If it's the real deal, then it appears that Peugeot's designers have toned down the styling a little compared to the near-production concept model, called the "5 by Peugeot", that was showcased in Geneva earlier this year (see here).
The automaker describes the 508 concept car as "another indication of the changing face of Peugeot" and as "providing an insight into the marque's future ambitions in the large luxury vehicle segment."
From what we understand, the production 508 will replace both the VW Passat-fighting 407 and the unsuccessful Audi A6-sized 607 sedan. This is also suggested by the concept model's exterior dimensions which at 4,860mm long, is 42mm shorter than the 607 but 168mm longer than the 407 sedan.
Peugeot is enhancing its 407 Coupe model lineup for the 2010MY with the introduction of a new pair of diesel engines that have been developed in cooperation with Ford. Leading the way is the new 3.0-liter V6 HDi diesel that was recently launched on the Citroen C5 and C6 models. The new unit that replaces the outgoing 2.7-liter V6 HDi generates 240HP at 3,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 450 Nm from 1,600 rpm to 3,600 rpm. 
Surprisingly, it's the most powerful engine ever to be used on a production Peugeot. Equipped with a particle emissions filter (PEF) and compliant to Euro 5 standards, the V6 diesel that is linked to a six-speed sequential automatic gearbox launches the four-seater coupe from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 240km/h or 149 mph.
Even though power is increased by 18 percent over the 2.7-liter V7 HDi, Peugeot claims a 15 percent reduction in fuel consumption announcing a combined figure of 7.2 lt/100km (32.7 mpg US or 39.2 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 189g/km instead of 225g/km on the previous model.
The second new diesel engine for 407 Coupe is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder HDi that is coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox and develops an output of 163HP and 340Nm of torque compared to 136HP and 320Nm of the previous 2.0L diesel. With this powertrain, the 407 Coupe accelerates from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 9.1 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of 220km/h or 137mph.
On average, the 407 Coupe 2.0 HDi consumes 5.2 liters of diesel per 100 km which comes to around 45.2 mpg US or 54.3 mpg UK.
For the 2010MY range, all 407 Coupe models benefit from newly designed door mirrors, chrome trimming on the upper section of the side windows and all-new navigation system.
These are the latest speculative renderings of Peugeot's 407 mid-size sedan replacement that is due to arrive in European showrooms sometime during the fourth quarter of 2010. The crew over at French car magazine L'Auto Journal told us that the computer generated images of the Peugeot 408 are based on inside information. As is always the case with these kind of stories, only time will tell how close the renderings are to reality. 
What we do know for certain is that underneath the sheetmetal, the Peugeot 408 sedan will get the same platform and much of the mechanical hardware found in the well accepted Citroen C5.
Expect to see Peugeot's Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia challenger to be offered with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, ranging from a 1.8-litre 127-horsepower petrol unit to the new 3.0-liter HDi V6 diesel that produces a healthy 240-horsepower.
Photos: Autojournal
