Peugeot Crisalys: Sbarro’s Bold Take on Automotive Innovation

Beautiful Creations - Peugeot has long been known for its innovative design and engineering, with a strong heritage of collaboration that brings forward unique automotive creations. In one remarkable project in the late 1990s, the French carmaker partnered with the Espace Sbarro in Switzerland to create a distinctive concept car that would capture the imagination of enthusiasts. 

The Crisalys posed with Franco Sbarro, is a unique Peugeot with a mid-engine layout and cabriolet functionality, crafted by the Espace Sbarro. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

This project, spearheaded by renowned designer Franco Sbarro and his students, aimed to rethink the coupe form with an exciting blend of Peugeot's established engineering and Sbarro's creative touch. The result was the Crisalys, a unique Peugeot with a mid-engine layout and cabriolet functionality, unlike anything Peugeot had produced before.

Both coupé and cabriolet, thanks to a retractable roof that foreshadows that of the future Peugeot 206 CC. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)

The foundation of the Crisalys is rooted in Peugeot's acclaimed 406 Coupé, which was originally designed by Pininfarina and featured a powerful V6 engine. In creating the Crisalys, Sbarro's students took the mechanical components from the 406 but modified the vehicle's layout significantly. Instead of the front-wheel drive typical of Peugeot, they reimagined the car as a rear-wheel-drive with the engine repositioned to a transverse rear mid-configuration.

Perhaps for lack of time, the competition version of the Crisalys remained at the stage of a non-driving model. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)

This unconventional setup allowed for a new distribution of weight and balance, which enhanced the driving dynamics and gave the car an entirely new character. They retained the 406's V6 engine but fine-tuned it for greater performance, reaching 220 horsepower.

The Peugeot Crisalys, powered by a fine-tuned 406 V6 engine reaching 220 horsepower, features a transverse rear mid-engine layout with rear-wheel drive. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)

The design of the Crisalys goes beyond mechanical innovation, displaying a careful blend of aesthetics and functionality. Its chassis, crafted with Sbarro's "Dual Frame" concept, separates the car’s powertrain structure from its body and passenger space. This construction method provides both flexibility and stability, as the two frames are connected by pneumatic spheres, enhancing handling and roadholding. 

Unusual colors for the Crisalys interior. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)

Such thoughtful engineering combined with a sleek exterior design reflects Peugeot’s brand identity, echoing the 406 Coupé’s signature style, especially in its front and rear lights. A standout feature of the Crisalys is its retractable hardtop roof, inspired by the later Peugeot 206 CC. The roof can slide seamlessly between the passenger and engine compartments, transforming the coupe into a cabriolet with a clean, open profile.

The yellow and blue upholstery has been replaced by a more classic blue and grey interior. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)

One of the Crisalys’ boldest design statements lies in its details. From its sliding roof to its aggressive rear design with four exhaust outlets and all-red taillights, every aspect of this vehicle reflects a commitment to performance-oriented aesthetics. Unique side air intakes enhance the car’s sporty look, and a surprising lack of exterior mirrors further contributes to its streamlined appearance. 

The Peugeot Crisalys features ruby-red taillights and four tailpipes at the rear. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)

Inside, Sbarro’s students opted for an unconventional color palette, using vibrant blue and yellow accents, giving the interior a fresh, modern look. These choices were realized through innovative materials like polyester and fiberglass, which allowed for a lightweight body crafted from a life-size mold.

The stern of the Peugeot Crisalys is a little massive as it conceals the engine and retractable roof. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)

The Crisalys represents not only the skill of the students at Espace Sbarro but also their ability to meet the standards set by a major automotive brand like Peugeot. In only a short period, they brought to life a fully functional prototype that debuted at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show, demonstrating the team's impressive dedication and capability. The Crisalys became a testament to the power of collaboration between industry and academia, blending Peugeot’s design philosophy with Sbarro’s boundary-pushing approach to car making.

Exhibited as a mid-engined berlinetta prototype, the Crisalys made a striking impression with its refined, flowing lines and assertive stance, capturing the essence of Peugeot’s brand while showcasing a bold new direction. The Crisalys V6 project stands as a unique chapter in Peugeot's history and remains a symbol of the innovation possible when creativity meets engineering. This remarkable vehicle not only highlights Peugeot’s adaptability and vision but also the potential of future generations to push automotive design forward. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO.PHCALVET.FR | CARSTYLING.RU | ]

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