Press Release
Exterior style: more feline than ever
On the basis of the 308 specification which determined its semi-tall architecture, stylists worked at a very early stage on giving the future model a true Peugeot identity. From 2003, mock-ups were built and used to illustrate general ideas. >From the end of that year, in the design studio then still based at the La Garenne Centre, project T7 ran alongside that of the 907, the fabulous concept car revealed at the 2005 Paris Motor Show. It was in this creative atmosphere that the idea of a particularly sculpted and expressive design at the front was born, with the Lion badge resting on what could truly be
called the “nose� of the bonnet.
Looking at the Marque “lion� badge at the front, the flowing styling lines rise up over the bonnet and into the front windscreen pillars. The prescribed “V� outline gives the entire car its shape and creates an impression of motion even when the vehicle is at a standstill. This impression is further enhanced when the car is equipped with a panoramic glass roof, ensuring a perfect visual continuity with the large front windscreen.
The particularly feline looking front headlights extend harmoniously along the bonnet profile. Four “circular lights� with an attractive technical finish give the vehicle a “look� that is both bright and eye catching, and are clearly visible through the clear headlamp lenses.
The design of the front with its visible feline characteristics is accentuated still further by a single two part air intake grille. According to the version, the front grille has either two chrome mouldings or is in an aluminium finish; both (particularly the latter) emphasise the car’s dynamic and distinguished character, while integration of the front bumper strengthens the impression of overall solidity.
The shape of the fog lamps is reminiscent of those of the 907. Positioned at each end of the lower front bumper panel, they make the vehicle visually appear much wider and give the impression that the 308 is “glued to the road�.
The design of front of the vehicle sums up in essence all the Peugeot traits, while further accentuating the feline appearance. This strong identity, immediately recognisable and evolving with each new model and generation, means that the Marque always stands out, capitalising on and strengthening its image and brand awareness, particularly in new markets.
The Peugeot stylists also sought to give as dynamic a feel as possible to the profile of the 308. Accordingly, a visual “waist line� runs the length of the body, plunging from the rear lights to the front wheel arches. This line also follows the curved shape of the rear lights, marking out the function of the direction indicator before tapering towards the lower rear panel and disappearing, before reaching the wheel arch.
In parallel, the glazed areas and the tapering waist line and particularly the front corner window, create a visual extension to the body, enhances the fluidity of the shape. This becomes even more pronounced on the three door 308, thanks to the steeply inclined design of its rear quarter panel window. Similarly the wide curved rear tailgate glass, by “encroaching� upon the rear quarter panel pillars, gives a very original and innovative feel to the profile of the body.
The shape of the doors, and also the side mouldings, are designed to capture the light in an optimal way and give a real sensation of robustness and quality. The design of the rear doors emphasises the bold contours of the rear wings of vehicle.
Lastly, the particularly expressive finish of the lower section and the sill panels helps to establish the overall design.
At the rear, horizontal lines visually “extend� the vehicle; this styling effect is intentional, creating the impression that the 308 is in its natural element on the road, if not at one with it. The large lower rear bumper panel further enhances this feeling, particularly in the top of the range version, which includes a stylish diffuser trim panel – in the manner of the 407 Coupé – in which two chrome inserts appear to give the impression of exhaust nozzles.
The rear lights exhibit a rich, hi-tech appearance with visual detailing forming diagonal strips. These bear resemblance to the lights of the 307CC, particularly when they are on, and also those of the 504 coupé cabriolet of 1969.
To sum up, each detail, each visible component of the vehicle has been carefully studied and designed in a mutual exchange of ideas between stylists and engineers. This relationship made it possible to break new ground in terms of perceived quality, with a precise study made of how best to treat each surface, each convergence, each element of the vehicle.
Interior style: dynamic, stylish contours and materials
To determine the interior style of the 308, the intention firstly was to highlight and exploit as far as possible the space made available by the semi-tall architecture. One objective was to give the interior a very prestigious feel, both in terms of the design and the materials used, by offering an unmistakeable perception of quality.
From the end of 2002, i.e. well before the launch of the “T7� project and even before the first exterior designs, the general idea for the fascia panel took shape among Peugeot’s designers, who were working on innovative “advanced� projects.
There was a wish from the outset to make the fascia panel pure, elegant and dynamic, offering a particularly clear view of the exterior thanks to its steeply inclined profile, almost symmetrical with the front windscreen pillars. After exploring other alternatives at the launch of the T7 programme, the decision was finally made to adopt this theme. Engineers were therefore able to reflect, find and implement all of the technical solutions needed to create this interior architecture, without detracting in any way from the vehicle’s performance levels in terms of ergonomics, practicality (storage volume) or temperature regulation (thanks to the design of a compact, high-performance air conditioning unit).
The quality of the finish and a concern for the wellbeing of the occupants inside the car then became a true obsession among the stylists:
- The centre console was designed to be very compact, with large areas reserved fordistinctive materials both in terms of appearance and touch (the upper part of the console, covered with soft touch high quality material, can also be fully trimmed in leather). Each element (air conditioning panel, radio, storage compartment or CD auto-changer) is also particularly well integrated.
- The door panels with their tapering profile mirror the exterior of the vehicle.
- Chrome detailing enhances the overall effect: air vent surrounds and instrument panel dials, air conditioning and radio control buttons, door handles, etc.
- The exterior theme of the “V-shaped bonnet� is echoed subtly in certain interior details, such as the trim circling the gear lever, the design of the upper part of the seat cushions or indeed the shape of the front courtesy light.
Bold shapes, the appearance and softness to the touch of each element, the overriding sense of
space and interior brightness: everything inside the car captures the senses and encourages the desire to spend time inside...
The interior is available in three ambiences, creating a luxurious and welcoming feeling, flattering the senses of all the occupants.
