French Hybrid
Newcastle Herald
Saturday October 11, 2008
FRENCH car giant PSA Peugeot Citroen has a new hybrid package and all-wheel-drive powertrain combination which, it says, should start appearing on a range of mid-sized, high-end models due out in 2011.
Called HYmotion4, the engine is a new diesel-electric hybrid layout mounting the diesel internal combustion engine up front, driving the front wheels in the conventional manner, and with the electric drive unit in the back of the car to drive the rear wheels.The company says the system offers the advantages of all-wheel-drive without the drawbacks, such as extra weight, with a few more benefits besides.They include improved fuel economy in highway driving situations, an "electric-only" running mode for low-speed, city driving and improved acceleration courtesy of the electric motor's boost.The 2.0-litre diesel-electric is expected to have a combined 150 kilowatt power output.
© 2008 Newcastle Herald