Peugeot Quasar
| Company type | Concept car |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | La Garenne , France |
| Products | Concept vehicles |
The Peugeot Quasar represents Peugeot's inaugural concept vehicle developed entirely in-house, constructed in 1984 at the La Garenne facility and introduced to the public during the 67th Paris Motor Show. Its name derives from the celestial quasar phenomenon, and it shares fundamental components with the acclaimed rally-focused 205 Turbo 16. Presently, the Quasar is displayed at the Musée de l'Aventure Peugeot located in Sochaux.
History and development
In 1984, Peugeot set its sights on entering the FIA Group B rally competition, which mandated homologation of modified production vehicles. To meet this requirement, Peugeot collaborated with Heuliez and Simca to manufacture 200 units of the "Turbo 16," based on the compact 205 model. The 205 T16 garnered significant achievements in motorsport, enhancing Peugeot’s reputation in the automotive sector.
During that same year, designers Gérard Welter and Paul Bracq created the Quasar concept by utilizing the chassis and powertrain of the 205 T16. Welter designed a streamlined body featuring distinctive scissor doors and an exposed engine compartment to emphasize its racing heritage. Meanwhile, Bracq conceived a cutting-edge interior influenced by science fiction themes, incorporating an early multimedia interface with a CRT display and multiple audio controls. The cabin contrasted white exterior elements with red leather seating. Additionally, the rear lighting units were directly borrowed from the standard 205 model.
Although innovative and visually impactful, the Quasar remained a one-off prototype without entering commercial production. It serves as a symbol of Peugeot’s engineering prowess during the peak of Group B rally competition.
Specifications
The Quasar retained the mid-mounted twin-turbo inline-four engine derived from the 205 T16, calibrated to produce 600 horsepower alongside 360 pound-feet of torque. It was equipped with turbofan-inspired wheels that later appeared on the SV24 sport trim of the 605, paired with advanced Michelin MXX tires sized at 255/50 R16. The suspension system drew heavily from Formula One technology, while critical components incorporated kevlar and carbon fibre materials to minimize weight. Its permanent all-wheel-drive system employed a 40/60 Ferguson setup with limited slip differentials on both front and rear axles, consistent with that used in the 205 T16.