Peugeot SR1 concept

The SR1 makes its international show debut in Geneva despite Peugeot going public with the car soon after the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

This concept is significant for two reasons. Firstly, and most obviously, as a pure sports car it is a new type of car for Peugeot whose cabriolets have previously been derivatives of their mainstream hatchback or sedan designs. Secondly, it ushers in a new 'post-Welter' design direction with Jean-Pierre Ploué heading up PSA design and Gilles Vidal now design director of Peugeot. Under this new management, the SR1 eschews the rictus grin and the design themes of recent Peugeots and introduces a strong new design direction for the brand.

This new direction is evident in the DRG (down-road-graphics) which feature a disappointingly generic grille aperture. But see the SR1 in the metal and it's immediately clear, in a way that pictures fail to belie, how the rest of the design is very fresh. A gentle depression in the door side is echoed in the rear fender and the upper surface of the front fender – where uniquely an 'ingot' of polished metal door mirror pierces through. The shut lines of the hood and trunk unusually zig-zag down from the cabin. Both front and rear lamps feature three vertical blades that stand proud of the main graphic – at the rear they literally bridge over the body connecting the two strands of red lamp. Inside, the instruments are positioned far forwards in the deep IP which is a broad concave form that sweeps around into the doors, becoming convex as it does so. And behind the front seats is a single rear seat for a third occupant.

This design was very well received by the design community in Geneva. Every designer we spoke to rated it highly. It cleverly introduces many new ideas but remains a holistic and well integrated design that doesn't appear to be trying too hard. It's certainly a great start for Peugeot's new design management team.

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Who's Where: Gilles Vidal appointed Design Director at Peugeot