Peugeot 308 CC and XTS at the Show

Its second-gen CC, the 308 Coupe Cabriolet, adheres to the successful 307 and 207 CC’s proven unapologetic French styling and high specification, with some added tricks and spec upgrades underneath its folding roof, such as the ‘Airwave’.

This cosy feature is similar to Mercedes-Benz’s wonderful ‘neck scarf’ heating system from the SLK, which blows warm air onto cold hair and necks with the roof down.

The 308CC will arrive in April 2009 with Euro 5-compliant turbo petrol and diesel engines.

Peugeot also debuted its ‘GT’ version of the 308, dubbed XTS.

The flagship model runs the PSA-Peugeot 128kW 1.6-litre turbo from the 207 GTi, put through a new six-speed shifter and to the ground via large 18-inch alloys and low-profile rubber.

The front bumper differentiates the spec with longer skirting, bi-Xenon headlights and fog lamps, while a lowered suspension and chrome exhaust hint at sporting prowess.

Thick-set sports seats, aluminium and leather interior enhancements, a panoramic glass roof, seven airbags and traction/stability control areal standard for $38,990.

And the RC HYmotion4 concept, glimpsed through fake snow and twirling pairs of dancers, points towards Pug’s touring car future.

Following on from the string of RC concept cars (2002 and 908) the four-door, four-seater runs a new hybrid powerplant through all four wheels.

The PSA 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four is backed up by a 70kW electric motor for an impressive combined power output of 230kW, yet only 109g/km of CO2 is clocked from its tailpipe.

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