It is no secret that the premium sedan market is a German playground. No matter how hard the outsiders try, they have a real tough when it comes to beating Audi, Mercedes, and BMW at their favorite game. French manufacturers strive to address this issue by throwing in their well-known non conformism. Citroen, a traditional individualist, seems to be the best at this with their luxury-hatch, the C6. Renault used the same hatchback approach in the VelSatis, unfortunately in a less inspired way. The only French manufacturer to stick to the traditional tricorp body is Peugeot with the 607. This doesn't seem to be a very successful solution either. Maybe the best way towards a successful French sedan is a compromise between the aforementioned. Peugeot showed us what the future is going to look like last year in Geneva with the 908 RC Concept. I tried to see how the futuristic lines of the show-car can be translated onto a production version. Does this stand a chance against a 5-Series or an A6? I don't really think so, but it's a noble effort.
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I actually still wonder why the French manufacturers even try in this category. They make great small cars, but their large sedans just don’t compare to the Germans. I know margins are better in that segment, but if you sell enough cars to recoup the costs, what’s the point.
Nice work on the design, though, Andrei.
In Europe, once upon a time, there was a market for big cars that was not considered premium. Not unlike the Chevrolet Impala ord Ford Crown Victoria. Peugeot fitted nicely into to that category, together with the euro Ford Granada/Scorpio, The Opel Omega, Volvo 740 and so on. I guess that market is no more, as people prefer smaller cars from a premium segment for the same price.
Interesting and worthy work, Andrei. Peugeot should facelift the car according to your blueprint. I notice you left the rest of the 607 unchanged; don’t you think there is more of the 908 that could be integrated?
The Vel Satis and Avantime were inspired, it must be said — although inspired by WHAT is less clear. The Vel Satis was arguably the most bizarre automotive product concept of the last 20 years (a huge coupe on a minivan platform). Full marks for trying something different, at least.
what a weird snout. Does NOT look like a Peugeot. Get me out f here!
Interesting, kind of looks like a mouse or a rat with that pointy nose.
The nose is the new look of Peugeot apparently, have a look at the 308. Here in Trinidad the 607 was considered on par with the Bimmers and Benz but again only by a few.