Instead of being just another petrol/electric hybrid with moderately better fuel economy than a regular 508, the main focus of this particular plug-in hybrid will be performance.
The new model will offer top-of-the-range performance and a limited electric-only capability for the 508's sporty GT trim, thanks to a mild hybrid 1.6-litre petrol engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor in the back to drive the rear wheels.
If that setup sounds familiar it could be because it's the same system that's been confirmed for the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense, which is another model based on PSA's EMP2 platform, due to go on sale next year.
The 508 PHEV's four-cylinder engine, which will be assisted by a starter/generator motor, is expected to generate a total system power of around 200bhp. The electric motor driving the rear wheels will be responsible for providing 100bhp of that, and will be capable of propelling the 508 PHEV on electric-only for a range of 50km.
Energy for the electric motor will be provided by a lithium-ion battery under the floor of the boot. Although that's normally where the spare wheel is to be found, the design of the EMP2 platform means this won't impact boot space in either fastback or estate body styles.
An eight-speed automatic is expected to be the only gearbox offered, and the same system is also set to be employed in the plug-in hybrid versions of the 3008 and 5008 SUVs that are in the pipeline, and are also built on the versatile EMP2 platform.
PSA has ambitious plans to electrify every model in its portfolio, with larger models getting plug-in hybrids while smaller models like the Peugeot 208 will be offered in fully electric versions.
In another development, PSA has confirmed it will be returning to the US market.
The company said it "confirms the implementation of its 10-years progressive return project in North America," as announced in April 2016.
The automaker, which left the US in 1991, started its return in 2016 with the introduction of its Free2Move app "that provides access to all car-sharing providers."
The second phase will use PSA vehicles to "develop mobility solutions," followed finally by US sales of the brands for which "local production is considered."
The statement came two-days after PSA North America CEO Larry Dominique told reporters the US auto tariff threat could delay the company's return.
"Tariffs would affect how fast and at what price point we return to the US market," he said.
US President Donald Trump in May began a formal process which could result in raising US duties on all imported autos and parts, goods valued at hundreds of billions a year.
