Cameleo – 307 Pick-Up Concept

    by -

    It’s typical of many top manufacturers to let their designers ‘loose’ to actually build some of the designs they draw in their studios. Usually, these designs are the variations of a model that is to be produced in the near future and are often not commercially feasible due to their sophisticated construction.

    Nevertheless, the manufacturer will still spend money to build a one-off model which serves to excite the public at motorshow and enhance the image of the production model. Such seems to be the case of the Cameleo, a saloon/pick-up hybrid design which is based on Peugeot’s new 307.

    From the front, the Cameleo has the almost same appearance as the 307 which made its world debut at the Geneva Motorshow last month. But some details have been restyled to give a more sturdy look while the roof is partially of athermic glass. A new vertical rear screen seals off the cabin at the back.

    The rear end has been completely changed from the sloping rear door of the production model to a “load container” which can be extended and covered by a sliding cover consisting of slats. Across the top of the rear cabin screen is a stainless steel yoke which, at each end, supports a thick tube with an 80 mm diameter. Apart from being grips for people, this tube assembly and yoke are for securing bicycles or other recreational gear.

    The flexibility of the load area is achieved by a sliding enclosure which can be moved right inside the cabin as far as the rear seats will allow (when they are in the vertical position). There are also two side storage areas while the floor has two levels. The upper level is removable but 20 cm below it is another floor with a recess for the spare wheel.

    Long objects can also be accommodated by leaving the tailgate open, creating an extension for the floor. The shape and off-centre positioning of its axes of rotation hold this panel in position without the need for additional retainers.

    Mechanically, the Cameleo gets its parts from the 307 although there are some advanced features incorporated and the dashboard has a special design for the concept model.

    Concept cars like the Cameleo may never reach the showrooms for sale to the public but they certainly generate excitement and provide a glimpse of the many ideas designers have.


    1 COMMENT

    Leave a Reply