Peugeot recently showcased a vision of its high-performance next-generation SUV through the Quartz concept. What’s really outstanding about this concept car is what lies under the hood. The evocatively embossed bonnet houses a 4-cylinder 1.6L THP 270 powerplant that delivers a total of 500 hp and 330Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The front axle is also driven by an 85 kW electric motor with direct drive. This charges the 400 V 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. A specific ESP handles braking distribution between the four wheels to ensure both vehicle stability and optimise battery charging.
There are three driving modes: ZEV can cover up to 50 km on a single battery charge using the plug-in battery; in Road mode, the combustion engine and front electric motor work together 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 and running gear equipped with limited-slip differentials. This makes it possible to divide torque between the wheels based on the individual grip of each.
Inside, the cabin is designed to convey a sense of warmth through its sophistication and refinement. Yet the overall feel is undeniably sporty, with an i-Cockpit dedicated to the driver’s every need.
The Quartz is the first-ever vehicle to feature digitally woven textile. The textile is woven with polyester fibre obtained by recycling the kind of plastic used to make water bottles. Leather is of course present too. To create a sportier feel, the floor pan, sides and roof are trimmed in black leather, with contact points such as seat cushions and backs trimmed in tawny leather. This fawn-coloured trim is sourced from old furniture and clothing.
Inside, each of the four passengers has a bucket seat and the seat structure is left exposed and features a four-point retractable harness, with floating cushions and backrests trimmed in tawny leather to ensure comfort.
The driver’s seat has a solid wraparound fit to match the car’s high-end performance, with the Peugeot i-Cockpit keeping everything at the driver’s fingertips. The compact steering wheel with embedded controls is borrowed from competition models and offers the utmost efficiency, allowing the driver to use the indicators, change driving mode and shift gears with ease. The head-up display provides a large, configurable screen with a central 45-degree polycarbonate strip to show additional information and create added depth.
The instrument panel is found on both sides of the small steering wheel and head-up display and is angled toward the driver to ensure easy access to the toggle switches. On activating one of these controls, the driver sees the information travel along the relevant optical fibre.
