PSA’s textured paint finish a world first for a production vehicle
PSA Peugeot Citroen tells us that it is constantly working to enhance the appeal of its vehicles and innovations are applied to Peugeot, Citroën and DS vehicles depending on the strategy adopted by each brand.
For example, the Peugeot 208 is now available with a textured paint finish – a world first for a production vehicle – which changes shade and appearance in response to light.
Similarly, the Citroën C4 Cactus sports the exclusive Airbump® side impact protection system which on 2 April 2015 was named the 2015 World Car Design of the Year at the New York International Auto Show.
Borrowing directly from the Divine DS, Wild Rubis and Numero 9 concept cars, the DS 3 is equipped with the DS LED Vision signature lighting system, which clearly illustrates how technology and attractiveness can go hand in hand.
From launch, the new Peugeot 208 will be available with two new colours that are truly innovative and a clear break from the traditional finishes offered: Ice Grey and Ice Silver.
Peugeot say that these colours offer several benefits:
– They are distinctive and enhancing. With their appearance, both matt and satin, they emphasise the lines of the vehicle, reinforcing the dynamism and modernity of the new Peugeot 208. As they play with the light, these colours react strongly to its variations, unlike matt colours which generally smooth out curves and disguise shapes ;
– Their texture, surprisingly lightly granular to the touch, immediately gives the impression of a robust and protective vehicle. They are more hard-wearing and easier to care for than conventional matt paint, offering good resistance to micro-scratching and they accept frequent washing – high pressure jet wash or roller (with no wax cycle) ;
– Because these colours are applied in production at the plant, a world premiere, such distinctive colours, normally only available on small special edition runs or as a very expensive premium hand-applied option they have now become affordable, priced the same as pearlescent paint.
Technically, this represents a significant milestone backed with an international patent. Produced directly at the Poissy plant in France, putting the application of these colours in production has equired nearly 4 years of development work. While the initial coats (anti-corrosion, primer and colour base coats) remain the same as for a conventional metallic paint, the innovation is in the composition and application of the lacquer. This lacquer contains texturing agents, but also fine particles of silica and micro-beads of polyamide. The particles of silica in the resin give the paint its matt appearance, toughness and granular properties, while polyamide micro-beads give the paint its special texture.
As the protective and primer coats are the same, it is possible for the paint robot to choose between the lacquer for conventional paint and the one for a textured paint. This industrial innovation allows greater flexibility in production, making this type of finish available to all and at a competitive price.
Peugeot says that these two new colours, Ice Grey and Ice Silver, have quite distinct areas of expression: The Ice Grey is the mark of elegance, modernity and status; and the Ice Silver suggests dynamism, strength and power (and it is available on the sporty versions of the Peugeot 208, the GTi and the GTi by Peugeot Sport).
The French carmaker says that this new innovations are clear markers of the brand’s strategy, illustrating Peugeot’s ability to be different and its move up-market.
In total, the colour range for the new Peugeot 208 now comprises 13 variants that meet the growing customer demand for differentiation and exclusivity: 2 flat colours (Bianca White and Hurricane Grey), 7 metallic colours (Orange Power, Aluminium, Shark Grey, Nera Black, Virtual Blue, Dark Blue, Ruby Red), 1 pearlescent colour (Pearl White), 2 textured colours (Ice Grey and Ice Silver), 1 straight-cut (Textured Matt Black / Lacquered Red, only available on 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport)