFiled under: Chicago Auto Show, Detroit Auto Show, Motorsports, Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Mini, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Skoda 
The Autoblog Weekender - Click above to find out what you missed
Welcome to another edition of the Weekender. The Friday goods this week come from all over the world: Formula 1 drifting on ice in Montreal, an underwater Dodge Ram in Argentina, Skodas in Monte Carlo, a Hot Tub Edition Mini in New York, and free tickets to the Chicago Auto Show.
The domestic front also brings us a Fast Company profile of Volkswagen Group of America's head honcho Stefan Jacoby, which includes him admitting, "It was clear we were not understanding of our customers. We needed to change our style in the U.S., as we are a very stubborn bureaucratic German company - and German management - to some extent. I am here to listen."
And then there was all that singing and dancing at the Detroit Auto Show, but Beyoncé provided the lyrics this time, not the Chevy Volt marketing team. Follow the jump to get your weekend fill.Continue reading The Autoblog Weekender: Mobs in Detroit, motorsport in Monte Carlo, and the Führer has words for Ken Block The Autoblog Weekender: Mobs in Detroit, motorsport in Monte Carlo, and the Führer has words for Ken Block originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: PSA Peugeot-Citroen, Mitsubishi inch closer to stock swapFiled under: Mitsubishi, Earnings/Financials, Peugeot, Citroën
Peugeot 4007, a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander - Click above for high-res image gallery
'Tis the season to form mergers, and the latest could involve a large stock swap between Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot-Citroen. The two automakers have longstanding ties that include such projects as the Mitsubishi iMiEV electric car (which Peugeot has shown as the iOn) and the Mitsubishi Outlander SUV (which Peugeot sells as the 4007 and Citroen as the C-Crosser). But now the rapprochement could be entering a new stage.
In a potential tie-in that could mirror rival French automaker Renault's alliance with Japanese automaker Nissan, reports suggest that PSA and Mitsu are on the verge of a stock swap. Insiders aren't sure what sort of arrangement could be brokered, but speculate that PSA could take effective control with a large minority stake in Mitsubishi in exchange for either stock in PSA, cash in hand or a combination of both.
The strengthened partnership would stand to help PSA, Europe's second largest automaker, compete not only with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, but also with Volkswagen, Europe's largest automaker which is teaming up with Suzuki for presence in Asian markets. Industry analysts, however, note that with PSA already burdened with growing debts and given Mitsubishi's relatively small production and market share, the move could be ill-advised for the French auto group. On speculation of the potential partnership, PSA stock reportedly fell 3.6 percent, while Mitsubishi's rose 7.5 percent - the largest respective drop and gain for each automaker in months. Thanks for the tip, Vladimir!
[Source: Bloomberg]Report: PSA Peugeot-Citroen, Mitsubishi inch closer to stock swap originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Suzuki breaks off alt-power partnership with GMFiled under: Europe, Japan, GM, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials, Renault, Peugeot, Electric, Diesel According to Reuters, Suzuki plans on ending joint development programs with General Motors next month - the two had been partnering on innovative hybrid and fuel-cell technologies. The news follows on the heels of last month's announcement that that Suzuki and Volkswagen had tied the knot (as part of that agreement, VW bought 19.9 percent of Suzuki and effectively became the automakers biggest shareholder - a position formerly held by GM). As the theory goes, it soon become clear that working with GM was no longer necessary. According to the report,
"Suzuki is in a comprehensive alliance with Volkswagen. In every field including hybrid, diesel and electric cars, we will carry out joint development with them, or we will learn from them," Osamu Suzuki, chairman and chief executive, said at the briefing in Hamamatsu, central Japan.
The new relationship with VW will also affect Suzuki's association with PSA Peugeot-Citroën and Renault SA, automakers currently supplying diesel engines to Suzuki. After all, VW brings extensive diesel engine technology to the table - making those relationships equally as moot.
[Source: Reuters]Report: Suzuki breaks off alt-power partnership with GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Peugeot, Citroën get new design chiefsFiled under: Europe, Peugeot, Citroën, Design/Style
Hope for France: Left to right, Gilles Vidal, Jean-Pierre Ploué and Thierry Metroz
There was a time when "France" and "design" were nearly synonymous, at least in the automotive sphere. Delahaye, Voisin, Bugatti, Talbot-Lago (including the high-water mark Figoni et Falaschi "Tear Drop" cars), etc. Prewar, no one had anything on the French. Even Peugeot and Citroën were in on the action; the former producing the elegant 402 and the latter building the glorious Traction Avant.
However, after the Great Depression and post-WW2 auto shakeout, the scenery changed. Sure, Citroën still had a few design masterpieces left in the tank - the 2CV, the DS and SM. Peugeot made some excellent cars (205, 404) but they certainly weren't lookers. Then a few years back, Peugeot bought Citroën. Since that time, Peugeots have become wildly bizarre-looking, while Citroën has produced exactly one beauty, the C6. Point being, France's automotive designs are a far cry from their prewar glory days.
PSA Peugeot Citroën wants to change that trajectory. Under PSA design leadership of Jean-Pierre Ploué, Gilles Vidal has taken over design of Peugeot and Thierry Metroz is now in charge of how Citroëns look. Metroz might have an easy time of it, as Ploué has to some degree set Citroën on a halfway righteous path. Again, we're big fans of the big C6 and in truth, the C3 and DS3 are pretty much OK-looking as well. Monsieur Gilles, however, has his work cut out for him. Have you looked at a 3008 or an 807 lately? Not so hot.
[Source: CAR]Report: Peugeot, Citroën get new design chiefs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: Peugeot SR1 concept trades quirk for the safe yet sexyFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot, Electric
Peugeot SR1 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
French automaker Peugeot will pull the wraps off a brand-new concept vehicle called the SR1 at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Unlike a number of recent Peugeot cars and concepts, the SR1 isn't hallmarked by quirky, love-it-or-hate-it styling. Instead, we see a somewhat traditional long-hood, short-deck profile with some interesting details, such as the creased indentation in the doors that's echoed in both the front and rear fascias. Also note the redesigned Lion logo, which we surmise will show up on all future Peugeots from here on out. Power for the SR1 (which, of course, has nothing at all to do with the Corvette ZR1) comes courtesy of Peugeot's HYbrid4 technology, which pairs a small 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels with a 95-horsepower electric motor at the rear. Peugeot says that its all-wheel drive, through-the-road hybrid system will make its production debut in 2011 inside the 3008 crossover, with other models to closely follow. Other concept-appropriate bits and pieces include a new removable plastic roof panel using technology that's borrowed from the world of sailing, a three-seat layout with the third passenger behind the twin front seats and instrumentation that pairs futuristic crystal tubes displaying current fuel consumption and remaining range with a classic timepiece designed by Bell & Ross. Continuing the old versus new theme are black nickel and satin chrome trim with traditional wood and leather inlays. With 313 combined horsepower, fuel mileage estimated at 57.7 mpg (European, 48 miles per gallon U.S.) and carbon emissions of just 119 grams per kilometer, the Peugeot SR1 ought to be a mean, green performer. Plus, its speed-sensitive four-wheel steering and lightweight structure should equal formidable handling prowess. Of course, we may never know for sure, as this car, though it apparently signals Peugeot's new styling direction, is nothing more than a concept at this point. [Source: Peugeot]Geneva Preview: Peugeot SR1 concept trades quirk for the safe yet sexy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Red Bull to place Raikkonen, Loeb and Coulthard in Peugeot 908 HDi at Le MansFiled under: Motorsports, Peugeot, Racing 
Peugeot 908 HDi - Click above for high-res image gallery
Motorsports of late have been gripped by the crossover of racing drivers from one discipline to another, but one of the most established migrations in motor racing has always been between Formula One and Le Mans. The great (but unrelated) Hills - Phil and Graham - both won the F1 championship and Le Mans, but none have done so since Jochen Rindt in 1970. Lately, Peugeot especially has been seeking F1 drivers to pilot its 908 HDi against the venerable Audis at the famous 24-hour race, but that could step up a notch if the latest rumors from France hold any Evian.
Peugeot has registered three factory works cars to challenge Le Mans next year, plus one mystery car that has only been listed as a privateer entry. According to the latest reports, that entry could be fielded by Red Bull. The energy drink company has one of the most comprehensive networks of racing talent under its wings, but what's catching the most attention is three of its most prominent drivers.
Six-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb, whose Citroen C4 rally car is sponsored by Red Bull, has raced Le Mans previously, and has been linked to a return to the endurance race. 2007 Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen will likewise be driving next year in a Red Bull-sponsored C4 fielded by Citroen (Peugeot's sister company). Finally, David Coulthard was largely responsible for Red Bull's foray into F1, and though retired from actively racing, remains an advisor and test driver for the team.
While these rumors could prove nothing more than exactly that, if Red Bull were to bring these three talents to La Sarthe, they would surely be a force to be reckoned with.
[Source: AUTOhebdo via Le Blog Auto and Axis of Oversteer]REPORT: Red Bull to place Raikkonen, Loeb and Coulthard in Peugeot 908 HDi at Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsIs Peugeot-Citroën on the verge of buying Mitsubishi?Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Mitsubishi, Earnings/Financials, Peugeot, Citroën 
The French and the Japanese have gotten together to form a magic partnership once already with Carlos Ghosn at the helm. The question is, then, can that success be replicated? PSA Peugeot-Citroën seems to hope so, and it is reportedly on the verge of purchasing a controlling stake (somewhere between 30 and 53 percent, depending on the report) in Mitsubishi Motors.
The total price for the acquisition would cost the European automaker over $3 billion and the deal would also include Mitsubishi acquiring a somewhat smaller stake in PSA Peugeot-Citroën - again, similar to the situation between France's Renault and Japan's Nissan.
So, what does Mitsubishi have that Peugeot wants? Three things, apparently: A presence in the States, SUV expertise and, perhaps most importantly, electric vehicle technology. If a deal does indeed take place, the resulting entity would be the sixth largest automaker by sales in the world.
[Source: BusinessWeek]Is Peugeot-Citroën on the verge of buying Mitsubishi? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsTwo Birds, Une Pierre: Peugeot to replace 407 and 607 with new 508Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot 
Peugeot RC HyMotion4 concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
The French may not be known for their efficiency as much as, say, ze Germans, but according to the latest reports from across the Pond, Peugeot is reportedly looking at merging two weak product lines into one new sedan. The models in question are the 407 and 607, two saloons that may intrigue from this side of the Atlantic but haven't exactly been runaway successes with those who can pick them up at their local dealership. As a result, parent company PSA's new president Philippe Varin has reportedly confirmed that both models will be integrated into one new successor to be called the 508.
The last time Peugeot used the 50X model designation was with the 505 of 1979. Although we have no idea at this point what the new 508 will be like, we're expecting it to be unveiled in concept form at the 2010 Paris Auto Salon before its production introduction at Geneva in 2011.
[Source: Le Blog Auto]Two Birds, Une Pierre: Peugeot to replace 407 and 607 with new 508 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAu Revoir, Le Hot-Hatch: Peugeot reportedly retiring GTI badgeFiled under: Performance, Hatchback, Peugeot 
To enthusiasts on the Atlantic's western shore, the GTI badge is commonly associated with Volkswagens. But back east, those three letters invoke memories of hot hatches from Peugeot. The original 205 GTI (pictured above) defined the segment for such iconic follow-ups as the 106 and 305 GTIs, but according to the latest reports from the old world, the current 207 GTI will be the last as the French automaker refocuses its energies.
Instead of hot hatches, which are particularly popular in the UK, Peugeot will reportedly shift its attention to sleek sport- coupes. The RCZ unveiled at the Frankfurt show last month will be just the first, with a smaller sibling reportedly in the works. However, the company's successful hardtop convertibles - including the current 207 CC and 308 CC - will continue to serve as a central product to the Peugeot line-up.
While the Peugeot RCZ targets the Audi TT in the marketplace, the French automaker's factory racing division will continue taking the fight to its German rival in Le Mans racing. As for rallying, however, Peugeot has dismissed the possibility of re-entering the World Rally Championship so long as its PSA sister company Citroen is in the series. Peugeot was a mainstay in the WRC until 1986, returning again in 1999 to claim several titles with the help of one Marcus Gronholm, only to withdraw again in 2005. While Citroen dominates the WRC, Peugeot's British subsidiary claimed the championship in the rival Intercontinental Rally Challenge this year.
[Source: Autocar]Au Revoir, Le Hot-Hatch: Peugeot reportedly retiring GTI badge originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Peugeot also wants ties with BMW that go beyond engines and platformsFiled under: BMW, Peugeot 
A couple of years ago, BMW said it wanted out of the joint engine game with Peugeot. Today, not only are the two companies still sharing powerplants - the PSA engines that go in the Mini and Pugs like the 207 - but BMW's head has recently stated that the automaker is considering sharing small car platforms with PSA. To that, PSA head Phillipe Varin has gone a step further, saying he'd also like to extend the agreement to things like purchasing, transmissions, and HVAC units.
The quest for Peugeot is to find a way to remain independent to continue to make money doing it. The French automaker expects an operating loss of up to €1.5 billion ($2.25B U.S.) this year, which is less than expected. But the company foresees a return to black next year, and part of the strategy for that would be lowering costs through tie-ups, such as its deal to sell rebranded Mitsubishi i-Mievs.
Nevertheless, it will be BMW that needs to see sense in a stronger PSA union. Items like HVAC units and transmissions - when they work - are anonymous; no one knows or really cares where they come from. As for powertrains, the German firm has spoken before of wanting to lower development costs, especially in the area of small engine development which could help it with its numerous small car initiatives.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]REPORT: Peugeot also wants ties with BMW that go beyond engines and platforms originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsRumormill: Peugeot planning RCZ Roadster?Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Peugeot, Rumormill
Peugeot RCZ - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you were enamored of the new Peugeot RCZ when it finally debuted in production guise at the Frankfurt show last month, the latest product of the French rumor mill has got more in store for you. According to emerging reports from across the pond, Peugeot is planning to compliment the svelte coupe with a convertible counterpart.
Because the existing 308 on which the RCZ is based already offers a four-seat hard-top cabriolet in its range, sources anticipate that the drop-top RCZ will feature a lighter and more compact conventional cloth roof that will take the place of the rear seats, giving Peugeot its first proper roadster in years. Alternative reports, however, suggest that the French automaker could go a different route with a removable carbon-fiber roof panel to give the RCZ a targa-esque option. In any event, Peugeot isn't expected to return to the North American market any time soon, so we'll just have to suffice with the superior engineering of the Audi TT whose styling the RCZ apes.
[Source: L'Automobile (translated) via eurocarblog]Rumormill: Peugeot planning RCZ Roadster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpoiler Alert: Rain, Rain Go Away! Downpour makes Petit Le Mans even more soFiled under: Motorsports, Acura, Audi, Porsche, Peugeot, Diesel 
2009 Petit Le Mans - Click above for high-res image gallery
The American Le Mans Series held its flagship race, the Petit Le Mans over the weekend at Road Atlanta, and it was more petit than normal. The race is scheduled to run for 10 hours or 1,000 miles - whichever comes first. However, the rains that have plagued the Atlanta region for the past two weeks just couldn't hold off any longer Saturday afternoon. After relatively clear running Thursday and Friday for practice and qualifying, the clouds returned Saturday for race time. After sporadic showers and drizzle throughout the first several hours, the clouds really opened up in the fifth hour. The safety car came out for a full course yellow for a while, but the ground around the track was already waterlogged, making proper drainage impossible. With cars aquaplaning everywhere even on full rain tires, continued running became impossible and the race was red-flagged at 4 hours and 52 minutes in hopes the rain would subside. Unfortunately, it never did and the race was called at 9:30pm. Click on the jump to find out what happened while the cars were still running.
[Images: Chris Graythen/Darrell Ingham/Getty]Continue reading Spoiler Alert: Rain, Rain Go Away! Downpour makes Petit Le Mans even more so Spoiler Alert: Rain, Rain Go Away! Downpour makes Petit Le Mans even more so originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFrankfurt 2009: Peugeot BB1 Concept is messing with our mindsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Peugeot
Peugeot BB1 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
You know what the problem with Smart cars is? Not tough enough! Regardless, meet the Peugeot BB1. Yes, it is the logical result of a one night stand between a Subaru SVX and a Peel 50. What are we talking about? We don't even know what we're looking at. Feel free to read a rational account of the Peugeot BB1 at your leisure.
OK fine -- our editor is forcing us to tell you some facts about the BB1. Four wheels for sure. And the weirdly curved glass is all tilted forward before eventually morphing into solar panels on the roof. You steer it with moto-style handle bars. No word if you can opt for a set of ape-hangers, but why on earth not? Engine? Hey - it's a concept, you don't need no stinking engine. Uh.. oh! There are tiny rear-hinged doors with even tinier roll-down windows. So now you know what happens if you allow French automotive weirdness to go unchecked.
Frankfurt 2009: Peugeot BB1 Concept is messing with our minds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |

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