Peugeot shows new concept as Exalt makes debut at Beijing Motor Show

Peugeot

is set to give us a major hint as to the styling of the next generation 508 saloon with this, the Exalt concept. The car will make its debut at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show.

As with the previous Onyx concept, which was a low-slung hybrid supercar, the Exalt highlights the use of natural materials. The metal of the bodywork is left unfinished and the steel is, in an echo of traditional coach-building techniques, beaten into shape by hand.

However, the Exalt is not entirely backward-looking. Parts of the exterior are covered in a shark-skin-like material that is said to improve aerodynamic performance and fuel consumption. Also on the high-tech list are new “Black Light” headlamps which are said to dramatically improve visibility in partial light, such as at dusk and dawn.

Power comes from a plug-in hybrid drivetrain which dovetails a 67bhp electric motor with the familiar 1.6-litre THP petrol turbo engine lifted from the RCZ-R coupe in 266bhp form. The electric motor is mounted on the rear axle as part of Peugeot’s Hybrid4 system so that the Exalt can be front-, rear- or four-wheel drive depending on the power requirements.

The interior is said to be inspired by a piano, with ebony wood, piano-key- shaped switchgear and seats made from a mixture of leather and a wool-based material that Peugeot claims is more environmentally friendly than acrylic.

Style director Gilles Vidal said: "The Onyx supercar concept was our guiding force. That set the design philosophy, and especially the principle of having an emotional relationship with a car that sets it apart, led by the use of materials. At this end of the market, you are not buying the car because you have to. You are buying it because you want to. The Exalt is very distinguishable as a modern Peugeot."

Two questions remain: how close to the finished 508 is the Exalt? And for how much longer will the 508 continue? Incoming PSA Peugeot Citroen boss Carlos Tavares is known to be keen to trim both the Peugeot and Citroen model ranges to take out any cars that are underperforming.

Given the contraction in the mainstream saloon market that could put the 508’s neck on the chopping block unless other markets can be found for the model. It should come as no surprise then that the Exalt will be shown first in Beijing.