Peugeot to launch 500bhp 308 R HYbrid concept

The list of cars to keep an eye on at the upcoming Shanghai International Automobile Show is growing. Whether you’re into SUVs, sports cars or hatchbacks, there’s plenty to be excited about. When it comes to concepts though, Peugeot just laid a strong claim for having developed the most interesting one to appear at the show.

The French automaker has announced that it will be taking a 500bhp all-wheel-drive hatchback to the show. Called the 308 R HYbrid (we have no idea what the capital Y is for either), Peugeot says the car “drives like a supercar”. That power comes courtesy of a 4-cylinder petrol 1.6-liter THP 270 S&S engine (270PS/266hp) and an 85kW (115PS/114hp) electric motor.

That power means that the the 308 HYbrid goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in four seconds.

That’s a pretty big promise. Then again, the engine size and the addition of all-wheel-drive suggests that it may well be right. It won’t just be a matter of chucking a massive engine into a small car either. Peugeot says it’s developed a new plug-in hybrid petrol drive chain for the car.

Looks-wise, the 308 R HYbrid concept seems pretty damn aggressive. For a company with as large a rallying reputation as Peugeot, it looks gritty and urban.

Inside, this completely bonkers hatchback features four leather bucket seats, with red accents dominating the consoles.

The 308 R HYbrid’s top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.