- Polygon gives a glimpse of what a next Peugeot 208 could look like
- French company says electric driving technology will arrive by 2027
- Swappable interior seats would allow for greater customization
Peugeot unveils its latest very futuristic concept car which aims to give us a glimpse of the sedans of tomorrow.
Dubbed Polygon, this wild design study evokes elements of the company’s sportier past, like the 205 GTi (an icon of the ’80s and ’90s), while transporting us into the future with gullwing doors, next-generation head-up displays and a squared-off steering wheel.
The “Hypercarré”, as Peugeot calls it, is a preview of the next electric steering technology expected to arrive in 2027. Rather than a mechanical link between the wheel and the front axle, the steering is managed by software.
Tesla debuted a similar system in its Cybertruck, which allowed for much faster steering ratios at low speeds, making it easier to maneuver the massive pickup truck in confined spaces.
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Peugeot has taken the idea even further, since its diamond-shaped innovation offers a much better view of the dashboard in front. This is a good thing, as the French brand plans to use this area as a projector to beam infotainment data onto the windshield. No more massive touchscreens.
This new generation of Peugeot iCockpit would offer the equivalent of a 31-inch screen directly projected onto the windshield which would modify its information depending on the driving mode selected. In addition, the micro-LEDs behind the Hypersquare steering wheel are visible from outside the vehicle, allowing animations to be shown to passers-by.
Entry and exit from the low and wide three-door machine is made easy by the gullwing doors, which open upwards and create a huge chasm for the driver and passengers to climb into the rear.
The seats, made from three recyclable components, feature foam that can be replaced in minutes, which would effectively allow future customers to personalize the interior of their car to suit their mood.
The hip should be square
Peugeot won’t be held to any details on what will eventually power the Polygon-based production car, but Autocar reports that the new 208 will be the first car to be based on parent company Stellantis’ STLA Small architecture.
This model was not designed for internal combustion engines, as it is due to sports batteries ranging from 37 kWh to 82 kWh, which promise a much greater range than those of the current generation e-208.
Whatever happens to Polygon, it will be electric and the French brand is sticking to its guns on electric steering technology, an innovation that it claims can significantly change a vehicle’s driving dynamics with the push of a button and reduces vibration and harshness due to the physical connection between the front wheels and the driver.
Mercedes-Benz is also exploring this technology, with the company releasing details of its futuristic yoke earlier this year.
Sure, Tesla owners have been able to drive with a steering wheel since its introduction in the Model S and Model X, but the company didn’t combine it with electric steering technology until the Cybertruck launched.
Additionally, the odd shape of the steering wheel was contested in many markets, forcing Tesla to revert to a standard steering wheel.
Even though major players like Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz are backing the technology, drivers will likely still find it takes some getting used to.
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