Peugeot Touareg (1996)

What draws the eye to the Peugeot Touareg, a lightweight two-seater recreational vehicle? Of course, the peculiar shapes and completely unusual Michelin wheels. However, the Touareg is the world’s first all-wheel-drive buggy with a hybrid powertrain that allows people to relax in nature without inhaling unpleasant odors from their own car engine. 

A miniature car with a length of 3.5 m and a weight of 850 kg with a carbon-fiber body-chassis is equipped with energy-intensive nickel-hydrogen batteries and two motors. The batteries provide a voltage of 185 V and a current of 250 A. An electric motor with a maximum power of 35.5 kW is located in the central part of the machine, which is developed in a very wide range – from 1500 to 6500 rpm. At the same time, the torque of 194 Nm remains constant from the moment of starting until the engine reaches 1500 rpm. In addition, there is a lightweight, single-cylinder, 15 hp internal combustion engine that spins a generator to recharge the batteries or connect to the wheel drive. To replenish the energy expended by the batteries, a built-in recharger is used. 

Components from the Citroen AX the Peugeot 106 electric car are used in the design of the chassis of the buggy. But the new lever-spring suspension with a stroke of 300 mm is designed specifically for it. An eye-catching feature of the Touareg is the 18-inch Michelin tires with “flat” lugs, combined with rims. Other features of this car include electric power steering, electric drive for adjusting the position of the steering wheel and pedals, disc brakes on all wheels, as well as the original windshield. Interior trim allows you to wash the car both outside and inside with a strong jet of water from a hose. The Touareg has a top speed of 114 km/h and can accelerate from a standstill to 80 km/h in just 9 seconds.