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The Peugeot 607 Feline. Photograph by Peugeot. Click here for higher resolution picture. The Peugeot 607 Paladine. Photograph by Peugeot. Click here for higher resolution picture.

Story by Peugeot: 24th February 2000

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2000 PEUGEOT REVEAL ROADSTER AND LIMOUSINE CONCEPTS

The 607 Feline

Its bonnet line, large air intake and the distinctive shape of its headlights reflect the lines of the 607 saloon as do the rear lights and line of the boot lid but there the visual similarities stop.

The 607 Feline is a 4.07 m long, 1.88 m wide, 1.19 m high wedge. The 2.58 m wheelbase allows extremely short overhangs which reinforce the car’s dynamic shape.

A heat insulated bubble with anti-mist windsceen covers the cockpit and can be converted into an open top car by rotating the rear section .

The very latest technology is used in the form of a single-piece carbon fibre body structure, multiplex wiring and direction seeking headlights. This 607 is equipped with a 3.0 litre V6 (210bhp) petrol engine, radical double A-strut suspension, front rocking levers and a flexible cross-member at the rear, confirming that this is a unique and eminently drivable modern car.

The shell is carbon fibre, made in a vacuum from aircraft-type honeycombed panels. Linked to the axle assembly at the front, it covers the passenger compartment and body essentials, stopping just in front of the axis of the rear wheels. A separate, fixed hoop of the "bubble" contributes to overall rigidity.

Strictly a two-seater, this car is laid out with longitudinal power unit to the front and five-speed manual gearbox forward of the engine. The six-cylinder engine is a 2946 cc 60° V with output of 152 kW (210 bhp). It has variable timing at intake, four overhead camshafts and twenty-four valves. This mechanical layout produces little polar inertia and ensures near-perfect weight distribution between the front and rear axles.

The power unit is directly fastened to the carbon superstructure. The gearbox can accommodate a limited slip differential and its casing supports the front differential shaft assemblies which each consist of two superimposed A-struts, an arm with rocking lever connecting to a longitudinal spring/damper unit and the steering rack.

The rear axle is also directly connected to the superstructure. It consists of a compact flexible cross-member, two longitudinal and horizontal arms, a Panhard rod and lateral spring/damper unit.

The brakes are carbon discs 355 mm in diameter, 30 mm thick. The Brembo calipers have four pistons.

The central-bolt wheels are light alloy fitted with Michelin Pax run flat tyres. The tyre is a custom fit of external diameter 730 mm and tread width 245 mm.

Among this dream car's style features are the innovative headlights to a design patented by PSA Peugeot Citroën Group. The dipping function is provided by nine moving prisms dependent on steering speed, steering wheel angle and the speed of the vehicle. The prisms are supplied by fibre optic cables. The light source is offset from the headlights to save space. The indicator lights each consist of three optical bars lit at the ends. The extra headlights can emit "black" light to show up road markings better. The steering course function is provided by two complex surface parabolas and two H7 bulbs.

For access to the car interior, the doors slide almost entirely into the front wings. The windscreen also moves 50 cm on its wide frame between the passenger compartment and the bonnet while the "rear bubble" moves back 12.5 cm. To preserve the upholstery, each seat squab can be lifted to provide a surface to accommodate shoes.

The windscreen and rear bubble are longitudinally adjustable if required. The rear bubble stows away completely into a fixed housing between the passenger compartment and the boot.

There is no transmission, suspension or awkward rear wheel here, which has left room for luggage in the boot. It is therefore possible to drive with "opening sections" closed, open or in between. These changes are achieved by a remote control which works via an intelligent electronic control cabinet. Multiplexing co-ordinates the various actions and fail-safe devices protect both the user and the mechanisms.

"Getting into the car" is a new experience. You drive according to the weather and as you please.

The interior of the 607 Feline houses two people on adjustable seats integrated with the structure. Their red leather trim matches the rest of the passenger compartment. The dashboard is soberly finished and consists mainly of two round dials, the separate controls of the automatic air conditioning and a central medallion associating the Feline with the 607 saloon. The driver has adjustable pedals and steering wheel. The remote control can also be used for the radio, telephone and for adjusting these. It is kept in a box covered by a flap door, between the two seats.

The 607 Paladine
The second 607 concept is called the Paladine. It is a convertible saloon car with limousine proportions having been discreetly lengthened to over 5 metres.

The interior can become in turn a modern office, a space for relaxation and for meetings, or simply a haven for exploring the world.

The immense glass and steel roof seems to keep a protective guard over its occupants, but by simply pressing a button, the transparent section and rear windows fold and vanish discreetly into the boot. Simultaneously a half-moon of glass slides quietly towards the front, turning this limousine into a convertible.

The multi-cylindered 607 Paladine sits on original plated 18" wheels, with size 235/45.18 "anti-puncture" tyres. It is endowed with all the innovative technological know-how of the 607 range, and its occupants benefit from the same comfort, power and security; qualities noticeably delivered by the advanced suspension, the laminated sound-proofed and heat-proofed windows and in the sense of well-being engendered by multiplex electronics.

The interior environment has two "service" seats in the front, and two "luxury" seats in the back, with an "occasional" seat face-to-face with the right-hand passenger.

The two rear seats both recline - the keypad control has two pre-programmed positions, one of which is semi-reclined. Electric head-rests, individual armrests and adjustable footrests, integral to each seat, complete the quest for absolute comfort in these essential components.

By using a hand-held console, the two rear occupants have total control over the temperature of their environment - right and left sides being individually adjustable - as well as over their communication needs and the sound system.

The right hand passenger can make use of a series of pleated pockets arranged against the side of the vehicle; high-tech support for leisure or business activities as one of these pleats is in fact a 17 inch colour display screen with a retractable keyboard, which is connected to a micro-computer as well as a DVD player.

For the design and fitting-out of the interior space, Peugeot turned to the great saddler, Hermes.

Two materials have been used, "Clemence", a sapphire blue calf leather, was carefully selected, and married to an "H" cloth, woven on indigo coloured cotton and raw silk. This cloth makes up the ceiling of the front part of the space, sheathes the storage spaces and together with the blue leather covers the seats and the door panels. These two materials, leather and cloth play off a third, brushed titanium, to create a modern but soothing environment.

The 607 Feline, the 607 Paladine and the complete range of 607 passenger saloons are on display at the Geneva show until Sunday 12 March.