Peugeot Sport’s expertise applies an uncompromising approach to meeting targets. With our experience in hybrid vehicles developed with the Peugeot 908, the high-performance hybrid powertrain fitted to the 308 gives a glimpse of the potential for ultra-sports models in the future.

—Bruno Famin, Director at Peugeot Sport

While the 308 R Hybrid retains the style of the 308, it also re-imagines design cues explored on the Quartz concept, seen most recently at March’s Geneva Motor Show. (Earlier post.)

A 3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is housed under the rear seats in place of the fuel tank. In turn, the 50-liter tank has been placed above the rear electric motor and two transformers.

The Peugeot Sport engineers have equipped the car with four driving modes:

• Hot Lap mode is the most powerful, harnessing the full potential from the three power sources to reach a total of 500 hp (373 kW) and maximum torque of 730 N·m (538 lb-ft.

• Track mode delivers 400 hp (298 kW) and 530 N·m (391 lb-ft), mainly from the gasoline engine and the rear electric motor. The front electric motor serves as an additional booster when accelerating.

• Road mode is specially designed for road use with power of 300 hp (224 kW) and torque of 400 N·m (295 lb-ft). The gasoline engine delivers its full potential, while the rear electric motor helps during accelerations. The front electric motor is not used in this mode.

• ZEV mode makes priority use of the rear electric motor. The front electric motor comes into play, depending on the pressure applied on the accelerator pedal.

The all-wheel drive system of the 308 R HYbrid makes for formidable handling, especially when coming out of the corners. The braking system is on a par with the car's performance, with 380mm ventilated discs at the front, gripped by four pistons, and 290mm discs to the rear. However, they are not used every time the brakes are applied, because Peugeot Sport has designed the powertrain to decelerate using the electric motors throughout the full speed range, starting at 155 mph (249 km/h). Not only does this preserve the discs and pads, but uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery.

This is one of three recharging strategies. The second uses the front electric motor as a generator, driven by the gasoline engine, while the third solution is a rapid recharging terminal restoring the battery to its maximum power in just 45 minutes.