Polarising Perplexion - Peugeot Asphalte Concept

Nowadays there is a strong market for driver-focused cars. A prime example is the Porsche 911R; limited production and desirable specification set it in good stead for appreciation in value for the future (it’s well on its way to the millions already). What do the other 99% have, though? When you can’t splash out more than the value of the average house on one car, what options are there? If you’re looking for involvement and fun or simply a rewarding driving experience, key features to look for are as little weight as possible, adequate amounts of power and a good chassis. The first things that spring to mind are MX-5 and Toyobaru, and then the swarm of things that everybody will have differing opinions on. This segment is what Peugeot tried to poke their nose into, with the track-focused Asphalte, though it never made it to the production line.

The recipe was there. Small size, lightweight body panels, scrimpy interior and enough oomph for a small hatchback. The 1.6 litre 4-pot was mounted up front and sent its (drum roll please) 90HP to the peculiarly positioned rear wheels. Gears were not manually selectable (shock horror), all 5 were automatic which seems unusual for a car aimed at serious drivers, though at the same time is rational as the car was definitely intended for track use and each tenth or so is vital.

As a suggested track car, the interior was decidedly barebones. A single, hard-looking plastic bench is the only seating you get, though is simple and likely incredibly lightweight. A 3-spoke metal steering wheel unique to the car prevents distraction (no hand controls here) and a race-inspired display dominates the view through the wheel. A blue wrap around dashboard wraps the package up, and a pretty much useless windscreen is there to deflect the least committed of flies from finding their way up your nose and down your throat whilst motoring down the road.

In early design stages, the strange body was supposed to envelop three wheels, though to assist stability a fourth was added. As the rear two are so closely packaged, it’s what I imagine the lovechild of an Isetta and a Polaris Slingshot would look like. It’s quirky, but I like it. It looks like an entertaining drive, that’s one thing for sure.

Not a lot of information is known about the Asphalte, though some unusual features I am aware of include the coverable passenger seat (a nice throwback to racing cars of the 1950s and 60s) and adjustable steering column and pedals, to give the driver ultimate customisation and the ability to set the interior up just how he/she wants it, to suit themselves.

As a car, I rather admire the Asphalte. It’s a nice hearken back to classic racers yet still fresh and unusual, even for a 1996 concept. It’s bold, and in a way the first of the modern road-legal track weapons, though this credit often goes to the Ariel Atom, being a fully-fledged in-production vehicle. Its styling is generic of-the-era Peugeot, which is by no means a bad thing. Now consigned to life on display, the short-lived concept is likely never to see the track again.

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