As part of our continuing delve into the latest Peugeot design renaissance, the EX1 is exciting for a few reasons. It is gorgeous and fresh and extremely interesting from a design perspective, fast as all hell in a straight line with a 62-mph sprint in 3.5-seconds, and also quicker than anything else from France around the Nurburgring.

The design itself is perhaps the most critical element for the EX1’s lasting importance: it shows a completely fresh idea on form sculpting, a new nose, and new layered surfacing techniques not seen before from PSA, the parent company.

The idea of a quad track car or staggered-wheel setup is not as fresh: see the 1996 Peugeot Asphalte concept and Onyx scooter for evidence.

1996 Peugeot Asphalte

By acting as an electric vehicle, it is also a test-bed of new technologies. The issue with an EV this small racing around tracks like shown below is that the battery range at max-attack settings might be severely restricted. With a foot on the floor, almost all EVs range drops to perhaps 10-percent of its theoretical street capability. So to make it 13-miles around the Nurburgring is no mean feat, and would greatly benefit from advanced and effective regenerative braking solutions.

But as what the UK and Europeans call a quad-bike, it could be both road-legal and not be subject to the same safety rules as typically cars and trucks.

The most exciting and timely aspect of the design for many?

It looks like a mini Batman ‘Tumbler’ with its huge exposed rear tires and fearsome satin-matte finishes!

 http://www.peugeot.com/en/design/concept-cars

2011 Peugeot EX1