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Following a well-established tradition which has seen a number of great
coupés produced by the Marque, such as the 404, 504 and 406, which became famous
as icons of their times, today the 407 Coupé takes to the stage. This new coupé
with its exclusive style is both elegant and expressive and can comfortably
accommodate four passengers and their luggage.
Its modular interior with versatile and dynamic characteristics gives it all
the credentials of a genuine contemporary touring car.
Indeed, the technology chosen for the engines and suspension ensure highly
efficient road-holding, guaranteeing active safety of the highest order, as well
as convenience, comfort and driving pleasure at all times.
Architecture
The 407 Coupé has a length of 4.815 m and a width of 1.868 m. Its height does
not exceed 1.40 m and the front and rear overhangs are 1.08 m and 1.01 m
respectively, or + 5.5 cm and + 8.5 cm compared to those of the sedan.
The interior of the passenger compartment is generous, due to its length of
1.72 m, or 5.8 cm greater than that of the 406 Coupé. Similarly, elbow width in
the front seats has been extended to 1.542 m and in the rear seats to 1.234 m,
i.e. +12.8 cm and +14.2 cm compared to the 406 Coupé.
Equipped with a dividing, folding rear bench seat, the 407 Coupé has a boot
capacity of 400 litres. The perception of a large interior space is accentuated
further by the large glazed surface area (2.8 m²) and the forward- positioned
front windscreen. Like all 407s, the architecture of the driver’s seat ensures
perfect alignment between the pedal bracket, steering wheel and driving
position. Moreover, the many possible adjustments ensure optimal comfort, even
for a very tall driver, enhancing both driving pleasure and safety. To give this
car a true coupé feel, the driving position has been lowered by 20 mm and set
back by 9 mm compared to that of other 407s.
Style
Thanks to its delicately sculpted architecture, this new body radiates
balance, elegance and dynamism. Its feline look begins with the steeply inclined
front windscreen, giving rise to the lines of a low roof which sweeps back to
the tailgate with its integral dynamic spoiler. At the rear, the lower panel
with its taut lines creates an unmistakeable visual impact, giving the
impression that the 407 coupé is about to pounce, even when at a standstill. The
emotion aroused by the style of the vehicle is strengthened by the “look”, the
taut design of the flanks, and the aerodynamic design of the front shaping the
contours of the passenger compartment that is both discreet outside but
extremely generous inside. This highly sculpted coupé accentuates the stylistic
codes inaugurated on the 407 range and emphasises the harmonious balance between
dynamism and refinement.
The 407 Coupé sustains the promise of motoring enjoyment expressed by its
bodywork by offering inside an opulent atmosphere with four “separate” seats.
Here, echoes of motoring tradition can be found in its instrument panel, its
real aluminium detailing and the hand-stitched finish of its leather trim. The
special finish of the fascia panel, designed from the outset to set both the
sedan and the coupé, is emphasised in the coupé, particularly in versions with
leather trim. The variety of special trims available for the passenger
compartment places this coupé firmly in the refined world of grand touring cars.
Structure
The structure, derived directly from that of the sedan and Touring, has been
developed specially to accommodate the new body. The structure of the coupé
satisfies all the requirements laid down in terms of safety and driving pleasure
by offering a torsional rigidity even higher than that of the sedan. Subject to
a torsional load and a torque of 100 daNm applied to the axles, the deformation
value does not exceed 0.71 mrd, a result hitherto not attained by any of the
Marque’s vehicles. This guarantees optimal operation of the suspension while
enhancing road holding (active safety) and drivability.
This structure is equipped, in addition to the normal upper channel, with a
lower channel for the absorption of impact energy. This is achieved by the
presence of a long, aluminium sub-frame, also a feature of the front suspension.
The platform, though identical to that of the sedan, has been specially
developed to create a vehicle lower by 4.4 cm and, as a direct consequence, a
centre of gravity lower by 25mm. Similarly, the front and rear tracks are wider
compared to those of the 407 sedan and Touring.
Engines
The 407 Coupé also offers undeniable driving pleasure thanks to a choice of
modern, high-performance engines available in both petrol and HDi Diesel
versions. The petrol engine, featured on the 407 sedan and Touring from
introduction, is a V6 with a capacity of 2 946 cm3 developing a maximum power of
155 kW (≈ 210 bhp) and a maximum torque of 290 Nm. This engine has four overhead
camshafts and 24 valves. The two intake camshafts feature a variable valve
timing system (VVT), which ensures optimal fi lling of the combustion chambers,
making the engine both responsive and powerful. Finally, the 407 Coupé is the fi
rst silhouette in the 407 family to feature the all-new Diesel HDi FAP V6
engine, previously only available in the new 607 in Europe. The engine has a
capacity of 2 720 cm3 and four overhead camshafts with 24 valves. It uses a
Common Rail direct multi- injection system and it is fi tted with a FAP with a
service interval extended to 210 000 km. It develops a maximum power of 150 kW
(≈ 205 bhp) with a maximum torque of 440 Nm, thanks in particular to two
variable-geometry turbochargers.
Transmissions
Regardless of the engine under the bonnet, the 407 Coupé comes with a 6-speed
gearbox. While the V6 Diesel engine comes with an automatic gearbox, the V6
petrol engine meanwhile can be equipped with either. These manual or automatic
gearboxes offer six speeds adapted to the special power and torque
characteristics of each engine. The 6-speed transverse automatic gearbox (AM6)
inaugurated on the 407 and then introduced on the 607 is of course offered with
both V6 engines. With a torque capacity in excess of 450 Nm, it adapts naturally
to the maximum value of 440 Nm developed by the DT17 engine (V6 HDi).
This gearbox, compact in terms of size and weight, offers a dynamic and
lively performance without excessive fuel consumption.
Each engine differs by the chosen final drive ratio (54/47 for the DT17 and
49/52 for the ES9/A).
This gearbox is capable of adapting to the driving style of the driver, who
can if desired also choose a more active driving style using the “Porsche
Tiptronic System” sequential control. It is equipped with integral electronic
management and “event-based” self-adaptability according to the road profile at
any given time, steering wheel speed, type of driving adopted, etc...
By reducing loss of engine speed between gear changes, this automatic gearbox
offers driving pleasure, while remaining quiet in operation and economical in
terms of fuel consumption.
Main technical characteristics of the 407 Coupé
| Main technical characteristics of the 407 Coupé |
PETROL |
DIESEL |
| Type of engine |
ES9/A |
DT 17 |
| Type of gearbox |
ML6/C |
AM6 Auto |
AM6 Auto |
| Number of gears |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| Capacity (cm3) |
2946 |
2720 |
| Power (kW - rpm) |
155 / 6 000 |
150 / 4 000 |
| Torque (Nm - rpm) |
290 / 3 750 |
440 / 1 900 |
| Performance |
|
| - Maximum speed (km/h) |
243 |
235 |
230 |
| - 1 000 m standing start (sec) |
29.0 (29.7)* |
29.7 (29.9)* |
29.8 (30.2)* |
| - 0 to 100 km/h (sec) |
8.4 (8.9)* |
8.7 (9.1)* |
8,5 (9.0)* |
| Fuel consumption (l/100 km) |
|
| - ECE (urban) |
15 |
11.9 |
| - EUDC (extra urban ) |
7.3 |
6.5 |
| - Mixed |
10.2 |
8.5 |
| - CO2 |
242 |
226 |
| Kerb weights (kg) |
1612 |
1637 |
1724 |
(*) 1/2 payload.
Wheels and suspension
The 407 Coupé offers a high level of active safety thanks to a suspension
that has proven its worth on the 407 sedan and Touring. In addition to the
increase in the tracks, other specifi c modifi cations have been made to further
enhance the effi ciency and naturally high torsional rigidity of the structure
of this new car (0.71 mrd).
The double wishbone front suspension and integral multi-arm rear suspension
therefore “work” under the best possible conditions to benefit active safety,
driving pleasure and passenger comfort.
The front and rear suspension components benefit from advanced technology
such as the use of Cobapress© aluminium, which offers the same mechanical
properties as forged steel.
The lower body height is obtained by reducing the height of the front springs
by 10 mm and those at the rear by 23 mm. To limit incipient roll and obtain
effective coordination between the front and rear suspension equipped with new
flexibility and enhanced rigidity, the bump stops are shorter and denser than on
sedans and Tourings.
At the front, the separation of vertical movement and steering movement
determines optimal direction consistency under all circumstances (control of the
wheel plane) and also ensures the virtual elimination of steering inaccuracies,
which helps cornering and also reduces sensitivity to wheel imbalance.
This architecture, combined with rigorous assembly, guarantees driving
accuracy and acoustic insulation that is of direct benefit to the smoothness of
the suspension. Compared to other 407s, the front track is wider by 19 mm (ES9/A
– DT17). To control incipient roll, the diameter of the front anti-roll bar of
the ES9/A 6-cylinder version has been increased by 0.5 mm (24.5 m) and with the
V6 Diesel engine it is 25 mm.
As on all 407s, the multi-arm rear suspension incorporates spring/inclined
damper assemblies and on each side a drop-link longitudinal arm, ensuring that
it operates fully in the longitudinal plane only, to eliminate ancillary
stresses that generate vibrations.
Compared to that of other 407s, the rear track of the coupé has been widened
to 1.567 m, i.e. by more than 45 mm, for the 6-cylinder engines. The damping is
variable and each damper is controlled separately. A new damping control
strategy means that progression to fi rmer patterns occurs very rapidly to
achieve more energetic control of pitch, bounce and roll movements under all
driving conditions (uneven roads, high speed, obstacles, loaded vehicle, etc).
By means of a push-button, it is still possible to switch to the “Sport
position” for a direct changeover to the fi rmest damping patterns. The steering
wheel is height- and depth-adjustable over a distance of 40 mm in both planes.
The 407 Coupe features “continuous” variable hydraulic assistance which is
provided by a computer-controlled valve. This takes into account a wide range of
information such as vehicle speed, engine speed, steering angle and steering
wheel speed. Compared to other devices, this one provides more assistance at low
speed and a wider range of power steering variations, while ensuring a good
“reading” of the road. Assisted braking on all versions is provided by
large-diameter, ventilated front discs (ˈ 330 mm, thickness 30 mm). The rear
discs have a diameter of 290 mm and a thickness of 12 mm. The ESP, standard on
all models, includes the following main functions: - The anti-lock braking
system (ABS) is calibrated for 17’’ and 18’’ wheels. It incorporates wheel by
wheel braking with distribution between the front and rear axles, as well as a
system allowing the right and left wheels to be controlled independently.
- There is also emergency brake assist (EBA) calibrated to activate depending
on the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed, and above a rate of
deceleration of 8 m/sec², the hazard warning lights will automatically
illuminate.
- In addition to the traction control (ASR) acting on the brakes
and the engine, the stability control (ESP) continuously compares the steering
wheel angle, the car’s rate of yaw, the speed of the wheels and the transverse
acceleration of the vehicle to detect any incipient under- or oversteer. As a
result of these detections, the ECU orders corrections to be made to return the
car to the trajectory requested by the driver, within the limits of the laws of
physics.
Passive Safety
Consistent with active safety of the highest order, the 407 Coupé offers
passive safety of a similarly high level. For example, this car follows the
example of the sedan with a front impact protection structure (upper and lower)
that distributes energy effectively through the engine compartment in the event
of impact. Similarly, the steering column is retractable over a distance of 80
mm and an impacter limits rearward displacement of the engine in the event of a
head-on collision.
For side impact, the special constraints of the coupé silhouette required the
adoption of special side reinforcements, such as a monobloc door sill stiffener
and the installation of three “impact” tubes in each door and a system which
attaches the lower part of the panel to the side member.
The 407 Coupé is equipped as standard with seven air bags, including two
front air bags, two front side air bags, two front/rear curtain air bags and a
steering coloumn air bag.
In addition, each passenger has a 3-point inertia reel seat belt. At the
front, the seat belts incorporate force limiters set to 450 daN, and they are
height-adjustable. A fasten seat belt detection system is installed in the front
seat cushions. Force limiters for the rear seats are set to 600 daN. Also at the
rear, each seat is equipped with 3-point ISOFIX fi xtures. The active front head
restraints are equipped with a locking system, thereby further helping to
protect passengers from whiplash. Overall safety has not been neglected, with in
particular “suitcase” handles that can be released more easily in the event of
impact, a system disconnecting the electrical power supply, illumination of the
hazard warning lights and the unlocking of doors. Security is also a priority on
the 407 Coupé, with the addition of a new type “S3M” door lock on the driver’s
door. Fitted on both doors are cable connections between the lock and the door
controls. The door locks uncouple automatically if attacked, and a special steel
plate protects the lock/control mechanism and electrical harnesses, installed
between the door panel and the door trim. The striker of the boot tailgate is
also protected by a steel plate. The fi tment of fully laminated side windows
and an optional alarm system, adds further protection to the occupants and the
car.
Driving assistance
This elegant car is also practical to use whatever the circumstances. For
example, on all versions, the electric door mirrors fold and deploy electrically
and an electro-chrome interior rear-view mirror is also standard.
To facilitate parking manoeuvres, the rear parking sensors featured on all
coupe versions are enhanced by the fitment of front obstacle detectors. The
system comes with an audible and visual indicator ensuring a margin of 30 cm
from the detected obstacle.
Also, all versions feature automatic activation of the dipped head lamps. The
single dual function headlamps include dipped beam and main beam and are fitted
with Xenon discharge bulbs. Between the bulb and the “ellipsoid” glass of the
headlamp, a controlled “mask” controls both functions, with the changeover from
dipped beam to main beam occurring gradually. An automatic headlamp levelling
control system and high-pressure headlamp washers complete the specification.
Taking a quick look at these headlamps in greater detail, they become
directional as soon as the vehicle exceeds 5 km/h. According to the angle the
steering wheel is turned through and the speed of the car, the headlamp on the
inside of the curve will pivot by a maximum of 12° inwards, while the outer
headlamp will adopt a maximum angle of 7.5°.
The directional headlamp function is active with either the dipped beam or
the main beam in use.
The Xenon main headlamps are fitted with bulbs offering a service life at
least four times greater than that of traditional halogen bulbs. All other
lighting signalling functions have a bulb “blown” detection function. The brake
lights even benefit from an indicator showing the location of the defective
bulb.
The 407 Coupé is fi tted as standard with automatic windscreen wipers with a
variable rate of operation linked to the intensity of the rain, and an operating
speed ranging from intermittent to high speed. Thanks to the layout of the wiper
blades (fl at wiper blades - 700 mm long), each with its own electric motor, the
windscreen wiper action is the same on both sides. Automatic locking from a
speed in excess of 10 km/h is available on all versions, as is the electrical
fuel fi ller cap opening control located near the driver.
There is also a function which keeps the boot permanently locked so that it
can be opened only with the PLIP. With deadlocking, selective opening is
possible. Thanks to the remote control, access to the vehicle can be controlled
according to how many doors and windows the user wishes to open.
Among other comfort and safety equipment featured on the 407 Coupé, mention
should be made of the trip computer with colour display on all versions, and
also a variable cruise control, a voluntary speed limiter and an under-infl
ation tyre detection system with two alarm levels (under-infl ation and
puncture) and indicating which wheel is affected.
Inside, the coupé is both practical and pleasant and offers numerous storage
areas, modularity, ergonomic seats and a wide range of equipment to make life in
the car easier for its occupants. The front seats have the same storage spaces
as the sedan, save for a new style door pocket. The lockable glove box is
illuminated and refrigerated, the central armrest offers a good capacity of
sealed storage and the cup holder is still between the gear lever and the
central armrest.
At the rear, on each outer edge of the seats and at the bottom of the rear
panel, there is a storage area designed for small objects such as electronic
games or a mobile phone. There is a cup holder in front of each storage space.
The seat backs, which fold in a 1/3 – 2/3 configuration, are accommodated in
the space occupied by the seats before they are raised, to obtain a perfectly
flat load area. In this configuration the effective load length, running
uninterrupted from the boot, extends to 1.60 m. The presence of a ski flap in
the central armrest on all versions allows users to make the most of this
feature to transport long and narrow objects.
The seats of the 407 coupé are specific to this silhouette. At the front
their design is reminiscent of “bucket” style seats, both to “communicate”
driving sensations to the driver and provide comfort and support for all
passengers.
Front seat adjustments are wide-ranging in terms of height, length and
inclination, and for both driver and passenger lumbar adjustment is also a
feature. With the standard leather trim, the main seat adjustments are
controlled electrically and have an adjustment and a location memory function
also linked to the adjustment of the door mirrors.
For access to the rear seats, the release control of each front seat is
located on the outer top edge of the seat back. In addition, the driver can make
use of a courtesy control on the nearside top edge of the passenger seat. The
seats have position memories.
At the rear, both seats also have a fashionable “bucket seat” design offering
effective support and a dynamic visual appeal. Curved, retractable head
restraints guarantee rear visibility when the seats are unoccupied. Between the
seats, a central armrest contributes to passenger well-being.
Inside the car
The “Touring” atmosphere offered to passengers inside the 407 coupé is also
the result of the appearance of the passenger compartment in terms of
brightness, ambient feel and soundproofing. For example, the front windscreen
and side windows are manufactured from laminated glass that limits the
transmission of outside noise into the interior. They supplement the rigorous
soundproofing treatment accorded to the vehicle. In addition, athermic treatment
of the front windscreen reduces temperature build-up caused by the sun’s rays
and optimises the efficiency of the air conditioning, while ensuring a high
level of brightness inside the passenger compartment.
All coupés come with automatic air conditioning with dual zone temperature
distribution. This follows the example of existing 407s. The air conditioning
system uses modern technologies such as a temperature sensor and a hygrometer,
which prevents the appearance of condensation for example. The “externally
controlled” compressor can regulate the production of cold air to the exact
amount required by passengers, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
The bi-directional sunshine sensor helps to anticipate the effects of the
sun’s rays, thereby avoiding unnecessary changes by passengers to the adjustment
settings. In addition to the traditional upper, front and lower air vents, the
fascia panel distribution system features a gentle air diffuser to shield
passengers from the unpleasantness of excessive airfl ows. Rear passengers have
their own air vents located at the end of the central console. Upstream of the
air conditioning system, filtration of pollen, dust and certain unpleasant
odours are provided by a combined pollen/active charcoal fi lter.
Audio
The 407 Coupé features the audio systems introduced on the 407 sedan and
Touring. They benefit from a dual-tuner and dual-antenna system that amply meets
customers’ requirements in terms of reception and sound reproduction. Controls
under the steering wheel and the multi-function display facilitate use of the
equipment generally.
All coupés receive the latest-generation RD4 equipment as standard.
The RD4 unit includes, in addition to the two silk-screen antennas in the
rear windscreen, six speakers and a digital signal processor (DSP). With an
output of 4x15 W, the radio includes dual connection shielding to neutralise
sources of crackle. It also includes digital radio hardware compatibility,
making it possible to listen to the radio with “CD” quality and present FM
stations in list mode, as well as text radio, a CD-text displaying the title of
the album and the tracks being listened to, etc.
Combined with the HiFi kit, the RD4 becomes an MP3 player.
A JBL HIFI system is also standard. This system, developed at the design
stage of the coupé, offers optimal sound reproduction for the passenger
compartment. It includes the layout and orientation of different speakers, as
well as calibrated amplification associated with these locations. A CD
auto-changer is also included.
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