Photo : - Peugeot Automobile

Following the unveiling of the 908 in February, a diesel hybrid version of the new car will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show. The newcomer has already been set ambitious targets for the 2011 season.

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The new 908 was designed to comply with endurance racing's latest regulations and will play a part in the 2011 offensive of the marque whose commitment to the environment represents a major part of its activity. Indeed, the combination of driving excitement with environmentally respectful performance at the very highest level is dialled into Peugeot's brand identity. This commitment will now also be championed by its Hybrid4 technology which combines diesel and electric power, two fields in which the Brand has forged a solid reputation for excellence.

Since the unveiling of the team's demonstration hybrid car at Silverstone, in 2008, Peugeot Sport has continued to work on this technology in extremely close collaboration with the Group's engineers.

The system employed by the 908 HYbrid4 recovers and stores the kinetic energy generated under braking before feeding it back into the drivetrain during acceleration. Using this recovered energy in this way significantly improves the efficiency of the powertrain.

The system provides a power boost of 60kW (80hp) during the seconds that follow its redelivery. Recovered energy (500kJ between two braking phases) is stored in lithium-ion batteries before being automatically fed to the rear wheels under acceleration (no "push to pass" function). It will be possible to run in electric mode only along the pit-lane, and it is this mode that will be used for the car's homologation.

Following the world premiere of the 908 HYbrid4 in white livery at the Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot Sport will turn its attention to meeting a target it has set for the newcomer. This is to run the car at the official pre-Le Mans 24 Hours test day at the French circuit on April 24. Achieving this ambitious objective will depend on how well the team's preparations for Le Mans go with the new 908, and also on how the 908 HYbrid4 performs during its maiden track test at the end of March.

Internal combustion engine
Diesel V8 HDi FAP
Cubic capacity: 3.7 litres
Power: 550 horsepower

Hybrid system
Power: 60kW (80hp) during energy delivery phases only

Delivery of recovered energy
· To the rear wheels
· 500kJ between two braking phases
· Energy stored in lithium-ion batteries
· Automatic delivery of energy under acceleration
· It will be possible to use the electric mode only along the pit lane.

Julien Hergault - From Peugeot Sport Press Release