Peugeot has revealed the RCZ Vision, an electric coupé concept that revives the name of its 2009–2015 RCZ. The company describes it as a brand manifesto and the fullest expression yet of its new “Feline Future” design language. It also previews technology meant for future Peugeot models, including a solid-state battery, a 1,000 V electrical system and full steer-by-wire.

A concept built on a cult coupé

The RCZ Vision is a design study and has no confirmed production plans. Peugeot calls it the successor to the original RCZ, the coupé it built between 2009 and 2015, which the company says has since become a collector’s item. The concept is meant to show how future Peugeot models will look and drive rather than preview one specific car.

According to Peugeot, the new “Feline Future” design language rests on five principles: Freedom, Courage, Elegance, Inner force and Instinct. The RCZ Vision is the first car to use it.

“With PEUGEOT RCZ Vision, we are setting out our vision with a car firmly focused on the future, dedicated to delivering the ultimate driving pleasure. With emotion at its heart, this manifesto embodies the boldness of PEUGEOT and shows that design and technology can work together seamlessly to create an experience that is instinctive, refined and intensely desirable.” — Alain Favey, CEO of Peugeot

Solid-state battery and 1,000 V electrics

The concept sits on an architecture based on Stellantis’s STLA One platform. Its battery uses solid-state cells developed with Factorial Energy. Peugeot quotes 500 hp and a range of up to 600 km (373 miles). The battery pack is 110 mm (4.3 in) thick, which helps keep the car’s profile low. With the 1,000 V architecture, the manufacturer says the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes.

Peugeot is targeting energy consumption of 11.5 kWh/100 km on the WLTP combined cycle, but says that figure has not yet been confirmed. The company credits the result to the car’s aerodynamics, weight savings and electrical architecture.

Steering and braking go fully electronic

The RCZ Vision has Peugeot’s “X-by-Wire” systems. Steer-by-Wire removes any mechanical link between the steering control and the wheels, and the steering ratio changes with speed. Maximum rotation is slightly less than one full turn, compared with three turns for a conventional steering wheel, Peugeot says.

It is also the first Peugeot with Brake-by-Wire, which uses an electronic control in place of the hydraulic link between pedal and brakes. The company says this makes braking easier to modulate and blends regenerative braking in more smoothly. The concept also offers Level 2++ assisted driving, including a hands-free function in town and on the open road.

A new i-Cockpit with transparent screens

Inside, the concept previews a future generation of the i-Cockpit. It pairs the Hypersquare steering control with transparent Micro LED displays. The Hypersquare unit fitted here is the same production version that will go into the next-generation Peugeot E-208. The vertical central display can be switched off completely, and Peugeot says it then virtually disappears from view.

The four-seat cabin has room for two adults in the rear, and the rear seatbacks fold down to add luggage space. It is trimmed in Alcantara and PELINOVA leather, which is made from recycled leather-industry offcuts. A dashboard clock comes from French watchmaker SERICA.

Design details that nod to the original

The exterior keeps the original RCZ’s double-bubble glass roof and roof arches. On the concept, the glass extends from the bonnet to the rear. A hidden active spoiler deploys only on the move. A new three-claw light signature appears front and rear. The car rides on forged-aluminium wheels, 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear.

“With RCZ Vision, we are giving our design language, Feline Future, a new expression. Born from the tension between feline strength and the precision of materials, this instinctive and sensual design harnesses technology to enhance emotion and driving pleasure.” — Matthias Hossann, Peugeot Design Director

What it means

Solid-state batteries are widely seen as a next step for electric cars, and the RCZ Vision shows how Peugeot plans to use them. The most concrete takeaway for buyers is the Hypersquare steering control, which is confirmed for the next E-208. Peugeot has not said whether the RCZ Vision itself will reach production.

Facts: Peugeot RCZ Vision

  • Type: electric coupé concept, four seats
  • Platform: architecture based on STLA One
  • Power: 500 hp
  • Battery: solid-state (developed with Factorial Energy), 110 mm (4.3 in) thick
  • Electrical architecture: 1,000 V
  • Range: up to 600 km (373 miles)
  • Charging: 10–80% in 10 minutes
  • Consumption target: 11.5 kWh/100 km WLTP combined (to be confirmed)
  • Wheels: 21-inch front, 22-inch rear, forged aluminium
  • Availability: concept only; no production plans announced

Source: www.media.stellantis.com