One of the most talked-about concepts at the Paris auto show this year was Peugeot's e-Legend concept, an all-electric coupe with fully-autonomous capability in the style of the Pininfarina-designed Peugeot 504 Coupe of the 1960s and '70s.
Offering two autonomous modes named Soft and Sharp, as well as two manual driving modes, Legend and Boost, the e-Legend concept remixes the exterior and interior design elements of the original 504 coupe into a larger and more luxurious modern shape. The automaker was equally inspired by the interior elements, which are reminiscent of the velour-trimmed 504, as the exterior design, which features the trademark Peugeot headlight shape.
Powered by a 100-kWh battery, the e-Legend concept produces 455 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to all four wheels. The automaker says that with the powertrain the concept can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in less than 4 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 136 mph. A range of 372 miles on a full charge is the max, and Peugeot says that with fast-charging capability the e-Legend can juice up to 310 miles in just 25 minutes.
"Peugeot e-Legend concept is not just a technological manifesto," said Peugeot CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato. "This is the vision of a brand actively focused on an optimistic and ultra-desirable future. For Peugeot, autonomy and electric are synonymous with even stronger sensations. Boredom will never be part of our DNA."
The concept's Soft autonomous driving mode reduces to a minimum the information displays and projection screens to increase passenger comfort, while the Sharp autonomous mode offers maximum connectivity for use of digital features such as social networking and communication. The concept's Legend manual driving mode, on the other hand, serves as the default driving setting, while Boost is effectively the sport setting that also offers enhanced multimedia features.
"With Peugeot e-Legend concept, for us it’s about intensifying and refining the experience of 100% autonomy, electric and connectivity," said Aude Brille, Head of Peugeot Strategy. "The Responsive i-Cockpit is enhanced to offer its guests immersive driving specifically customised for each of the four driving modes available."
The original 504 Coupe was never sold in the States, and neither was the cabrio: Peugeot only offered the 504 in sedan and station wagon form here. The 504 was sold in the U.S. through the early 1980s until it was replaced by the slightly larger 505, which also took over the niche occupied by the 604. There are a handful of examples of the 504 coupe and cabriolet in the U.S., about ten cars total in both bodystyles.
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