Peugeot 406

Infobox Automobile
boxcolor = darkgreen


name = Peugeot 406
manufacturer = Peugeot
parent_company = PSA Peugeot Citroën
production = 1995–2004 (France, United Kingdom)
1995–present (Egypt and Iran only)
1996–2004 (Italy) (Coupé)
layout = FF layout
predecessor = Peugeot 405
successor = Peugeot 407
class = Large family car
body_style = 2-door coupé
4-door sedan
5-door estate
related = Citroën Xantia,
Honda Accord,
Ford Mondeo
engine = 1.6L I4
1.8L I4
2.0L I4
2.0L I4 Turbocharged
2.2L I4
2.9L V6
1.9L I4 Turbodiesel
2.0L I4 HDi
2.1L I4 Turbodiesel
2.2L I4 HDi
designer=Pininfarina (Coupé)The Peugeot 406 was a large family car from the French automaker Peugeot from 1995 to 2004. Available in sedan, station wagon and coupé bodystyles with a choice of gasoline or turbodiesel engines, the 406 replaced the Peugeot 405 in Peugeot's lineup, and was itself replaced by the Peugeot 407. It used the same platform as the Citroën Xantia, though without that car's sophisticated hydropneumatic suspension system.

The diesel versions were very popular, and the 406 became one of Europe's best-selling diesel-powered cars.Fact|date=February 2007 Initially, the car was available with 1.8 L and 2.0 L gasoline and 1.9 L turbodiesel engines, followed by a 110 bhp 2.1 L turbodiesel, turbocharged 2.0 L and 3.0 L petrol V6 engines. The 2-door coupé was both designed and built by Italian designer Pininfarina, with choices of a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine or a 3.0 L V6, and from 2001, a 2.2 L HDi diesel engine.

The 406 was notably successful in the UK. It broke into the key UK fleet sales market, with 90 percent of units becoming company cars.Fact|date=May 2007

Engines

Movie appearance

The 406 sedan was featured in the French "Taxi" movie series. In "Taxi" the 406 has a modified 3.0 V6 capable of tremendous speed and a pop-out front and rear spoiler. In "Taxi 2" the car was the facelifted 406 which also had pop-out spoilers and wings to aid aerial movement, such as when the car "jumps" over French army tanks trying to block its escape. In the movie it is capable of reaching a topspeed of 306 km/h. In "Taxi 3", the 406 is further upgraded to be able to travel in icy terrain. The fourth movie "Taxi 4" features a 407 instead which sounds like it has a tuned V8 under its hood. More gadgets and pop-out spoilers were added. [http://imcdb.org/vehicle_2461-Peugeot-406-1999.html Internet Car Movie Database]

A Peugeot 406 also featured heavily in the 1998 action film Ronin. The car was driven in the final car chase throughout the streets of Paris by the main protagonists, Robert de Niro and Jean Reno. [ [http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_3103-Peugeot-406-1996.html?PHPSESSID=5182bf517b24a821ec6cc4fe6a8457fd IMCDb.org: 1996 Peugeot 406 Série 1 in "Ronin, 1998" ] ]

Facelift

The Facelifted 406 sedan was introduced in 1999 and it has changed in many aspects from the other 406 to make it safer, stronger and faster. The changes include the new and improved EW/DW Engine Family which involves more power and fuel efficiency. Other parts have been changed such as transmission (ratio in fifth increased from 25 to 28 mph/1000rpm), wheels, suspension and brakes. On the exterior, the 406 got a whole new elegant look with more pronounced ribs, totally smooth glass headlights and a new honeycomb grill. The interior has been totally redesigned to create comfort and space as well as a new look. 406 ended production in 2004.

References

External links

* [http://www.peugeot.com/ Peugeot's official website with pictures of concept cars. Website is in French.]
* [http://www.406coupe.info/ Enthusiast website about the 406 Coupé with the history and specs of the various models]
* [http://peugeot406coupe.no.sapo.pt/ Online resource about the Pininfarina Peugeot 406 Coupe]
* [http://www.cwn.org.uk/motoring/peugeot/1999/04/990426-406-on-sale.htm Online resource about the facelifted Peugeot 406]