Insiders say that the...

Insiders say that the next-generation Coupнѓ© will feature more of an upright stance than its predecessor, the 406, as well as a truncated tail and the 407 saloon"s trademark front overhang.

While the Silhouette shares the saloon"s wheelbase, it has been built on its own tubular spaceframe chassis and has a fibreglass body. Power comes from a 211bhp 3.0-litre V6. This engine is likely to appear in production models, along with a choice of 2.2-litre petrol or 2.0 diesel units. The 137bhp oil-burner has been co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and Ford and recently appeared in the 307 and Focus C-MAX.

One of the 407 Silhouette"s styling features likely to see production is the deep front spoiler, complete with air intakes, which will help differentiate it from the standard car. And although the tall, racy boot spoiler, wide wheelarches and scalloped side skirts are unlikely to make it, sources say a special edition of the new Coupнѓ©, based on the daring show car, could appear at a later date.

Inside, Peugeot has fitted sculpted racing seats, a carbon fibre dash and a small pod ahead of the driver housing digital racing dials. However, production versions are expected to get a toned-down facia similar to that of the saloon.

Meanwhile, Peugeot has announced prices for the 407 saloon and SW estate. The four-door, which arrives here in May, starts from н‚бЈ14,750, while the sleek SW will cost from н‚бЈ15,850 when it goes on sale in the UK in the summer.