Tag Archives: Renderings

2023 Peugeot 508: Here’s What We Know And What To Expect From The Mid-Life Facelift

December 23, 2021 admin

This illustration was made by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops. It is a speculative render that is neither related to nor endorsed by Peugeot.

The second-generation 508 is the flagship of Peugeot’s range, and one of the few remaining contestants in the midsize sedan segment. While it doesn’t show, the model debuted almost four years ago at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show which means that Peugeot could be working on a mid-life facelift.

The Peugeot 508 is considered one of the most stylish models in the D-Segment, adopting a low-slung five-door fastback coupé-saloon bodystyle. It is also the first production model to introduce the signature tusk-shaped LEDs on the front bumper that were later applied to the whole range. The facelift will likely build upon the successful recipe while adopting fresh design elements from newer models to freshen up its style.

Our artist’s rendition for a 2023 Peugeot 508 facelift above with the current-year model pictured below

As you can see from the speculative rendering created by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for Carscoops, the 508 could inherit the Peugeot’s latest crest emblem that is currently used only by the new-generation 308, alongside a redesigned grille just like in the facelifted Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUVs from last year. The black accents and the 3D-style graphics make the grille appear larger despite being mostly covered for better aerodynamics.

Like the aforementioned SUVs, the 508 will likely get a redesigned bumper with additional faux intakes in the sides, further emphasizing the presence of vertical LEDs. The headlights could also get slightly redesigned LED graphics, merging nicely with the grille. Besides the new face, the 508 will likely remain largely the same, possibly with new options for exterior colors and wheel designs. The rear end could also get a few tweaks on the claw-inspired LED taillight graphics and the rear bumper garnish.

Since the current model is also available in estate form, chances are that the facelift will be adopted by the 508 SW. After all, Peugeot showed its dedication to low-slung family haulers with the premiere of the new-generation 308 SW earlier this year.

Despite being four years old, the interior of the Peugeot 508 still looks like it comes from the future, thanks to the high-mounted center console, the aluminum-style buttons, the inclined infotainment touchscreen up to 10-inches in diameter, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. However, there are a few updates that could make the dashboard even more attractive, including the addition of the 3D instruments from Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit, alongside new trim options and more ADAS features as standard.

Like in most mid-cycle updates, the EMP2-based Peugeot 508 is expected to get slightly cleaner versions of the same engines. The French company has announced plans of electrifying its whole range by 2025, before going EV-only in Europe by 2030. This means that the updated 508 will be one of the last ICE-powered models by Peugeot.

Since electrification becomes more and more popular, the plug-in hybrid variants are expected to be the core of the range. Those are the Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 with a combined output of 222 hp (165 kW / 225 PS) and front-wheel-drive, and the 508 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) performance flagship producing a combined 360 PS (355 HP / 265 kW) with all-wheel-drive.

Read: New Peugeot 508 PSE PHEV Launched In Germany, Costs More Than BMW’s M340i xDrive

The current generation Peugeot 508 in PSE PHEV form

The 508 was introduced with the 1.6-liter Puretech gasoline and the 2.0-liter BlueHDi diesel engines although later on, it became available with the smaller 1.2-liter PureTech and 1.5-liter BlueHDi producing 128 hp (96 kW / 130 PS). It is not clear if Peugeot will opt for a simplified ICE range giving more emphasis on electrification and lowering its fleet average emissions in Europe.

Besides the European market, the 508 is also available in the Middle East, and in China as the long-wheelbase 508L. Judging from the previous facelifts by Peugeot, the updated 508 could appear as early as next year prior to a 2023 market launch since the French automaker has already announced minor updates for the 2022 model year.

Illustrations Copyright Carscoops.com / *Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien*

Honda Ridgeline Jumps On The Electric Pickup Truck Bandwagon

June 20, 2021 admin

The pickup truck is shaping up to be one of the largest growth segments in the world of electric vehicles and with Ford recently unveiling the F-150 Lightning, we suspect other legacy automakers will soon follow suit.

Seemingly inspired by the growth in demand for electric pickup trucks, designer Rene Garcia has imagined what an electric version of the Honda Ridgeline could look like. While the Japanese automaker has not indicated in any way that it is working on such a model, Garcia’s creation certainly has a lot going for it.

While the truck retains the same name as the ICE-powered Ridgeline, it looks completely different. Underpinning it is a chassis housing the batteries in the floor and with electric motors at both the front and rear, the pickup truck could deliver up some very respectable performance.

The exterior design of the electric Ridgeline could be best described as ‘radical.’ The front end lacks a traditional grille and features intriguing LED headlights and turn signals. Two orange tow hooks and a winch are also visible, as is a prominent skid plate. The hood is also quite unique and has cutouts that allow you to see the strut towers.

Elsewhere, the electric pickup features rear suicide doors. Thus, since it lacks B-pillars, both doors can be opened up providing occupants with uninterrupted access to the cabin.

Speaking of the cabin, it is just as wild as the exterior and features a curved screen that stretches the width of the dashboard in a similar way to the screens of the Honda e. There is also a yoke-style steering wheel, wooden accents, ambient lighting, a digital rear-view mirror, and seats clad in brown leather with wooden backs.

Note: This is an independent design study from Rene Garcia and is not related to or endorsed by Honda

PHOTO GALLERY

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Is Bugatti About To Reveal An Electric, Track-Only Hypercar?

September 22, 2020 admin

Shortly after a sensational report that the VW Group could sell Bugatti to Croatian EV maker Rimac, it is claimed an all-electric hypercar could soon be unveiled by French manufacturer.

In the original Bugatti-Rimac report from Car Magazine, it was suggested a production-ready version of the Vision Le Mans concept with an all-electric powertrain will be launched in October.

Fast forward a few days and The Supercar Blog claims to have received confirmation that such a vehicle is indeed being prepared for a launch.

For now, few details about known about this potential track-only hypercar, but if it is indeed all-electric and if the potential deal between the VW Group, Bugatti, and Rimac goes through, it would be reasonable to assume the latest limited-run Bugatti would use an electric powertrain from Rimac.

The utilization of an electric powertrain could make the extreme design of the Vision Le Mans viable, as there would be no need to sandwich a traditional engine and transmission into the aerodynamic bodywork.

According to The Supercar Blog, the all-electric Vision Le Mans “will serve as a technology showcase for the future.”

For what it’s worth, the potential tie-up between the VW Group and Rimac has not been confirmed, but it has not been explicitly denied either. It is thought that the deal could see VW Group offload Bugatti to Rimac without any exchange of money. Instead, Porsche would increase its current 15.5 per cent stake in Rimac to 49 per cent.

Note: Bugatti Vision Le Mans from Max Lask pictured.

Wild Vision 1789 Would Be A French Hypercar Unlike Any Other

September 19, 2020 admin

A little-known design house known as Vision Automobiles Paris has showcased a series of highly-detailed renderings depicting a wild Le Mans racer.

The concept is known as the Vision 1789 and gets its name from the French Revolution of 1789. The team of designers has imagined it as running on biomethane and it could be used both on the racetrack and on the road.

This racer immediately catches the eye thanks to its the sleek and futuristic shape. Up front, there are a pair of simple headlights and a prominent splitter that would help stick the car to the pavement.

Also of particular interest is how the inside sections of the wheels can be seen through the shapely bodywork. Further adding to the appeal of this rendering is the elongated windshield that stretches so far forward it actually encompasses the in-board front suspension.

At the sides, the Vision 1789 has small cameras instead of traditional wing mirrors and also features striking venturi tunnels aimed at improving aerodynamics. Completing the impressive exterior design is a rear end with a huge diffuser that includes a transparent section, thin LED taillights, and a retractable rear wing.

The interior is just as impressive as the exterior and sports seats that look like they’re out of a sci-fi film, including headrests that actually stretch down from the roof. Directly in front of the driver is a motorsport-inspired steering wheel with a large digital display.

PHOTO GALLERY

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Rainbow Livery Makes Bentley’s Exclusive Bacalar Even More Difficult To Ignore

May 22, 2020 admin

While the brightly-colored Bentley Mulliner Bacalar you’re looking at won’t make it to production, it’s one hell of a head-turner.

The British marque recently held an online design contest challenging its workers and their families to design their perfect Bacalar. This was the winner as selected by the company’s director of design, Stefan Sielaff.

While you could be excused for thinking these are just a bunch of random colors, there’s a little more to the paint scheme than that. The seven shades, from top to bottom, include Bentley’s Dragon Red II, Orange Flame, Yellow Flame, Apple Green, Jetstream II, Sequin Blue, and Azura Purple. The aforementioned Yellow Flame is the same color that the Bacalar launched with earlier in the year.

Watch Also: Take A Tour Around The $2M Bentley Mullinar Bacalar Roadster

Bentley will build just 12 examples of the Bacalar and each unit has already sold, despite a price tag of around $2 million.

Power is provided by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine that pumps out 650 hp and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque, giving it an edge over the existing Continental GT. Mated to the W12 is an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that drives all four wheels through a system that varies the torque split between the axles.

The exterior design takes inspiration from the radical 2019 Bentley EXP 100 GT Concept, making the Bacalar the most emotional-looking modern-day Bentley production car. Key visual highlights include custom 22-inch wheels, unique headlights, and particularly striking LED taillights.