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Carsales Staff10 Apr 2014
NEWS

BEIJING MOTOR SHOW: Peugeot Exalt concept

Sporty 254kW French prototype to woo rich Chinese motorists

Peugeot has revealed its latest concept car, the Exalt, providing what could be a preview of the next-generation 407 Coupe or perhaps even a reprise of the 607 large sedan.

Making it's public debut at the 2014 Beijing motor show,  the aggressive exterior design of the new concept was inspired by the exotic Peugeot Onyx concept first seen at the 2012 Paris motor show, says the French car-maker. 

In an official press statement, Peugeot says the new concept a five-door hatch, eschewing the automotive industry's love affair with four-door "coupes".

However, there seems to be some confusion within the company, as Peugeot's director of style, Gilles Vidal, rightly calls it a sedan: "With Exalt, Peugeot unveils its vision of the sedan, combining a sleek design with versatility.

"This radical approach and original qualities make Exalt instantly desirable," said Vidal, pictured with the car.

Measuring 4.7 metres long, the concept has a spacious interior and is clearly a litmus test for a new large sedan aimed the gargantuan Chinese car market. The design even received input from the company's Chinese design studios.

"Peugeot Exalt is irresistibly attractive to all motoring enthusiasts, whatever their origin," says Fengyou Gong, Peugeot China stylist. "This concept combines western elegance and eastern sophistication," stated the designer.

Similarities between this car and the Onyx concept can be seen in the pinched headlights and hexagonal grille, but while the latter was a flight of fancy, the Exalt looks much closer to production readiness.

One aspect that probably won't make it into a Peugeot production car any time soon is the concept car's exterior finish: "bare metal". The company says the "efficient textile" gives the car a unique visual, while the scarlet hind section of the car was inspired by shark skin, and has been named thusly.

The four-door concept is being pitched as an ultra-premium sports 'coupe', the cabin kitted out with wool-based 'chiné' fabric, exposed steel and aged leather in a nod to affluent Chinese buyers. The Exalt concept even has a 'Pure Blue' air purifier, so occupants will only ever breathe the freshest air - something customers who live in major Chinese cities will appreciate.

Giving off luxury airs, the new French concept car features an unorthodox dashpad that separates driver from passenger and also divides the car's length. The dash also conceals two foldout touch screens that display infotainment and climate control functionality.

Also on show is Peugeot's latest virtual instrument panel, dubbed the i-Cockpit, which previews the company's next-generation, fully-digitised instrument panel.

Although few details of the new concept's performance potential have been revealed, such as it's 0-100km/h acceleration time, Peugeot has confirmed the Exalt will be powered by a storming 254kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain.

Dubbed HYbrid4, the new petrol-electric drive train is all-wheel drive and suggests a new performance engine from the French marque. Paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the 1700kg concept will be shown at the 2014 Beijing motor show along with stars including BMW's new 9 Series on April 20.

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Written byCarsales Staff
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