Peugeot unveils autonomous Instinct concept
Peugeot has revealed a glimpse of what the future will look like for the French marqe with the Instinct concept.
Unveiled in Spain ahead of its public debut at Geneva International Motor Show next week, Instinct is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with 300bhp (223kW) available on tap from the powertrain.
The bodywork of the four-door Instinct has been sculpted for maximum efficiency, and the result is a striking fastback silhouette. Multiple cameras are housed in the in each LED headlamp which scan the road ahead and communicate with autonomous systems.
Like many other makes Peugeot are pursuing an autonomous future, but thankfully for driving enthusiasts, the Instinct will not force autonomous technology upon you.
The concept offers the driver a selection of both ‘Drive’ and ‘Autonomous’ settings, with two driving modes available for each. Drive mode features ‘Drive Boost’ and ‘Drive Relax’, and Autonomous mode can be switched between ‘Autonomous Soft’ and ‘Autonomous Sharp’.
“The autonomous future is happening now,” said David Peel, Managing Director at Peugeot UK.
“Instinct demonstrates how this can still be driven by a passion for brilliant design and driving pleasure.”
The Instinct concept will sync with the drivers mobile devices with a platform called ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT), and the Samsung Artik Cloud, this allows the car to learn about the users lifestyle and configure the ride accordingly.
“Samsung Artik Cloud enables easy and transparent interaction between connected devices and services, freeing users from having to worry about the underlying technology,” Dr. Luc Julia, Vice President of Innovation at Samsung Electronics
“Together, the Peugeot Instinct concept and Samsung Artik Cloud are delivering on the vision of the connected car and making it a reality.”
This technology lets Instinct know when you’re traveling home from the gym, so it could set itself to Autonomous Soft for the journey, or syncing with the drivers diary, the car would prompt you to leave 15 minutes early to account for traffic or bad weather.
Inside, the Instinct features an evolution of the Peugeot i-Cockpit with adaptable cabin, switching between a focused driving environment, to a relaxed lounge setting in autonomous mode.
In Autonomous mode the steering wheel, toggle switch panel and pedals fold away to maximise space.
“We are creating new forms of driving pleasure. These may come from the interfaces, the architecture or the styling. There is no reason why a self-driving car should be dull to look at or to experience,” said Matthias Hossann, Head of Peugeot Concept cars.
The Instinct concept car will now go on display at Geneva International Motor Show and the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
