Quasar, Proxima, Oxia, 907 … Peugeot's supercars have always made the eyes of both children and adults shine. In 2012, the Marque is again creating a dream with the supercar of the 21st century: the Onyx.
Sculpted using materials processed as little as possible, this supercar has been created by enthusiasts who have drawn their inspiration from the world of competition. With its V8 engine in a central rear position, the Onyx propels its admirers into a world of high performance, controlled in all circumstances thanks to intuitive instruments and controls.
In addition to its stunning aesthetics, it explores new ‘raw’ materials, to take efficiency to another level.
A passion for innovation has never ceased to find its expression over the 202 year history of Peugeot, one of the oldest marques in the motor industry.
Furthermore, it is the only one to offer a comprehensive range of personal means of transport: bicycles, scooters, cars and light utility vehicles.
The Onyx Concept Bike and Onyx Concept Scooter are also expressed with this vision of the future and will preview on Peugeot’s stand at the Paris Motor Show, later this month.
Onyx has the strength of a supercar, with extremely aerodynamic lines. It is made unique by its sculpted, chiselled style and by the innovative materials and structure
Gilles Vidal, Peugeot Style DirectorA Radical Silhouette … An Intense Emotion from the First Glance
The sharp bodywork calls out with the striking contrast of its materials and colours. Fashioned by hand by a master craftsman, the wings and doors are pure copper sheet. A polished mirror, this metal does not need to resort to tricks to protect itself. So, its appearance will change over time, gaining a patina. The Onyx is alive! As for the other panels of the bodywork, these are carbon fibre, painted matt black.
Slicing through the air with finesse, the front face unites the vertical grille and full LED lamps, tapered, their surface area reduced to a minimum. The flow then separates; some penetrates into the heart of the vehicle, flowing inside the bodywork and the structure to supply the engine with air. The remainder of the flow spreads, skimming along the sides and the ‘double-bubble’ roof.
Finishing off the Onyx with beauty, the rear lamps adopt a light signature with three claws now characteristic of Peugeot. They also support small spoilers which direct the upper and side flows. These reunite as far as possible from the bodywork to reduce drag. With a Cd of 0.30, the aerodynamic impact of the Onyx is inversely proportional to its visual impact.
A link between experience and the future, the Onyx incorporates the present by paying tribute to the RCZ through its ‘double-bubble’ roof and aluminium arches.
With complete transparency, revealing the carbon fibre structure and the passenger compartment, the windows and roof are made of PMMA (PolyMethyl MethAcrylate). Enclosing the cocoon, they guarantee the occupants’ optimum protection due to its ultra-resistant structure.
The silhouette of the Onyx is sculpted softly, sensuously, but it is also alive and technological.
From the first sketches I wanted to create a showcase for technological excellence and craftsmanship by combining elements demonstrating high aerodynamic performance, Black Diamond lamps and copper bodywork panels fashioned by hand
Sandeep Bhambra, Onyx Exterior StylistA Powerful Supercar
The chassis of the car is an innovative component, developed with the expertise of Peugeot Sport and the Group's Research and Development Department. In monolithic carbon, this central structure consists of only 12 parts. It incorporates the front and rear chassis legs, which makes it possible to eliminate the connected plates. The torsional stiffness and weight of the structure is optimised, at barely 100kg.
Bolted onto the carbon fibre shell, the 3.7-litre V8 hybrid HDi FAP engine and the suspension bear all the experience of Peugeot Sport, acquired and confirmed on tracks all over the world. Cooled by ducts which begin at the roof via NACA take-offs, the V8 transmits its 600bhp to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. This power ideally exploits compact proportions: 4.65m long, 2.20m wide, 1.13m high and of only 1100kg. Fitted with tyres specially developed by Michelin, 275/30 at the front and 345/30 at the rear, the 20" wheels see their hub retained on the structure by a double wishbone and an in-board controlled suspension, both at the front and at the rear.
Intelligent, the HYbrid4 technology recovers the kinetic energy which is usually lost during braking. Stored in lithium-ion batteries, this energy is then delivered automatically on acceleration, boosting the power by an additional 80bhp. The management of this function is transparent to the driver, as is that of the engine which has represented a real challenge. In fact, the engine designers had to make suitable for the road, an engine which, in competition, operates in an extreme range.
With less than 2kg per horsepower, the Onyx achieves high performance without altering the purity and elegance of its style. To obtain this result, the Onyx is fitted with a flat carbon fibre floor, which creates a powerful ground effect. So, the aerodynamic components could be limited to a strict minimum, by means of extensions of the carbon fibre structure and the moving spoiler which loads the rear suspension during braking. Braking is provided by four carbon discs, 380mm at the front and 355mm at the rear.
Onyx, like its accomplished Peugeot Concept predecessors, exudes the skills of the talented engineers and designers, introducing new techniques and innovative materials to produce a stylish design with extreme performance that inspires excitement and desirability, while providing a glimpse of the theme of thinking with the future in mind.
