Report: Hybrid Peugeot 508 GT on the way
French brand to introduce 225kW performance sedan in 2019.
Peugeot is set to introduce a high-powered hybrid ‘GT’ version of its flagship 508 sedan in 2019.
According to a report from British publication Autocar, the 508 GT is expected to combine a 149kW 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor and battery for a combined power output of 224kW (300hp). The GT will be all-wheel-drive – the petrol engine will drive the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the electric motor will drive the rear wheels.
No performance figures have been stated, however the 0-100km/h sprint will likely sit in the high six-second range. Autocar believes it will also be able to run in full electric mode, with an expected range of 50km on the WLTP test cycle.
The lithium-ion battery in the 508 GT will be located under the boot floor, traditionally where the spare tire would live. This location was locked in from the very start of the platform’s development, as it doesn’t compromise boot or passenger space. The hybrid drivetrain is also set to feature on other PSA models, including Peugeot’s 3008 and 5008 SUVs and Citroen's DS 7 Crossback luxury SUV sold in Europe.
Peugeot has also flirted with using a petrol-electric drivetrain in a development of the 308 GTi hot hatch.
The regular 508 sedan and SW wagon were revealed in February 2018 and June 2018 respectively, so a late-2018 or early-2019 reveal for the 508 GT is likely. It is expected to go on sale in Europe later in 2019 – so expect an Australian launch to follow in the months after.