PEUGEOT INSTINCT Concept: the autonomous vehicle by PEUGEOT

For PEUGEOT INSTINCT CONCEPT, we were inspired by nature, and by Man in particular. He gains autonomy by learning about his environment. In the same way, PEUGEOT INSTINCT CONCEPT relies on deep learning, a learning method to establish the profile of its user. To do this, the Samsung ARTIKTM Cloud I.o.T* platform connects everyday objects and aggregates the data. These come from connected watches, smartphones, social networks. The home contributes to this via home automation – connected television, audio streaming, Home Assistant – computer, etc. The car itself is an incomparable source of information. It accompanies us in our daily lives: usual journeys, favorite places, driving habits, etc.
PEUGEOT and Sentiance, a Data Science company, process the data to make it explicit and determine each person’s profile. This analysis is dynamic and constantly enriched. It allows PEUGEOT INSTINCT CONCEPT to pre-configure or adapt its architecture to fully meet the needs and desires of its user.

The four modes allow particularly fine management. Thus, Drive Boost is focused on dynamic driving. Drive Relax uses ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistance Systems) to assist the driver. These include, for example, automatic headlight switching or active cruise control.
In autonomous mode, Autonomous Soft prioritizes comfort. In this sense, trips can be a little longer, conducive to watching a film, reading or resting. Finally, Autonomous Sharp mode optimizes travel times and adopts precise and efficient driving behavior.

The autonomous car opens up a new field of creativity, brought about by new uses.
With PEUGEOT INSTINCT CONCEPT and the Responsive i-Cockpit, we are capitalizing on what makes the brand's latest models successful. We create new ways to experience driving pleasure. Whether through interfaces, architecture, style. Nowhere is it written that an autonomous car must be monotonous to look at and experience.

Matthias Hossann, head of PEUGEOT concept cars

 

The driver's environment reveals aerial kinematics when transitioning between Drive and Autonomous modes. The compact steering wheel and the blade supporting the toggle switches then retract into the dashboard. At the same time, the accelerator pedal disappears into the apron.

Regardless of the mode activated, the driver maintains control of the vehicle. If this is obvious in Drive mode, this particularity of the PEUGEOT autonomous vehicle is of interest in Autonomous mode. Adjoining the 9.7” screen located in the central console, the i-Device allows you to control actions. A single gesture is enough to, for example, overtake the vehicle being followed or change from Soft to Sharp typing.
In Drive mode, the holographic instrument panel delivers information relating to driving: vehicle speed, distribution between the two energies of the PHEV traction chain, battery charge, etc. The digital rearview alerts of the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot.
In Autonomous mode, these elements accommodate new information, relevant because only the notion of time now matters. All passengers are thus informed of the time, the remaining time to reach the destination, and the progress on the current route.
Each mode, each typing implies a different on-board atmosphere. In addition to the information provided, this consists of the positioning of the seats, lighting and sound system.

The Responsive i-Cockpit places each passenger in a privileged, individual space, even on board a compact vehicle. To preserve the space allocated to everyone, the seats are inspired by aeronautics. They separate structures and areas of contact with the body – seat, backrest and headrest. The first, magnified by aluminum work, are now fixed. The seconds remain mobile, pivoting around the transverse Y axis. The occupant freely determines the setting suitable for their activity: lying down to rest, upright to drive or intermediate to watch a film or work.

Passengers can all communicate with the car via a chatbot, a personal voice assistant giving access to an infinite range of services. Commands expressed in a natural way allow, for example, to book a cinema screening or make an online purchase.

The materials invite us to reappropriate the time thus freed. On the ground, a thin layer of concrete, with its silky touch, encourages you to take off your shoes and relax. A 3D mesh hugs and supports the body. It covers the side panels of the central console and the door, the cushion and the seat backs. For neck comfort, the headrest is adorned with leather and a soft 3D mesh.

The proportions of PEUGEOT INSTINCT CONCEPT draw on the great tradition of master coachbuilders. The chiseled lines are curved as close as possible to the technology and the occupants. The long hood suggests the 300 horsepower developed by the PHEV powertrain. The generously curved wheel arches express the handling and power of this four-wheel drive.
The front presents an intensely expressive look. Like the pupil of an eye, the lens of a camera is arranged in the center of each LED projector. This lens views the vehicle's environment to provide information to the driver assistance systems. The grille has different permeability depending on the location. This semi-hollow structure receives a Lion whose base comes to life in white when Autonomous mode is engaged.

 

When it is moving, an automobile displaces a volume of air which resists its advancement. Engineers have always sought to develop aerodynamics in order to reduce consumption and improve passenger comfort. Tomorrow, this last point will take on even more importance. With autonomous driving, automobile occupants will engage in new activities on board. They will discover new pleasures.

On either side of the headlights, the light signature stretches over the entire height of the front mask. In addition, it deploys from 90 km/h with a dual objective. The two light guides are connected at the bottom by a blade, providing additional support on the front axle.
On the other hand, this movement reveals an opening to reduce the pressure exerted on the bodywork when the vehicle moves. The air is then taken from the front and expelled from the surface of the wheels. This virtual fairing of the wheels has the effect of canceling aerodynamic interference with the ground connections in association with work on the five-spoke rims. Made from aluminum, they feature fine grooves which contribute to their lightness. This aerodynamic function is also present at the rear. The air flow is taken through an opening made at the level of the beltline in the front door. It is then directed towards the diffuser, overlooked by 3D lights united by a light strip.
In the upper part, the glass roof lowers closer to the passengers thanks to its rounded profile. This design is highlighted by the deep blue tint, with three-layer varnish, which covers the entire bodywork.