PRESS KIT

PEUGEOT 408
PEUGEOT 408
THE ALLIANCE OF DEMANDING STANDARDS AND
ELEGANCE TO CONQUER THE CHINESE MARKET
Launched as a world premier in China and destined
for an international career, the new Peugeot 408 has
been designed to conquer.
On a segment that accounts for almost half of
all car sales on the world’s leading market, the
Peugeot 408 notch-back saloon benefits from top
level and state-of-the-art equipment:
– a car full of personality, thanks to its combination of
image-enhancing, balanced and dynamic styling;
– dimensions and volumes close to those of luxury
saloons;
– record amount of space for rear passengers;
– driving and on-board comfort in harmony with the
Chinese clientele’s demanding expectations;
– new automatic gearbox adapted to driving habits;
– premium quality road holding, the genuine trademark
of a Peugeot car.
The Peugeot 408 has been designed and developed in
France to fulfil the expectations of Chinese clients and
to conquer the local market. It will be manufactured at
Wuhan and launched in China in spring 2010, before
being launched in Latin America.
The 408 forms an integral part of Peugeot’s
international development strategy based on launching
modern vehicles that arouse desire and emotions,
while always being tailored to local requirements.
408: WORLDWIDE PREMIER IN CHINA
The new Peugeot 408 is a latest generation vehicle and is
being launched for the first time worldwide in China. This
half-height architecture notch-back saloon car designed
in France is destined for an international career.
Accordingly, its name follows the Lion Marque’s
traditional naming logic.
The figure 4 refers to the size of the car (4.68 m) and
its positioning in the medium-luxury family saloon
segment. The 0 in the middle signifies that it belongs
to the Peugeot Marque, while the 8 expresses the
vehicle generation.
With this name, the 408 naturally falls into place
within the current Peugeot range and becomes the
forerunner of the 8 series, Peugeot’s latest generation
vehicles on the Chinese market.
PEUGEOT 408
STYLING
HARMONIOUS, DYNAMIC AND
EXCLUSIVE STYLING
The guiding spirit for Peugeot design stylists can be
summed up in very few words: harmony, elegance and
dynamism.
For the 408, the overarching desire was to instil it with
balanced proportions and simple, flowing volumes as
foundations on which the designers have succeeded
in sculpting subtly sleek, pure and sensual lines. This
priority also guided the project’s technical choices:
its dimensions, its wheelbase, its wide axle track, its
generous wheel sizes…
The front of the 408 bears the recognisable traits of
the Lion Marque. Accordingly, the particularly feline
headlights stretch harmoniously across the bonnet.
The headlight units each comprise four technically
advanced and image-enhancing light shafts to serve
as bright and piercing eyes.
The 408’s asserted personality is also evident in
its radiator grille, equipped with thin chrome strips,
and in the shape of its fog lights, with the ensemble
3 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
contributing to creating a visually wider effect for the
car, suggesting a vehicle “glued to the road”.
Two central ribs run around bonnet to extend the
effect of the Lion’s chromed surround. The highly
sculptured bonnet lines marked by the design of
the headlights flow naturally into the front body
pillars of the wide, forward-sloping windscreen.
These flowing lines continue right to the rear of car,
before ending in a spoiler subtly integrated into the
boot space.
Special attention has been paid to modelling the
sides of the 408. The carved wheel arches, the plunging
body line between the tip of the rear light clusters
to the front wing, the side windows and the sunken
rear window glass surface treatment and the junction
line between the rear quarter panel and the boot…
all contribute to the image of a dynamic, modern and
robust vehicle.
At the rear, the flowing lines and the wraparound rear
bumper visually highlight the vehicle’s generous “hind
quarters” and contribute to the effect of it being “glued”
it to the tarmac.
PEUGEOT 408
The rear light design blends harmoniously with the
car’s boot. The ruby red coloured lights are trimmed
with a clear white strip that hints at a lion’s claw
within the cluster. At night, they take on the form of
three diagonal strips, as a tribute to the styling details
of some of the Marque’s historic models (307 CC, 504
Coupé and Cabriolet).
Finally, every detail, every part visible on the vehicle
has been styled to contribute to its elegance and
perceived quality. Accordingly, the colour of the
protective trim, set in chrome, matches the body
colour, with the ensemble further enhancing the
car’s luxury appearance. In the same manner, the
absence of any visible external aerial, as it is built
into the rear window, contributes to this saloon’s
pure body lines.
All in all, the 408 displays flowing and original
styling that combines dynamism with presence
and elegance with modernity. Moreover, its promises
hitherto unavailable experiences in terms of the quality
of life onboard and driving pleasure.
4 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
INTERIOR STYLING: FLOWING LINES
ENHANCED BY NOBLE MATERIALS
The interior styling of the 408 highlights and
makes maximum use of the space offered by the
half-height architecture, while the design and top-
of-the-range materials used create an incontestable
perception of quality.
By way of example, the dashboard design is
uncluttered, elegant and flowing, with a particularly
wide field of vision due to the steeply sloping
windscreen that is almost symmetrical with the
front body pillars.
The interior designers became genuinely obsessed
with paying special attention to interior trim and
onboard wellbeing, and this can be seen in the smallest
of styling details:
– the instrument and controls cluster is very compact,
to leave generous surfaces free for noble materials, in
terms of both feel and appearance (the upper portion
of this dashboard is covered in soft-touch “slush”
material);
PEUGEOT 408

– each element (climate control panel, audio system,

storage or CD changer) has been particularly well
integrated;
– the downward curving door panels echo the vehicle
exterior side styling;
– chrome touch keys enhance the overall image:
chromed circles around the air vents and dashboard
dials, as well as around the climate control and audio
system buttons and the door handles;
– hints of the 408’s dynamism are subtly apparent in
some of the “V” shaped interior styling details, such
as of the ring banding the gear lever, the design of the
upper part of the wraparound seat squabs, or even
the shape of the front roof light assembly.
With its voluptuous shapes, the grain and feel to the
touch of each part, the strong sensation of space and
light, the entire interior creates the desire to extend
the moment, the time of a journey, for as long as
possible…

Two different interior styling ambiences are available,

according to the client’s choice, to support the promise
of a luxury and convivial “life onboard” for the delight
of both the driver and all the passengers.

5 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE

PEUGEOT 408
ARCHITECTURE
DISTINCTIVE STYLING
AND RECORD INTERIOR
SPACE, ESPECIALLY DESIGNED
FOR THE CHINESE MARKET
The 408 follows the half-height architecture heritage
successfully developed by Peugeot. Accordingly, the
new notch-back saloon offers a maximum of space,
visibility and luminosity for its occupants. Peugeot
has paid particular attention to ensuring that the
expectations of the Chinese clientele have been
integrated in the design of the 408.
OPTIMISED EXTERIOR
DIMENSIONS
With its exterior dimensions, the 408 offers an
excellent combination of record interior space and
a high level of safety.
At 4.68 m, its length contributes massively to the
interior space due to:
– a 2.71 m wheelbase, for the maximum benefit of
rear passengers, and to fulfil a strong expectation
voiced by Chinese clients;
6 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
– front overhang limited to 938 mm and a rear
overhang of 1,034 mm that creates a large rear
load-carrying space.
Large width of 1.815 m, to provide excellent lateral
passive safety and industry-leading interior space
(e.g. shoulder width).
Height of 1.525 m, to stand apart in this saloon
segment and to offer maximum interior space.
In the same vein, to fulfil styling and road holding
demands, the designers have opted for wide tracks:
– 1.522 m for the front track;
– 1.503 m for the rear track.
Generously sized wheels, fitted with 215/55R16
and 215/50R17 tyres, also contribute to the 408’s
overall styling and to its handling performance.
With its high and optimised architecture and its
wide tracks enhancing its dynamic and streamlined
styling, the 408 promises road holding behaviour in
line with the dynamic qualities contained in the
Peugeot genes.
PEUGEOT 408

CLEVERLY DESIGNED
AERODYNAMICS
The styling and dimensions of this new Peugeot
immediately point to particularly efficient
aerodynamics. In fact, its exceptional Cx coefficient
of 0.30 matches the best of its competitors’ four
door saloons. Its performance in terms of this air
penetration index and the excellent resulting SCx
(0.698 m²) are proof of the efforts invested in
fine-tuning the vehicle’s body shape in the wind
tunnel.

As a result, the 408 offers controlled fuel consumption

to achieve limited running costs and maximum
environmental efficiency.

7 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE

PEUGEOT 408
LIFE ON BOARD
LIFE ON BOARD THE 408,
SPACE AND WELLBEING
The 408’s half-height architecture offering interior
freedom, space and luminosity, provides its occupants
with a comfortable quality of life onboard.
GET IN AND SEE
With glass surface area of 3.95 m2, unrivalled in
its segment, the 408 offers its occupants a much-
appreciated light and airy environment that become
genuinely exceptional with the opening sunroof which
increases the total glass surface area to 4.32 m2.
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT LAYOUT
WITH THE EMPHASIS ON SPACE AND
COMFORT, SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR
THE CHINESE CLIENTELE
Designed for the occupants…
The 408’s architecture enables the passenger
compartment to be laid out solely with passengers’
wellbeing in mind, with made-to-measure “furniture”.
8 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
The elegant, state-of-the-art, soft-touch dashboard offers
everything required for driving and for comfort, while
avoiding any impression of invading the occupant space.
Along the interior sides, the welcoming ergonomic and
refined door panels invite occupants to rest their elbows.
The modern-design front seats provide comfort and
support, without monopolising the interior space.
The raised rear seats contribute to an “amphitheatre
effect”, while enhancing forward visual comfort and
improving space at knee level.
At ease in a luminous and vast car, passengers
benefit from space, for which the dimensions speak
for themselves:
– in the front, shoulder width of 1,464 mm and roof
height of 924 mm, record values in this category;
– in the rear, shoulder width of 1,470 mm and roof height
of 869 mm, values among the best in the category;
– record knee space, up to 159 mm, thanks to the
generous wheelbase.
… and their luggage
The square shape and clever layout of the boot
area ensures easy and practical use of the vast
PEUGEOT 408
load space offered by the 408: 526 litres of water
(or 481 dm3 VDA).
Side bins are provided to store and even tie down
usually-transported items, such as cans, cleaning
materials or even a fire extinguisher, while the long
loads flap available on versions trimmed in leather
upholstery, makes its easier to carry long items.
Finally, to extend this load-carrying space into the
passenger compartment, the rears seats can be folded
in a 40/60 split (backrest and seat squabs) to create
extra load-carrying space.
Access to the generous boot is very easy, thanks to the wide
rear opening made possible by the use of two pantographs.
The driver can even control the opening of the boot
remotely by means of the remote control or a special
push button on the dashboard.
Host of storage spaces
As evidence to the care taken over occupants’ onboard
life, a host of cleverly-designed storage areas in the
vehicle provide space for storing a total volume of
almost 33 litres.
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These storage spaces include:
– the glove box with a storage capacity of 10 litres
that can accommodate a 1.5 litre water bottle. Its
cover, with opening/closing assistance, has its own
special storage spaces. Moreover, the glove box is air
conditioned on certain vehicle versions;
– at the tail end of the console, after the flat recessed
area for placing a teapot, the central armrest cover
offers access to a 2.12 litres storage space that can
hold six CD and various items;
– at the junction between the instrument and control
façade and the console there is an area covered
with a sound-deadening mat to place keys and a
telephone;
– the front and rear door storage bins offer a total
volume of almost 15 litres for keeping maps, guides
and various items ready to hand. The front door
storage bins can accommodate an upright 1.5 litre
water bottle and the rear storage bins have enough
space for a 50 cl bottle;
– an ashtray with a flip-up cover for use by the rear
passengers is located at the rear end of the console ;
– an ISO format space is available to accommodate
miscellaneous items.
PEUGEOT 408
Other storage facilities are offered on leather-trimmed
versions:
– a drawer under the front passenger seat;
– a rear centre armrest, as an extension to the long
item flap, covers a closed storage space, two cup
holders and two pen recesses. It is situated at
the same level as the door armrests to provide
rear passengers with a pleasant and comfortable
seating position.
Welcoming seats…
As elements of conviviality symbolising comfort, the
utmost care has been taken in designing the seats of
the 408.
Both the fabric and leather versions, as well as being
welcoming, offer comfort and support.
Despite being located particularly low in the vehicle to
offer a genuinely typical saloon car driving position, the
408’s driver’s seat incorporates 50 m of active height
adjustment (+ 13 mm and - 37 mm in relation to its
nominal height) to set just the right driving height. This
adjustment is also available for passengers with the
leather upholstery option.
10 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
In the rear, the side seats have been specially modelled
to ensure that two passengers can travel in optimal
comfort.
FOCUS OF EVERY
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
A plethora of “attentions to detail” dedicated to 408
user comfort have been developed and incorporated in
certain versions.
To see better
As soon as the remote unlocking is activated, at
the same time, welcome lighting that can be set up
according to user preferences, turns on the passenger
compartment lighting and the dipped headlights to
light the way to the car. As soon as the door opens, the
door sill lights (under the door rebate) and the foot-well
lights are actuated. When the remote control is used to
lock the vehicle, the dipped headlights remain on for a
few seconds (variable user preference time lag).
Ambient lighting (activated/deactivated via the parameter
setting menu) comprises discreet foot-well lighting
PEUGEOT 408
to enable occupants to find fallen objects. For their
part, the rear passengers have an independently-
operated overhead light cluster with two map
reading lights.
To breathe better
The very carefully designed heating, cooling and
ventilation system on the 408 contributes to onboard
comfort via exceptional air distribution, notably via five
front air vents, heating grilles under the dashboard and
two air vents with direction-adjustable fins for the rear
passengers.
In addition, the 408 benefits from a new, even
more powerful, duel level climate control system:
manual and automatic dual zone air conditioning.
The latter can also operate in single zone mode,
with a single control, when the driver is alone onboard.
A filter protects the passenger compartment from
dust and pollen. In addition, with the dual zone
climate control system, active charcoal is used to
limit fuel odours.
Noise level to ensure a comfortable atmosphere
As a basic requirement for comfort, noise treatment
11 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
has been taken into consideration at all design levels
and has resulted in:
– a quest for body rigidity and the elimination of noise
due to shapes, as well as studies into the process
of bodywork-chassis attachment to hunt down and
eradicate any source of noise;
– recourse to dual seals, scuttle cross-member seals,
almost 4 mm thick side window glass, sound-proofed
laminated windscreen;
– unrelenting work to seek out and eradicate trim
noises;
– additions serving to absorb potential noise, such as
stiffening pads in certain areas and sound-absorbing
padding in others.
High quality audio and telematics offer
These acoustic surroundings are conducive to listening
to the various audio options offered on the 408.
Considerable care has been taken over reception and
broadcasting quality. The audio equipment includes
six loudspeakers attached to the actual door panel
structure to achieve optimal sound quality.
RD4 audio system: with an MP3 file reading capability,
it is standard fitment on the 408. On certain versions,
PEUGEOT 408
an additional USB connector is located in the front
centre armrest.
RNEG 2009 navigation and audio system; perfectly
integrated with the vehicle in terms of styling and
ergonomics (controls mounted behind the steering
wheel), it offer a host of functionalities:
– large fold-away and three position angle-adjustable
7” 16/9 screen (resolution: 480x234 pixels) offering
a bird-view mode;
– complete mapping of China stored on a 4 Gb SD card,
leaving the CD function free for music;
– dashboard-mounted CD player with MP3 and WMA
compatibility;
– tri-band radio and two aerials for optimal radio
frequency reception;
– Bluetooth® connection for hands-free telephone
communications when the user has a handset with
this function. The telephone address directory can be
viewed on the onboard display screen;
– USB connection, depending on the version, on the
centre console to connect any type of portable
audio or video digital device.
12 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
TECHNOLOGY TO SERVE
THE DRIVER, IN TERMS OF BOTH
COMFORT AND SAFETY
Comfortably installed at the controls that have been
the special focus of ergonomic design, with a height
and reach adjustable steering wheel, and a multi-
position seat, the driver of a 408 has a collection of
technologies and driving aids available to ensure
driving comfort and pleasure:
– large exterior rear view mirrors to guarantee
better rear vision and even more comfort during
manoeuvring;
– “Butterfly” windscreen wipers with flat blades for
excellent cleaning efficiency over a very large surface
area;
– in the line of sight, the space between the speedometer
and the tachometer on the instrument panel with
four chrome-encircled dials can accommodate a
dot-matrix screen to display information from the trip
computer, warning pictograms, cruise control or speed
governor details and even GPS instructions if the car is
equipped with the navigation system;
PEUGEOT 408
– new functions such as one-touch indicators that just
flash three times – useful on the motorway – or even
the windscreen washer fluid low level warning light;
– boot and fuel tank flap opening controlled from the
passenger compartment.
Moreover, depending on the version, the driver can also
benefit from:
– a variable speed governor coupled with the cruise
control;
– Bi-xenon directional complex surface headlights.
To improve night-time driving conditions, these
headlights provide a blue-white light similar to
daylight and are three times more powerful than
standard bulbs.
To comply with regulations, these xenon headlights are
fitted with a dynamic beam height adjustment system
and headlight washers.
Their elliptical module comprises a dynamic dimming
device to switch to and from dipped and main beam
functions. An additional complex surface headlight
adds even more light to improve distance vision.
On dipped beam, the headlights are equipped with a
directional function to improve vision on winding roads.
13 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
This function is linked to vehicle speed between 5 km/h
and 160 km/h to adapt to different driving conditions.
The headlights can pivot at a speed of 15° per second
over a maximum angle of 22° (15° towards the exterior
and 7° towards the interior). This function procures
the pleasant feeling that the system anticipates
the next bend to make night driving safer and more
comfortable;
– front/rear parking assistance. A valuable aid for
parking manoeuvres and personal safety, the
parking assistance function broadcasts a series
of sounds at varying speeds to indicate the degree
of proximity, via the loudspeaker closest to the
obstacle.
The system is activated automatically when reverse
gear is engaged and at speeds under 10 km/h for front
parking assistance, once the vehicle has been at rest
for longer than three seconds.
If the vehicle is equipped with the multi-function colour
screen, different colour strips indicate the distance
remaining.
The rear parking assistance function is standard
equipment on the 408, while the front parking
assistance function is available as an option;
PEUGEOT 408

– a certain number of other functions such as the

indexing of the rear view mirrors with reverse gear,
automatic rear view mirror folding and redeployment,
automatic headlight switching, automatic windscreen
wiper operation with a rain sensor (associated with
the athermic windscreen) and an electro-chrome
anti-dazzle interior rear view mirror…

14 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE

PEUGEOT 408
SAFETY
VERY HIGH LEVEL OF PRIMARY AND
SECONDARY SAFETY
As with every new vehicle developed by the Marque,
safety plays an overarching role in the project.
Accordingly, consideration of safety aspects started at
the very outset of the design phase. The 408 benefits
from the Group’s entire experience in this area and
from the very latest technological advances. This has
resulted in state-of-the-art safety at all levels.
In terms of primary safety that contributes to
avoiding an accident, the vehicle’s excellent structural
rigidity enables the running gear (an historical area
of expertise for Peugeot) and the electronic driving
assistance systems to achieve benchmark handling
behaviour in its category.
In terms of secondary safety that limits the
consequences of an accident, the body structure has
been considerably over-sized to withstand the most
severe impacts, such as CNCAP crash tests.
Thick steel panels have been used to increase the
rigidity of certain strategic parts, such as body panels
(panels thickness varying between 0.67 mm and
0.72 mm) or structure reinforcements (up to 3.2 mm thick).
15 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
The controlled deformation of this structure and the
occupant protection equipment (airbags, seatbelts and
seats) enables the 408 to aim for the five-star rating in
the adult occupant vehicle protection test.
ROBUST STRUCTURE
The 408 has been structurally designed to dissipate
impact energy in a programmed manner.
The car has been designed with a double impact force
dissipation channel to provide maximum passenger
compartment protection, and occupant protection
and to facilitate reparability. The latter has a direct
influence on car insurance costs for the user.
Frontal impacts
The principle of the single-piece steel structure has
been re-employed in its main features. However, the
front section has been rethought with:
– the design of an upper channel formed of
reinforcements situated above the front wheel arches,
as an extension to the windscreen pillars, and door frieze
stiffeners which serves to improve impact absorption;
PEUGEOT 408
– increased rigidity of the scuttle side cross-member
and the passenger foot-well.
As a result, in the event of a head-on impact, 80% of
impact energy is dissipated via the central channel (front
bumper, wings, side members, etc.), and 15% via the engine
cradle. The upper channel absorbs the remaining 5%.
This double impact force dissipation channel
then follows an energy absorption strategy that
determines the build-up of efforts to transmit them via
pre-established “channels” towards areas designed
to withstand impacts: the scuttle, the under-frame
and sills. This creates an “occupant protection cage”
around the passenger compartment.
In addition, the 408 is equipped with a collapsible
steering column. In the event of an impact, it retracts
into itself at a given point to protect the driver.
For its part, an “active footrest” maintains the driver’s
foot angle to limit the risk of ankle injuries.
Finally, the ongoing objective of improving the level of
safety, while controlling its impact on vehicle weight
16 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
has led to the considerable use of materials lighter
than ordinary steel, such as VHEL panels (Very High
Elastic Limit sheet steel).
In the same spirit, the bonnet and door reinforcements
are made of aluminium, while the wings and numerous
other bodywork elements are made of composite
materials.
Side impacts
To ensure the best possible level of occupant protection
in the event of a side impact, the centre pillar has been
noticeably strengthened on the 408, thanks to the
adoption of a technique known as “multi-layer”. In fact,
the “B” pillar is made up of three different thicknesses
of steel panels, including two of the VHEL type. The
base of this “C” pillar has also been significantly
strengthened, as witnessed by its shape, at the level
of the sill, which is clearly visible when the front doors
are open.
In addition all the doors effectively contribute to
boosting the car’s overall rigidity by creating a solid
cross-brace between the front foot-well, the central
section and the rear wheel arch. The doors are equipped
with aluminium side reinforcements and door frieze
PEUGEOT 408
stiffeners and the protection system is completed by
the inclusion of impact-absorbing padding.
In the same vein, the bodywork sides are formed
entirely of cavities and the exterior side members are
attached to numerous cross-braces that contribute to
vehicle rigidity.
Rear impacts
A cross-member is incorporated in the rear section
of the vehicle to absorb impacts, reduce the
consequences on the vehicle body and ensure a good
level of reparability. The rear styling takes account
of the structural element in the design of the boot,
its rear lights and its generous bumper.
HIGH PERFORMANCE RESTRAINTS
To complement the vehicle’s structural performance
in terms of impact resistance, a range of “personal”
protection elements have been developed to restrain
and protect the body:
– 6 airbags are available, depending on the version, to
protect passengers:
17 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
• 2 adaptive front airbags with a capacity of 60 litres
for the driver and 90 litres for the passenger,
• 2 side airbags with a capacity of 10 litres to protect
the thorax of front seat passengers,
• 2 curtain airbags with a capacity of 23 litres to
protect the heads of both front and rear passengers;
– the 408 is equipped with 5 three-point safety
belts:
• an audible and visual warning system is fitted as
standard to remind the driver to buckle up. As an
option, this safety system can be extended to cover
the front passenger (Safety Pack),
• in the front seats, the belts are equipped with
pyrotechnic tensioners and low-rated force limiters,
• in the rear seats, the side seatbelts are equipped
with force limiters;
– front and rear headrests.
Special care has been given to child safety. In fact, the
408 has been designed with two Isofix locations to
accommodate a dedicated child seat on both the rear
side seats.
PEUGEOT 408
ENGINES
A HIGH PERFORMANCE
AND ENVIRONMENTAL
FRIENDLY ENGINE RANGE
The 1.6 l 16 V 80 kW (110 h.p.) engine/TU5JP4
With a cubic capacity of 1,587 cm3 created by a bore of
78.5 mm and a stroke of 82 mm, this engine develops
its maximum power of 80 kW (110 h.p.) at 5,750 r.p.m.
and maximum torque of 147 Nm at 4,000 r.p.m. 85%
of its maximum torque is available at just 2,000 r.p.m.,
and 95%, i.e. 140 Nm at engine speeds between
3,000 r.p.m. and 5,500 r.p.m.
The 2.0 l 16 V 108 kW (147 h.p.) engine/EW10A+
This is a four cylinder, double overhead camshaft
engine with sixteen valves and a cubic capacity of
1,997 cm3 (bore: 85 mm, stroke: 88 mm).
The compact engine block is made of light alloy.
The inlet camshaft is equipped with a continuously
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system and new engine
management mapping to vary inlet timing in relation
to driving conditions. This feature results in a more
flexible and powerful engine.
18 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
Due this range of developments, maximum power has
been boosted to 108 kW at 6,000 r.p.m., with maximum
torque unchanged at 200 Nm at 4,000 r.p.m.
TRANSMISSIONS TAILORED
TO CHINESE REQUIREMENTS
Proven and robust manual gearbox
Both engines in the 408 range are combined with a
“BE” type five speed manual gearbox.
Gearbox ratios have been optimised to favour economic
fuel consumption, while maintaining lively acceleration
performance from a standing start.
A new “Porsche Tiptronic system” sequential control
automatic gearbox, the AT8
The new transmission will delight a clientele particularly
focused on comfort and ease of use, while offering a
more spirited driving experience in sequential mode.
The AT8 four speed automatic gearbox is available
with both 408 engine options. On the one hand, it
comprises gear changing logic particularly suited to
extremely smooth urban driving.
PEUGEOT 408

On the other hand, the new torque converter from

the supplier ZF improves the gearbox’s power output
and reduces its consumption by around 5%.
A new management mode to lock the three higher
gears has been incorporated to reduce converter
slipping phases.
Consequently, there are fewer gear changes and this
improves smooth driving in built-up areas and boosts
vehicle acceleration on the open road.

19 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE

PEUGEOT 408
RUNNING GEAR
PEUGEOT EXPERTISE
The chassis of the 408 stands out by its great rigidity.
This guarantees optimum use of the vehicle’s power
train and running gear performance and contributes to
its high level of insulation from noise and vibrations.
SUSPENSION COMBINING SPIRITED
HANDLING AND COMFORT
Peugeot believes that road behaviour has a direct
impact on the notion of driving pleasure, as well as on
active safety. These aspects are at the very heart of
design work on all vehicles in the range.
In this area, as the target for the 408 is to become the
segment benchmark, all the associated elements have
been the subject of very special attention.
Structurally, the 408 benefits from excellent torsional
rigidity enabling its running gear to be exploited to its limits.
The 408 uses the proven running gear that has
contributed to the renowned qualities of a host of
Peugeot saloons.
20 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE
Accordingly, the front suspension is of the inverted
pseudo MacPherson type with a separate antiroll bar.
This technology offers precise road holding with a high
level of road noise filtering.
The rear axle comprises a deformable cross-member
and an integrated antiroll bar that takes up limited
space while providing major rigidity, as a guarantee
of good vibration control and well-controlled body
movement. It is also the guarantee of a good level of
comfort for rear passengers.
Designed and produced by Peugeot to ensure very
detailed fine-tuning, the 408’s hydraulic valve shock
absorbers set at 3 bars pressure play an active part in
the balance between comfort and road holding.
On the 408, the link between the side members and the
engine cradle has been redefined to improve the front
running gear’s transversal rigidity.
The widening of the front and rear tracks, along the
same lines as the generous wheel and tyre widths, has
a positive impact on the vehicle’s body roll, precise
handling and stability, when driving in a straight line,
lifting one’s foot off the accelerator or braking on
PEUGEOT 408

bends. Along the same lines, the change in the front
axle angle to - 0.2° negative camber, contributes to
the car’s precise and quick handling.
PRECISE STEERING
The 408’s precise rack and pinion type steering
provides good driver feedback. Its variable steering
power assistance system is controlled by a variable
output pump.
The standard or optional ESP system, depending on
the version, also adds the functions of anti-slip
regulation (ASR) and stability control (CDS). The system
can be disconnected to maintain power in delicate
situations and automatically reactivates when the
speed exceeds 50 km/h.

EFFICIENT BRAKING
At the front, braking is provided by large 283 mm
diameter, 26 mm thick ventilated discs. Piston
diameter on the front brake callipers has been increased
to 54 mm to provide a good level of “bite”, control
and endurance. The rear is equipped with two
249x9 mm discs.
As standard equipment, the 408 is fitted with an ABS
system, electronic brake force distribution (EBDF) and
emergency braking assistance (EBA). To complete
this package, the hazard warning lights come on
automatically in the event sharp deceleration.

21 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE

PEUGEOT 408
RANGE

BODY COLOURS AND Dark ambiance

INTERIOR TRIMS This predominantly black ambiance defines a dynamic
and luxury universe:
BODY COLOURS
• dashboard: Tramontane Dark Grey;
There are seven shades available in the 408 body
• chrome dashboard trim and Warm Silver paint;
colour range:
• instrument background: White;
Polar White Obsidian Black • Shuiwen Black Warp and weave fabric or Black
Aluminium Grey China Blue Leather;
Thorium Grey Lucifer Red • available with the following body colours: Aluminium
Vapour Grey Grey, China Blue, Lucifer Red.

AMBIANCE AND INTERIOR TRIM
Light ambiance
Elegance and modernity characterise this two-tone
ambiance:
• upper dashboard: Tramontane Dark Grey;
• lower dashboard: Ariès Beige;
• instrument background: Black;
• chrome dashboard trim and Warm Silver paint;
• Tiaowon Beige warp and weave fabric or Beige Leather;
• available with the following body colours: Polar White,
Thorium Grey, Obsidian Black, Vapour Grey.
Peugeot, in accordance with the Group’s demanding
quality policy, has deployed major resources to
conduct 1,000,000 km of road testing on the 408.
This means that double the amount of initial road
testing has been carried out prior to the vehicle’s
sales launch. The aim has been to obtain the maximum
amount of feedback likely to improve or correct the
slightest detail not complying with the high quality
targets set for the 408 at the time of its launch.
January 2010

22 PEUGEOT 408 - DOSSIER DE PRESSE