This event takes place at the Exhibition Centre in Nasrec, Johannesburg, from Saturday 1 November through to Sunday 9 November 2008.

The Sports Prototype racer, powered by a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V12 diesel, is being brought to the show jointly by Peugeot Motors South Africa and Kagiso Exhibitions and Events.

It will form part of PMSA’s stand in Hall Five.

With 520 kW and about 1 200 Nm of torque, this isn’t your average turbodiesel hatchback.

Nonetheless, the waist-high machine has been used successfully by Peugeot to showcase its diesel technology and races with diesel particulate filters, making it clean as well as fast.

The 908 HDi looks likely to be replaced by a hybrid version for the 2009 Le Mans 24-hour and the separate five-round European Le Mans Series endurance events.

The new car combines the benefits of turbodiesel efficiency with regenerative electric storage.

This will provide additional power when necessary by releasing energy stored in a 60 kW electric motor/generator to supplement the output from the engine.

If the vehicle is approved for competition, it will make Peugeot the first manufacturer to develop a hybrid for top-flight motorsport.

– (Correspondent)