Some cars are so striking that they simply stop you in your tracks. Even when you don't know what it is, some shapes, some sounds, and some features seemingly reach out and grab onlookers. That's one reason that the Porsche 356 was so wildly popular. It was completely unique, bold, and excellent at the task it set out to complete.
Now, more than 70 years after its release it's still lauded as one of the most important sports cars in history. With imitation of course being the most sincere form of flattery, the focus of our review today seeks to praise the 356 in its own way. Created by a trio of brothers in France, the PGO Hemera is something most Americans have never seen.
Never sold in America, this particular example is a 2011 model which will cause some readers to ask how it's legal considering it's only ten years old. Well, it's exempt since it's owned by Lane Motor Museum. They graciously lent it to HotCars for this review. That means that we had the chance to drive it all around Nashville, TN without fear of getting it impounded.
What we found out is that this small sports car is far more than a pretty face. Underneath the skin, it's a furtive, fun, fast, and functional cruiser. We think it's so good that as soon as they're legal here people will be shipping them over as weekend toys.
This Little Car Packs A Supercar Layout
Much like the 356 that it emulates, the PGO Hemera has its motor mounted behind the driver. Unlike the 356, it's in front of the rear axle so this is a proper mid-engined car. The engine in this case is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder built by Peugeot and connected to a 5-speed manual that sends power straight to the rear wheels only. For 2012 PGO switched to a BMW/Peugeot engine that made around 180 horsepower but in this example, we'll have to get by with around 140. PGO manages to keep the car athletic by keeping the weight down. While most sports cars of its size will weigh somewhere around 3,000 pounds, this one just blips above 2,000 at a final weight before passengers of 2,160. Combining those attributes provides a very economical 19mpg combined. Top speed is said to be around 125 mph and it'll sprint to 60 in under 7 seconds. It's hard to find such a combination of luxury, beauty, economy, and performance but the Hermera has them all.
The PGO Hemera Is A Sort Of Time Machine
To look at the Hemera its historic shape harkens back to a different age. The name Hemera itself is from primordial greek and was given to the goddess of the day. Certainly, it's a fitting name here then because each time you look at the Hemera or slip into its luxurious leather interior it's like a whole new day has dawned. The Porschesque curves are intriguing and inviting. They give the car a presence wherever it goes that is hard to escape. When it's parked, it's tough not to look back at it. When it's moving, the only thing that keeps people from staring, even more, is its small stature and subtle paint scheme.
Once in the cabin though it's fully modern. The steering wheel, dash, and lighting feel nothing like a classic car. Its body panels and interior don't clatter about like a classic car, and its modern drivetrain is easy to work on too. The engine whirs to life without any of the potentially worrisome thoughts that older cars can inspire. The clutch and accelerator pedal both react in a very familiar way too and off you go.
Initially, on broken pavement, the suspension in the Hemera feels as old as its exterior might suggest but once up to speed on well-maintained roads, things change. Its low weight and excellent balance make the PGO incredibly nimble and remarkably comfortable. In sharper turns, you're reminded that the engine is behind you as its nose tracks perfectly. As the suspension loads up the car finds its groove and beckons you to push it harder. The sound of the air intake just behind your head gulping up oxygen and nitrogen is simply inspiring. That 2.0-liter four-cylinder is an excellent choice as well.
While all of us love boat loads of power, a platform like this allows you to use the entire power band without the fear that you'll be at arrestable speeds in mere moments. That freedom is just one more weapon in this cars arsenal to engage its driver. It's almost two cars in one. Drive it hard and it's so highly athletic and competent. Drive it in a more relaxed fashion and it's brilliantly pleasant and comfortable.
That's what might make this one of the most popular weekend toys when it becomes legal in a few short years. Want to go somewhere for a long weekend? This little car is economical, comfortable, and eye-catching. Want to take it to a track day at your destination? It can handle that too and thanks to the excellent layout and suspension it'll out-perform lots of cars with more power so long as its driver is as competent as it is. Even for those who will keep it in town most of the time, it'll fulfill a lot of jobs with more beauty and practicality than most other options.
Interior Features Provide Modern Conveniences
While the interior sports some classic design cues, the actual gear is completely modern. Power windows, power mirrors, and excellent HVAC controls all add to the comfort level. There's enough space in the boot for a few smaller bags but the real storage is in the front trunk. Combining the two provides more than enough for a long weekend's worth of gear all without impeding visibility or comfort.
The seats themselves are very well bolstered and beautifully constructed with leather exteriors. One disappointing note though, the steering wheel doesn't telescope. It does tilt, but only just. Completely loosened it moves from its topmost position to its lowest and covers less than a full inch of travel. Still, there are things inside that add to how special the vehicle makes you feel. The door pulls are completely unique and pull up to pop the door. Above driver and passenger is a unique section of headliner that uses an LED strip to bathe the cabin in light blue ambient light. While the interior is modern and comfortable it still manages to make you feel as special as the outside of this car suggests.
The PGO Hemera Deserves A Look
It's easy to forget about all the cars that become legal here in the USA each year but it's even easier to forget about the cars that most don't even realize exist. Many in the market for a similar car will end up spending their hard-earned money on something far more mundane and that's just sad. The combination of performance and features found in the PGO Hemera really are a refreshing oddity among the automotive landscape. PGO has a couple of other models that offer more power or convertible options. While it might be a few more years until they're available here, this enthusiast can only hope that as soon as they are, we'll see more of them on American roads. Surely wherever and whenever we start seeing more PGOs it'll brighten our day.