Shark-inspired Peugeot Exalt set for Beijing

PeugeotSHOW THUMBNAILS

This is the new Peugeot Exalt concept – a sleek, new sporty saloon that's set to make its debut at the Beijing Motor Show later this month.
 

A suitable follow-up to the Peugeot Onyx?

The turbo petrol plug-in hybrid drivetrain provides 340hp

The Exalt builds on the equally stunning Peugeot Onyxconcept from the 2012 Paris Motor Show, and the Peugeot Exalt is set to make its debut at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, with the Chinese market increasingly important for Peugeot and its rivals.
 

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Peugeot has the Germans in its sights

Peugeot claims the Shark Skin rear's technical grain structure improves aerodynamic performance

This is clearly a concept aimed squarely at the Chinese market, but it does also provide further clues to the future direction of the Peugeot brand. And with the impressive new Peugeot 308 upping its game to taske on the classy VW Golf, the Exalt hints at a move upmarket for Peugeot.
 

A shark-inspired back-end

The Peugeot Exalt looks great – from most angles anyway. The front-end is typically Peugeot and arguably the Exalt’s best side. Like the 308 R concept from last year, the back-end of the Exalt is a different colour, albeit this time covered in Shark Skin, which – as the name suggests – is a textile inspired by a shark’s skin (and not actually the skin of a shark).

Peugeot claims it has a technical grain structure that markedly improves the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

And maybe it’s the colour or the centrally mounted badge, but there’s a hint of Ferrari about the rear end. Those rear lights are very Ford Mustang, too.
 

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Bare steel pays homage to French cars of the 1920s

If the rest of the Exalt appears unpainted, almost like an unfinished Airfix model, that’s because it is. In homage to the French cars of the 1920s and 1930s, the bare steel bodywork has been hand-formed by a master panel beater. And those 20-inch wheels combine with a 1.31m roof line to provide a svelte and elegant silhouette.

The Pure Blue system purifies cabin surfaces by spreading bactericides and fungicides

Inside, we’re once again reintroduced to the now familiar i-Cockpit, complete with its small steering wheel and minimalist approach.

The steering wheel itself is trimmed in leather and ‘chiné’ - a natural wool-based fabric. To the right sits a centre console, complete with two folding touchscreens, the top one displaying the audio controls and sat-nav, with the lower display providing access to the climate control and new Pure Blue system.
 

Pure Blue system to purify the cabin

When the Exalt is stationary, the Pure Blue system purifies the cabin surfaces by spreading delightful bactericides and fungicides. It’s like How Clean is Your Home?, Peugeot style.

Once on the move, an active air filter treats the air before it enters the cabin, eliminating VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and fine particles. So don’t go and ruin things by eating fast food or sneezing in the Exalt.

Away from that, it’s pure motor show concept stuff, with a sea of mixed fabrics and warm-toned wood. In an attempt to appeal to the Chinese audience, black ebony wood has been selected for its Asian roots. It bears a motif combining a lion with bamboo stems and leaves, and was finished by a Chinese master craftsman.
 

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RCZ R engine and HYbrid4 combine to deliver 340hp

There’s nothing conceptual about the engine though, with the Exalt using the same 1.6-litre THP engine you’d find in the new Peugeot RCZ R. Here, though, the 270hp turbo petrol is combined with a plug-in HYbrid4 drivetrain to provide a total output of 340hp.

Clearly there’s little chance of this shark-skinned concept car going into production, but don’t be surprised when we see elements of the design making their way across to future Peugeot models. And if the next 508 looks this good, then the Germans may actually have something to worry about.