Instead of following the trend of the auto-industry which is to better the fuel economy, Peugeot decided to focus on advancing their technology. As part of the many displays at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot will exhibit their HYbrid4 system in versions of its 3008 crossover and RCZ sports coupe.

Setting itself apart from the current hybrids, Peugeot’s system uses the diesel engines to power the front wheels and an electric motor to power the rear-wheels. As a direct result, it provides added stability to a four-wheel drive but cuts down on mechanical complexity as the systems run independently of each other. In addition, HYbrid4 is also using Peugeot’s stop-start technology.

Take note that the production version of the 3008 HYbrid4 is scheduled to hit the market in spring 2011 while the RCZ HYbrid4 is strictly a concept at the moment, but a production version would probably materialize sometime next decade.