As a celebration of the marque's 200th anniversary, Peugeot has created a new concept car called the EX1 that will have its world premiere at the Mondial de l'automobile 2010 in Paris later this month.
Our first though upon seeing the all-electric prototype was that of a futuristic and nifty-looking successor to Batman's Tumbler from the Christopher Nolan films. Peugeot's thoughts are that of an "extreme dream car" which demonstrates the "exciting possibilities for electric power".
The design of the water droplet-shaped body incorporates Peugeot's new design language, as first seen on the SR1 concept car earlier this year and the new production 508 that will also debut in Paris, including the "floating" front grille and flowing contours.
The driver and passenger climb into the cabin through reverse-opening doors that oddly enough, house the bucket seats.
The EX1, which measures 0.90m in height and 1.77m in width, makes use of a monocoque body structure manufactured from a carbon/honeycomb composite to optimize weight and rigidity.
The car's suspension employs a drop link double wishbone arrangement up front and a single "swinging arm" linked to a centrally mounted shock absorber which is connected via a rocker arm at the rear.
The Peugeot EX1's motivation comes from a pair of electric motors, one on each axle, thus offering four-wheel drive. Each electric motor produces a peak output of 125kW, for a combined 250kW or 340HP and 240Nm (177 lbs-ft) of constant torque. Energy is provided by a high-output lithium-ion battery.
Peugeot did not announce performance figures, but the company did say that the EX1 is "capable of lightning acceleration" that can "exceed 1 G of gravitational force."
We'll bring you more news and photos of Peugeot's EX1 sports concept from the Paris Motor Show on September 30.
Peugeot EX1 Sports Concept Gallery
