Assimilation Of Technology And Aesthetics, The Peugeot 308’s New Coat Of Arms

A verge between the latest technologies and the inspiration of the brand's designers, Peugeot’s lion head emblem, the new 308 grille’s high-tech secrets.

Interestingly, apart from representing the presence of the latest Peugeot model, it conceals the radar that feeds information to the processors in its arsenal of driving aids.

This new generation emblem is highlighted by the design and pattern of the grille, characterised by different chrome elements which unite towards its centre. 

It’s made up of a thin layer of indium, a rare superconducting metal that doesn’t interfere with the radar waves, and a chromium-plated appearance as well as high resistance to corrosion.

Notably, the number plate has been moved to the lower part of the front bumper in order to showcase the design in all its glory.

Resulting in the driving assistance radar to disappear behind the coat of arms so as not to disturb the aesthetics of the grille.

Outfitted on all the new 308, the new Peugeot emblem comes in two versions, identical in appearance but technically different.

One is found on the Active Pack versions and the other, innovative, is specific to the Allure and GT versions equipped with the driving assistance radar.

Technically, for the driving aids to work perfectly, the waves emitted by the radar must not have any interference whatsoever.

As such, the emblem’s design has been rethought, taking into account two constraints, i.e., the thickness of the surface must be constant and the components must not contain any metal particles.

In detail, the new coat of arms is manufactured in several stages, where a smooth front panel of constant thickness in injected polycarbonate is produced first.

Then, a rear panel is produced in indium. This rare alloy is used specifically for the version of the emblem on the models equipped with the radar. 

Mainly because it is the only material that meets the technical and visual needs, in which it has a natural chrome appearance and properties that do not interfere with the radar waves.

After that, a laser scraping operation. To make the lion of the new Peugeot logo appear, the indium surface is laser-scraped to reveal the lion through the polycarbonate.

Ensuing that, black paint is applied to the back of the coat of arms and forms the background of the logo.

Next, a protective varnish is applied on the front surface of the coat of arms, in order to protect it from external elements such as shocks, sun, temperature changes, etc. 

Finally, the emblem is then glued to a technical attachment part, which is then attached and screwed to the grille.

Functionality-wise, the new emblem provides access to the latest generation of driving assistance systems.

For example, it has adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go function, combined with the EAT8 automatic gearbox with adjustable inter-vehicle distance setting.

Second, is an adaptive cruise control with 30 km/h function, combined with the manual gearbox that also comes with adjustable inter-vehicle distance setting.

Third, is an automatic emergency braking, which detects pedestrians and cyclists by day and night from 7 km/h to 140 km/h depending on the version, and alerts the driver in the event of a collision.

Furthermore, starting this year, this radar will also be used for the new Drive Assist 2.0 package, which takes another step towards semi-autonomous driving. 

On versions with EAT8 automatic transmission, it combines the adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go function with lane keeping assist. 

Other than that, this new version of the Drive Assist 2.0 also adds two new functions available on dual carriageways.

Such as, a semi-automatic lane change system. At which, from 70 km/h to 180 km/h, it offers the driver the possibility of overtaking the vehicle in front, and then offers to turn back.

Plus, an anticipated speed recommendation function, where the system suggests that the driver adapt the speed (acceleration or deceleration) according to the speed limit signs.

That said, the new Peugeot 308 is the first vehicle in the range to feature the new lion's head coat of arms, unveiled in February 2021, in its own dedicated grille. 

All in all, this innovation defines a new face, while affirming the personality and character of the 308 and, in general, expressing the brand's strategy of moving upmarket.