PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT features 3D printing on textiles

With a new official message exalting its feline style, the new PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT heralds a new era and embodies the Brand’s vision for future electric vehicles. This vehicle is equipped with a variety of innovative technologies including a 3D printed cockpit, and a revolutionary interior design that uses innovative 3D printing on textile technology. It was developed in collaboration between Stratasys, Peugeot, and Stratasys.

The major brand change was embodied in the first PEUGEOT Design manifesto, led by Matthias Hossann. The name PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT (or “Inceptio” in Latin) means “the beginning”. This acronym summarizes the PEUGEOT manifesto, which aims to propel the driver into an entirely new dimension. It is a place between reality and dream, promising intense emotions. Its ambition is for most of its innovations into production as soon as possible in 2025.

“PEUGEOT is changing, but the PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT remains unmistakeably a PEUGEOT,” said Hossann, PEUGEOT Design Director. “It expresses the timeless feline attraction of the Brand and shows how optimistic we are about the future of the car and the emotions it provides. Bright and full of light, the PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT reinvents the spatial experience of driving while illustrating some of our thinking behind reducing PEUGEOT’s carbon footprint by more than 50% by 2030. The transformation of the Brand concerns all aspects of the design, production and life of tomorrow’s PEUGEOT. Design is an integral part of this transformation.“

Velvet meets 3-D printing

One of the key innovations for the PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT’s interiors has been achieved via an innovative 3D printing and material approach. The velvet used to cover the floor and seats is 100% recycled polyester. It also has a metallic sheen which allows the light from the glass capsule to shine through.

The velvet is then extended to the floor to enhance the views from the chairs and the direct view towards the street. The velvet is printed with 3D patterns and used as a floor mat.  A single material can provide continuity between the floors and seats. The 3D printing of this flexible textile, which was created in collaboration between Stratasys & Peugeot, is innovative and 100% recyclable.

This Stratasys 3DFashion technology allows direct-to–textile printing in full-color and clear print. It can create stunning designs and amazing optical illusionary effects on a variety of textiles, including luxury accessories and footwear. 3DFashion technology allows for optimization of the absorption mechanism, which allows for perfect adhesion to a variety of fabrics.

A new generation i-Cockpit

Besides obvious use in the prototype’s development, 3D printing is also used to increase comfort on final parts such as the Hypersquare control system. The new i-Cockpit makes it easier for the driver to control all aspects of driving. Steer-by-wire technology makes driving feel more natural and intuitive.

The Hypersquare replaces the traditional steering wheel with a natural, safer, simpler and more comfortable experience. The Hypersquare with digital electronic controls is a screen with four corners that contains circular cells. These cells have multiple functions.

• The steering control is completely natural and universal in its grip
• Fingertip driving comfort
• Activation of the vehicle’s controls by pressing with the thumb
• Similar movements can be observed in the way we use our phones.
• This intuitive aspect provides a high level safety.

A tablet-type screen is located in the center of Hypersquare and allows for the distribution of control information. Pictograms of the various features (air conditioner, radio volume, ADAS etc.) are displayed on the center of Hypersquare. The pictograms of the various features (air conditioner, radio volume, etc.) can be accessed via the side panels. You can access the latter by simply moving your thumb, and without having to take your hands from the steering wheel. The Hypersquare’s rim is 3D printed, and the digital glass screen in the center gives it a high-tech look.

Stellantis STLA Smart Cockpit technology is included in the next generation i-Cockpit.

A bright future

However, the PEUGEOT INCEPTIONCONCEPT does not currently consider 3D printing for serial production. However, higher-volume batch applications might be possible if they are of sufficient value to justify the price. In general, the fact that the most advanced (and realistic) concept EV for the neat to medium term future consider some 3D printing applications indicates that most car manufacturers are aware that they need to keep an eye on this technology’s developments.

PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT is a positive vision that is confident and ready to face the challenges of the future. The new generation i-Cockpit with Hypersquare control system revolutionizes driving experience by offering a new intuitive way to operate your car. Skyspace panoramic glass provides new sensations and emotions. The new passenger compartment features a unique interior space. Innovative architecture is complemented with materials that play with the colors of their reflections to avoid black and redefine the notion of durability using new techniques.

The PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT opens up new perspectives with daring architecture, derived from the generation of “BEV-by-design” platforms, and comes in a generous size, further highlighting the excellence of its innovations. This manifesto will inspire the Brand’s future products, down to the most compact models of the range.

“PEUGEOT is committed to the electrification of its range,” said Linda Jackson, CEO of the PEUGEOT brand. “In 2023, 100% of the vehicles in the range will be electrified and in the next two years, five new 100% electric models will be launched. Our goal is to make PEUGEOT Europe’s leading electric brand by 2030. This ambitious vision and our objective will lead to a complete transformation of the Brand. It is the PEUGEOT INCEPTIONCONCEPT that embodies this vision today, and marks the dawn of a new age. PEUGEOT promises that the world is a better place with Allure, the PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT embodies the meaning of this promise from today onwards”.