Twin engine Dune Buggy for the 21st Century

The unusual Hoggar concept from Peugeot stood out from the crowd at the 2003 Geneva motor show - not only by virtue of it's radical open design, but through the use of two turbocharged four cylinder HDi (diesel) engines, one at the front, and the other at the rear, to achieve the attributes of a four-wheel drive. Each power unit has dual overhead camshafts and sixteen valves and displaces 2168 cc for an output of 180 bhp with gobs of torque. The two engines therefore supply a combined power of nearly 360 bhp and a maximum torque of ... 800 Nm!

Each engine’s exhaust incorporates a catalytic converter, a particulate filter (FAP) and a silencer. The left-hand exhaust system corresponds to the front engine, while the right-hand exhaust system corresponds to the rear engine.

Both radiators are set well back at windscreen level to reduce the length of the front overhang. While the radiators are common to both engines, the one on the right features a low temperature loop to cool the intake air. Air from outside is captured at the front of the vehicle and is supplied to the radiators through a conduit incorporated in the bonnet lining.

Each power train has its own electronics. A global electronic control unit (the supervisor) distributes instructions to both engines from a single accelerator pedal and a single gearbox control. The supervisor controls all safety functions and provides downgrade modes if necessary (for example if running on a single engine). The Hoggar can of course be driven with only one of its two power trains.

Each ML 6C gearbox is driven by electrically controlled hydraulic actuators. The sequential gear change operates by means of control "paddles" under the steering wheel or a gear lever on the central console. A fully automatic mode is also available.

The suspension of this concept car features double wishbones at the front and rear. Each axle is equipped with an anti-roll bar. The light-alloy wishbones allow generous clearance both in terms of compression (250 mm) and expansion (250 mm).

To guarantee steering accuracy despite a total travel of 500 mm, each front suspension unit has a detached pivot. The four suspension units are fitted with two spring/gas damper units, each equipped with a gas reservoir. This additional capacity makes it possible to increase the volume of available gas while retaining a compact damper body.

Assisted braking is provided by four ventilated 380 mm discs and six piston brake callipers.

The 21" diameter light-alloy wheels have original styling. They are fitted with Michelin tyres, with a design which matches that of the wheel.

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