Peugeot
Quartz Concept
The
Peugeot Quartz Concept unveils a new vision for the Crossover segment at the
2014 Paris Motor Show. This next generation SUV blends dazzling design with
innovative materials and a powerful HYbrid drivetrain to create the ultimate
premium family car experience.
The
strong, powerful and sporty style of the Peugeot Quartz combines the body of an
SUV with the cabin of a saloon. Sleek lines convey a dynamic feel that’s
further accentuated by short over- hangs and the dramatic 23-inch wheels
sitting inside generously rounded wheel arches. At 4.5 m long and 2.06 m wide,
the Quartz has an athletic stance on the road that’s further emphasised by its
long bonnet and louvres that help improve airflow to the engine.
The
lighting system features LED units for improved efficiency. As with all new
Peugeots, the lion badge stands in the centre of the grille. But on the Quartz
it’s brought to life by a chequered pattern that shifts depending on the angle
you view it from. A glass roof flows towards the rear wings and incorporates
two spoilers to further enhance its aerodynamic design. These are aligned with
the Coupe Franche separator between the two Quartz finishes: mineral grey at
the front, inspired by rock crystal, and matt black for the rear wings, offset
by occasional splashes of red.
The
Quartz is based on the same EMP2 platform that underpins the new 308. The
composite structure and bonded panels save weight but bring exceptional
stiffness. This enabled Peugeot’s engineers to remove the central B pillar and
create scissor doors. A retractable step further eases access.
The
Quartz Concept is the first-ever vehicle to employ digitally woven textile.
This innovative process can create large and complex components that can be
used as soon as they come off the machine. No cutting is required meaning no
waste. The textile is woven with polyester fibre from recycled plastic water
bottles.
The
Peugeot i-Cockpit keeps everything at the driver's fingertips. The compact steering
wheel is inspired by competition models with controls embedded in it. This
allows the driver to use the indicators, change driving modes and shift gears
without taking their hands off the wheel. The head-up display provides a large,
configurable screen with a central 45-degree polycarbonate strip to show
additional information. The instrument panel is on both sides of the small
steering wheel and the head-up display is angled towards the driver to ensure
easy access to the toggle switches.
The
Peugeot Quartz uses a plug-in hybrid drive train comprising a petrol engine
supplemented by two electric motors. The evocatively embossed bonnet houses the
1.6-litre THP 270 power plant developed by Peugeot Sport. Mated to a six-speed
automatic transmission, the four-cylinder engine delivers torque of 330 Nm, with
a specific output of nearly 170 hp per litre, making it one of the world's best
performing engines.
The
front axle is also driven by an 85 kW electric motor with direct drive. This
charges the 400V battery during deceleration and assists the combustion engine
with gear changes. The rear axle also features an 85 kW electric motor for
propulsion and battery charging.
There
are three driving modes: ZEV can cover up to 31 miles on a single battery
charge using the plug-in battery; Road mode uses the combustion engine and
front electric motor to enhance driving pleasure and maximise battery charging
during deceleration; Race mode harnesses the power of the engine and both
electric motors to get the most out of the chassis with a limited-slip
differential for increased driver engagement.
