The new Peugeot 408 will be unveiled on June 22 but will remain under wraps until then. To get ready for its launch in the fall of 2022, it will continue to be tested until its presentation. The model's validation program is predicated on a strict protocol, including road and test track evaluations and laboratory and specialized bench testing. The aim is for every unit to be of the highest possible standard right from the start.
When designing a new car, tests and inspections must be conducted to ensure the highest possible performance and quality. Various simulations are run using special computer programs to hasten development and make the most of available resources. In addition, the vehicle's internal validation plan (IVP) has been in place for more than a year. It is a series of tests to ensure that every system and part works correctly.
The first vehicles of the new Peugeot 408 were delivered to the verification teams with almost complete concealment and, thus, good camouflage: the lines and the volume of the vehicle were obscured, thanks to opaque adhesive film with graphics, as well as plastic and foam elements, added further to conceal the design details of the new model.
Nearly 1,100,000 kilometers have been logged by the new Peugeot 408 test vehicles across a wide range of terrain, weather, and road conditions. The Peugeot 408 was put through various situations, including smooth and rough roads, gravel, and daytime and nighttime driving. Every kilometer driven in these conditions is equivalent to several standard kilometers.
The model's camouflage can be simplified somewhat, depending on the evaluation. Unmodified vehicles are put through a battery of additional, more rigorous tests in labs and wind tunnels to mimic real-world conditions. The purpose of these tests is to gauge the structural durability of the car. Of course, drivers would never attempt such a trip.
