This illustration was made by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops. It is a speculative render that is neither related to nor endorsed by Peugeot.
The second-generation 508 is the flagship of Peugeot’s range, and one of the few remaining contestants in the midsize sedan segment. While it doesn’t show, the model debuted almost four years ago at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show which means that Peugeot could be working on a mid-life facelift.
The Peugeot 508 is considered one of the most stylish models in the D-Segment, adopting a low-slung five-door fastback coupé-saloon bodystyle. It is also the first production model to introduce the signature tusk-shaped LEDs on the front bumper that were later applied to the whole range. The facelift will likely build upon the successful recipe while adopting fresh design elements from newer models to freshen up its style.
Our artist’s rendition for a 2023 Peugeot 508 facelift above with the current-year model pictured below
As you can see from the speculative rendering created by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for Carscoops, the 508 could inherit the Peugeot’s latest crest emblem that is currently used only by the new-generation 308, alongside a redesigned grille just like in the facelifted Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUVs from last year. The black accents and the 3D-style graphics make the grille appear larger despite being mostly covered for better aerodynamics.
Like the aforementioned SUVs, the 508 will likely get a redesigned bumper with additional faux intakes in the sides, further emphasizing the presence of vertical LEDs. The headlights could also get slightly redesigned LED graphics, merging nicely with the grille. Besides the new face, the 508 will likely remain largely the same, possibly with new options for exterior colors and wheel designs. The rear end could also get a few tweaks on the claw-inspired LED taillight graphics and the rear bumper garnish.
Since the current model is also available in estate form, chances are that the facelift will be adopted by the 508 SW. After all, Peugeot showed its dedication to low-slung family haulers with the premiere of the new-generation 308 SW earlier this year.
Despite being four years old, the interior of the Peugeot 508 still looks like it comes from the future, thanks to the high-mounted center console, the aluminum-style buttons, the inclined infotainment touchscreen up to 10-inches in diameter, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. However, there are a few updates that could make the dashboard even more attractive, including the addition of the 3D instruments from Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit, alongside new trim options and more ADAS features as standard.
Like in most mid-cycle updates, the EMP2-based Peugeot 508 is expected to get slightly cleaner versions of the same engines. The French company has announced plans of electrifying its whole range by 2025, before going EV-only in Europe by 2030. This means that the updated 508 will be one of the last ICE-powered models by Peugeot.
Since electrification becomes more and more popular, the plug-in hybrid variants are expected to be the core of the range. Those are the Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 with a combined output of 222 hp (165 kW / 225 PS) and front-wheel-drive, and the 508 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) performance flagship producing a combined 360 PS (355 HP / 265 kW) with all-wheel-drive.
The current generation Peugeot 508 in PSE PHEV form
The 508 was introduced with the 1.6-liter Puretech gasoline and the 2.0-liter BlueHDi diesel engines although later on, it became available with the smaller 1.2-liter PureTech and 1.5-liter BlueHDi producing 128 hp (96 kW / 130 PS). It is not clear if Peugeot will opt for a simplified ICE range giving more emphasis on electrification and lowering its fleet average emissions in Europe.
Besides the European market, the 508 is also available in the Middle East, and in China as the long-wheelbase 508L. Judging from the previous facelifts by Peugeot, the updated 508 could appear as early as next year prior to a 2023 market launch since the French automaker has already announced minor updates for the 2022 model year.
Illustrations Copyright Carscoops.com / Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien
The Renault 5 is an iconic European hatchback that is still fondly remembered today.
It’s now been reimagined by Italian graphic designer Marco Maltese, who has been passionate about cars since he was a child.
While the original 5 was pretty straightforward, Maltese incorporated the car’s classic lines into a stylish new model dubbed the Le 5 concept. As a result, it’s familiar and futuristic at the same time.
Starting up front, the concept features LED headlights with a distinctive slotted design. They flow into vertical daytime running lights and reside above a light bar that passes through a prominent Renault emblem. Right below there’s a fully enclosed grille, which hints at an electric powertrain, and sporty air intakes with golden accents.
The sides offer the most striking view, as the concept features a short hood, stylish fenders and aerodynamic side skirts. It also has a blacked out A-pillar which helps to create the appearance of a sporty wraparound greenhouse.
Other highlights include a contrasting roof, video cameras instead of side mirrors and aerodynamic wheels with a three-spoke design. The angular C-pillar also looks great and incorporates a subtle tri-color accent that pays homage to the French flag.
The avant-garde design continues at the rear, where there’s a large glass hatch flanked by unique taillights. We can also see a minimalist bumper with golden accents that echo the ones up front.
All in all, the concept looks great and would make for one heck of a MINI Cooper SE competitor.
Note: This is an independent design study from Marco Maltese and is not related to or endorsed by Renault
A little-known design house known as Vision Automobiles Paris has showcased a series of highly-detailed renderings depicting a wild Le Mans racer.
The concept is known as the Vision 1789 and gets its name from the French Revolution of 1789. The team of designers has imagined it as running on biomethane and it could be used both on the racetrack and on the road.
This racer immediately catches the eye thanks to its the sleek and futuristic shape. Up front, there are a pair of simple headlights and a prominent splitter that would help stick the car to the pavement.
Also of particular interest is how the inside sections of the wheels can be seen through the shapely bodywork. Further adding to the appeal of this rendering is the elongated windshield that stretches so far forward it actually encompasses the in-board front suspension.
At the sides, the Vision 1789 has small cameras instead of traditional wing mirrors and also features striking venturi tunnels aimed at improving aerodynamics. Completing the impressive exterior design is a rear end with a huge diffuser that includes a transparent section, thin LED taillights, and a retractable rear wing.
The interior is just as impressive as the exterior and sports seats that look like they’re out of a sci-fi film, including headrests that actually stretch down from the roof. Directly in front of the driver is a motorsport-inspired steering wheel with a large digital display.
Five years ago, Andries van Overbeeke created some futuristic renderings of Formula 1 race cars and posted them online.
They received a lot of attention and we covered them that summer. Thanks to the publicity and the quality of the renderings, Overbeeke was offered an internship at Bugatti.
While the internship occurred in 2015, Overbeeke has finally revealed what he was working on at the time. As he explained to Carscoops, the model is a successor to the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo aimed to be raced in PlayStation’s Gran Turismo and which draws inspiration from the Type 35 which is billed as the “most successful race car in history.” Five years later, Bugatti has allowed Overbeeke to share his work with the world.
The Bugatti Vision GT successor project was executed under the guardianship of Achim Anscheidt – Head of Design, Sasha Selipanov (check out one of his studies here) – Head of Exterior Design Creative Development, Etienne Salomé – Head of Interior Design and Frank Heyl – Head of Exterior Design Production Development.
As you can see, the model is an aggressive race car that features a jet-like canopy and a minimalist horseshoe grille. The car also has a plethora of front splitters and partially enclosed wheels which help to minimize drag.
Moving further back, there’s a slender cockpit which is flanked by two massive air intakes. The model also has a protruding carbon fiber floor, exposed carbon fiber supports and a stylish rear wing. Other notable highlights include a minimalist rear fin, a massive exhaust tip and a carbon fiber diffuser.
What is Overbeeke up to now?
Since his internship at Bugatti, Overbeeke has been keeping busy as aside from working at Genesis as an exterior designer at their Global Advanced Design studio in Frankfurt, Germany, he’s been involved in a number of different projects ranging from race cars to movie cars. While a number of these projects are confidential, he’s had a hand in designing the Dendrobium hypercar and the all-new Batmobile which will appear in The Batman which is due out next year.
