peugeot EXALT plug-in hybrid concept incorporates shark skin facade

peugeot EXALT plug-in hybrid concept incorporates shark skin facade
all images courtesy peugeot

following the approach initiated in 2012 with the onyx concept, peugeot unveils ‘EXALT’, a vision of the company’s future sedan. weighing just 1,700kg, the EXALT is powered by a plug-in HYbrid4 drive train that produces a maximum power output of 340 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque when spread out over the four wheels. under the chiseled hood lays a 1.6 liter THP turbocharged 270 horsepower petrol engine developed by peugeot sport, which is coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. at the rear, the multi-link axle contains a 50 kw electric motor for hybrid phases of operation.

paying homage to the art of the french motor car from the 1920s and 1930s, the EXALT’s bare steel bodywork is hand-formed by a master panel beater. to improve the drag coefficient, the rear of concept hybrid is trimmed in shark skin, an efficient textile. the material uses bio-mimicry to improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, which as a result, dramatically reduces fuel consumption.

3/4 rear view of the EXALT

detail of the unique hand beaten steel finish

detail of the shark skin texile facade

the peugeot i-cockpit delivers an intense driving experience dedicated to enjoyment. the small wheel trimmed in leather and ‘chiné’, a natural wool-based mixed fabric, and the digital instrument panel are intuitively arranged in front of the driver for improved operation and reading. on the extended centre console, two folding touch screens emerge from the dashboard. from the bottom of the windows, the interior gives way to a natural wool-based ‘chiné’ mixed fabric used to trim the door panels, the dashboard and the roof.

the upper screen gives access to the on board computer, and the hi-fi and navigation systems. the second screen presents a permanently visible control bar to provide access to the automatic air conditioning and the pure blue system, a purification unit that cleans the cabin surfaces by spreading bactericides and fungicides. once the vehicle is moving, an active filter treats the air before it enters the cabin, eliminating VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and fine particles.