In terms of cars, there are certain models we’d rather never see go into production. On the contrary, others remained prototype stage when we would like to meet them on our roads. The Peugeot Oxia is one of those, and his two unique copies was not enough to take it to the stage of mass marketing. Let’s go back to time context in the late 80s.*

Peugeot introduced its 205 in 1983which brilliantly replaced the old 104. In the segment of family salons, this is the 405 that replaced the 1987 305as well as its numerous special and rally versions (Mi16, T16) have already made her a legend. Peugeot has the wind in its sails, that’s whyand was going to introduce in 1989 a new large sedan, 605, to decorate the niche hitherto occupied by the 505. But what happens between them? It is presented there, In 1988, this supercar prototype was named Oxia.

Car UFO

Visually, this model is unlike anything Peugeot is used to. The silhouette is thin, slender, as if pressing the body to the ground a real supercar. Designed between the 405 and 605 models, it has the taillights of the former and the headlights of the latter. Although the 605, remember, had not yet been introduced in this 1988 year. With Oxia, the goal is twofold. Highlight know-how Peugeot in the design of a sports model, strong with its victories in competitions. Undoubtedly, they also poke their noses at those who 8 years ago seemed ready to bury the brand in great financial difficulties. But also pay homage to 1930s Francewhen designers love Delage, Delahaye or Bugattiracked their brains to offer luxury models, differentiating, “In French”.

350 km/h…

Beauty comes to life great engine of the time V6 PRV, developed, as the name suggests, in partnership with Renault and Volvo. This is a 24-valve, twin-turbocharged version with a displacement of 2,849 cm3. develops 680 horsepower. The transmission is carried out on four wheels, and it is original directional. Like some current models! Michelin driver Jean on the trackPhilip Wittecock accelerated the beast to 350 km/h, accelerating to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.. *

A feat we also owe him record weight: only 1374 kg. Wasn’t the latter voluntarily restrained so that Oxia could fly away to other planets? His real name is a a reference to the zero point of the planet Mars, Oxia Palus. The most powerful sports car ever created by Peugeot at the time, Oxia remained at the prototype stage (only two). She never had the right to fly to these distant lands…