The second generation Peugeot 2008 could use Air tech

The French carmaker, Peugeot, have announced that the second generation of their 2008 model may be offered with a Hybrid Air powertrain.

Peugeot at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show

The second generation 2008 model concept is set to be shown at the Geneva Motor Show next month where the company plan to bring 28 production and concept cars. As the down-sizing trend shows no sign of slowing, Peugeot plan to reveal the new 108 which will replace the 107 model.

Along with their cars, the company will also unveil two new engines, the PureTech e-THP petrol and the BlueHDi diesel. The PureTech e-THP will be a 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbo charged unit that comes with 110 or 130 brake horse power. The high pressure direct injection and a next generation high-efficiency turbo provides exceptional drive ability from the lowest engine speeds. These engines provide the best low speed torque/maximum power in the market at around 1,500 and 3,500rpm. Against engines of equivalent power and drive ability, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced by 21%.

The BlueHDi will appear on several version of the Peugeot 308, 308 SW and 508. Due to associating Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and a particulate filter with additive, it allows Nox emissions from e-HDi engines to be reduced by up to 90%, CO2 emission and fuel consumption are also optimised while still eliminating 99.9% of particulates. The BlueHDi technology already comfortably meets the Euro 6 emissions standard and will be progressively introduced on all Peugeot’s diesel models.Although not an ideal rival for other high end sports vehicle brands like Mazda and Range Rover we do think this all new machine will have the ability to take on the likes of Fiat and Citroen.

The new Peugeot Citroen Hybrid Air power train

The Peugeot Citroen company introduced the Hybrid Air power train at the beginning of 2013 with the Citroen C3 at Geneva last year previewing the engine and towards the end of the year a rumour had emerged about the firm's plans to implement the development in future B and C-segment models.

The Hybrid Air system uses a petrol engine, compressed air, hydraulic moor pump and an automatic transmission with an epicycle gear train. It enables the car to only on petrol, air or a combination of the two. Like conventional hybrid cars, how the car is powered is determined by driving conditions. If driving at steady speeds on the motorway, only the petrol engine will be used. While in

stop/start traffic, the car will utilise the Air mode. Hard acceleration will call up the combined mode, where the two power sources work simultaneously.

In fuel economy and CO2 emission terms, the system would enable a car the size of the Citroen C3 or Peugeot 208 to return 97.4mpg with emissions of only 69g/km.

As the Hybrid Air system does not require expensive metal-based batteries an

d electric control systems, the pricing should be considerably cheaper than the petrol-electric models on offer today.

It is likely that the second generation Peugeot 2008 model, which will be the first model fitted with the hybrid tech, will be launched in 2016.