Peugeot Exalt Concept Unveiled Ahead of Beijing Motor Show
Peugeot has taken the covers off its Exalt Concept, a striking hybrid saloon that blends retro French inspiration with advanced materials and technology for its 2014 Beijing debut.
Peugeot has fully revealed the Exalt Concept ahead of its official debut at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. The four-door saloon stands out with its exposed steel bodywork, nodding to the French grand routiers of the 1920s and 1930s, and incorporates a mix of advanced materials and hybrid technology.
Measuring 4.7 metres in length and 1.31 metres in height, the Exalt Concept is a low-slung, imposing saloon. Peugeot claims the bodywork’s bare steel panels are hand-formed, while the rear section is finished in a red “Shark Skin” textile designed to reduce drag and improve aerodynamic performance. The combination is intended to evoke both the craftsmanship of early French luxury cars and the technical ambitions of the brand’s current design language.
Inside, the Exalt features a cabin trimmed in a mix of leather, wool-based fabric, carbon fibre and ebony wood. The dashboard includes a digital instrument cluster and two folding touchscreens: one for infotainment, the other for climate control and the Pure Blue air purification system. The steering wheel is wood-trimmed, and the front seats are finished in a combination of wool and leather. Bucket seats and extensive use of natural materials are aimed at reinforcing the car’s bespoke, high-end feel.
Hybrid powertrain and technical details
The Exalt Concept is powered by a hybrid system pairing Peugeot’s 1.6-litre THP turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, as seen in the RCZ R, with a 50kW electric motor mounted on the rear axle. The petrol engine delivers 270hp and 330Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds another 68hp. Combined, the system produces 340hp, sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
Peugeot has not detailed performance or efficiency figures, but the focus on lightweight construction and aerodynamic aids suggests an emphasis on both performance and reduced fuel consumption. The Exalt’s kerb weight is quoted at 1,700kg, which is relatively modest for a large hybrid saloon concept.
Design influences and market context
- Hand-formed exposed steel bodywork
- Red “Shark Skin” textile for drag reduction
- Digital instrument cluster with dual folding touchscreens
- Hybrid drivetrain with all-wheel drive
The Exalt Concept is set for its public debut at the Beijing Motor Show, where Peugeot is expected to reveal further details. While there is no indication that the Exalt will reach production in its current form, its design themes and hybrid powertrain preview the direction of Peugeot’s future large saloons and technology integration.
