Peugeot has unveiled a hybrid concept car, previewing a new design language that will replace the French car maker's polarising "big mouth" styling.
The RC concept car is the first vehicle designed by Peugeot's new design boss Jerome Gallix and will debut at October's Paris motor show with design cues that will first feature on the all-new 408 large car due in 2010.
Peugeot's Lion badge has been supersized for the sleek-looking RC concept, a four-door GT coupe that joins the likes of the VW Passat CC and forthcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide in mimicking the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
The RC evolves styling of previous Peugeot concepts - 2002's RC Spade and RC Diamond, and 2006's 908 RC - as well as using the two capital letters that signify the company's sports models in mainland Europe.
A toned-down version of the new, four-seat RC's aggressive-looking front end is set to form the French brand's new corporate face, replacing the gaping-grille design first introduced on Peugeot production models with the 2004 407.
The rear-three-quarter view of the RC - called the "RC..." by Peugeot because it will adopt a more complete name at its Paris unveiling - is also said to provide a strong clue to the appearance of the 407's replacement, the 408.
Peugeot is so far being vague about the RC's engine, saying only that it is a "highly innovative" hybrid system capable of generating a potential power output of 230kW yet only emitting 109 grams per kilometre of carbon dioxide (CO2). The car maker says the RC is also capable of zero emissions when running in electric mode.
Peugeot has previously used the 307CC Hybride concept to preview a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain the company said it planned to put into production by 2010.