The EX1, driven by French explorer Nicolas Vanier, broke the quarter-mile, 500-meter and 1,000-meter records held by Opel's GT Electric since 1971. The Peugeot covered the quarter-mile in 14.4 seconds, the 500 meters in 16.81 seconds and the 1,000 meters in 28.16 seconds.

The EX1 also set records by completing one-eighth of a mile in 8.89 seconds, the half mile in 23.85 seconds and 1 mile in 41.09 seconds.

Peugeot combined two 170-hp electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the rear, with a carbon-fiber, honeycomb composite body. The result--the EX1 weighs 1,653.5 pounds, has a combined 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The EX1 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.58 seconds and reach its top speed of 162 mph in 6.6 seconds.

The EX1 incorporates a water-drop body shape, with the rear wheels set close together to provide better weight distribution.

The design creates a unique driving experience, according to Peugeot, with the driver sitting at ground level with his legs outstretched, similar to a race car. The driver controls the car by using two handles, like the controls found in an airplane.

The design of the EX1, which stands just less than 3 feet tall, also allows enough headroom for a rollover protection bar.

Peugeot will display the EX1 in Paris from Sept. 22 to Nov. 14.