Continuing Stellantis’ theme of showcasing concept cars that foreshadow each brand’s future, Peugeot brought its Inception concept to CES. it is very beautiful.Here’s Another Reason We’re Annoyed We Don’t Get Peugeots in America
The car is a very low sedan, similar in size to a mid-size family car. It’s a simple overall shape with long, pointed lines on the sides and on the windshield. Viewed from the side, it gives the car classic rear-wheel-drive proportions, but this is an illusion since the windshield extends essentially all the way to the floor, and there’s an aerodynamic bridge at the front (sort of like the one on the Charger Daytona Bridge) gives a more traditional hood feel. The dramatically swept back adds to the sloping rear look.
Upon closer inspection, the details are neat. Inception’s claw-like daytime running lights are integrated into a wide glass panel that hides the front driver assistance sensors. Echoing the front of the car, the taillights are mounted in infinity glass, making them appear to extend deep into the interior. Huge glass panels in a gold multi-coloured finish give them a unique look and also reflect light and heat. The wheels and some trim parts are made from recycled polyester molded with resin.
The interior features a blocky, unadorned panel design that borders on Brutalism. The seats are basically all on the floor, with every section adjusted to fit the driver. The dashboard is positioned only in front of the driver to keep the cockpit as airy as possible. All controls for the stereo, climate controls, etc. have been integrated into the rectangular steering wheel called the “Hypersquare”. The idea is that all of these items can be controlled with your thumb, so you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel. The wheels are also steer-by-wire, again making the front more airy. Apparently, Peugeot wants to implement the system in cars by the end of the decade.
Ahead of the wheel – ahem, super square – is a vertical cylindrical screen that displays instruments and other information. It can be displayed on either side of the screen, which is useful when the car is operating in SAE Level 4 autonomous mode.
Powering the Inception are front and rear electric motors with 671 horsepower. Peugeot says it can hit 62 mph in under 3 seconds. A 100-kWh battery provides power, and the company claims a range of 497 miles on the WLTP cycle. The 800-volt battery pack enables very fast DC charging.
The Inception itself won’t necessarily go into production, but the styling shown will appear on Peugeot’s next-generation electric car. These new cars will start appearing in 2025. But not in America, which makes us feel bad.
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