Peugeot 407 Elixir
Motorshow concept cars often give hints to the way a manufacturer’s styling philosophy will evolve in coming generations. Sometimes the prototypes presented are 99% identical to the next model coming (the Japanese usually do this) while at other times, elements of the model are what you will see in future.
Peugeot has typically been showing off concept cars which show how their corporate face will change and with the 407 Elixir (to be shown at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show for the first time), the next-generation Peugeot look is being revealed.
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Note the shape of the headlights and how they curve around the sides and how the nose will become cleaner. The front roof pillars and window shapes could also be the way the replacement for the 406 looks.
Inside, the Elixir is a 4-seater with a very open cabin layout that extends from front to rear with no partitions. There’s nothing very futuristic about the layout but it is very ‘classy’ with extensive use of aluminium inserts.
Demonstrating its commitment to the diesel engine, Peugeot has installed a turbodiesel in the Elixir and this is a 6-cylinder HDI unit with a 2.7-litre displacement that is not used in any model presently. It produces 148 kW (more than 200 bhp) and 440 Nm of torque. The transmission is a Porsche Tiptronic unit with manual selection or full automatic shifting.
Underneath are also clues to the chassis of future Peugeots – double wishbone front suspension and a new multi-arm layout at the rear which will probably be described in more detail eventually.
Elixir Dimensions
Length: 4734 mm
Width: 1920 mm
Height: 1400 mm
Wheelbase: 2725 mm
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