Peugeot 308 RC Z coupe

[Plex]

Set to be unveiled at September�s Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot�s new 308 RC Z concept car shows that its French engineers can develop a sporty coupe with enough performance credentials to match their German counterparts. The lightweight coupe concept car picks up several aluminum components and carbon-fiber panels to shed the kilos, weighing in at 1,200kg all up.



Power comes from a 1.6L turbo engine sourced from the 207 RC and develops 218hp and 280Nm in concept form. A special overboost function lifts torque to 300Nm, which enables to car to reach 100km/h from rest in seven seconds all the way to a top speed of 235km/h.



The car�s body draws obvious styling cues from the Audi TT but still maintains its own uniqueness. Measuring in at 4.276m in length and 1.84m across, the concept sheds an almost identical silhouette to the Audi model but there�s no mistaking the front-end as a Peugeot.

Motorauthority

[Plex]

Attention initially focused on making the vehicle as light as possible by the use of numerous aluminium components, for example the two roll over protection bars that separate the passenger compartment and give shape to the exterior styling, and the use of a polycarbonate rear windscreen and a large number of carbon fibre body parts.

Using the 308 as a blueprint offered a number of benefi ts. It made it possible:

to adopt a particularly stylish front design;
to share a large number of components already developed for the hatchback, therefore simplifying the production of this coup�;
to capitalise on the hatchback�s strong points, which become even more effective in the 308 RC Z concept car (for example, suspension components, wheels, certain equipment items and the fl owing design of the fascia panel).

Its taut lines and streamlined design ensure an effi cient aerodynamic specifi cation (a SCx of just 0.65), improving performance, fuel consumption and therefore helping to protect the environment due to the reduced CO2 emissions. With a length of 4.276 (same as the hatchback), a width of 1.840 (25 mm more than the hatchback) and a height of only 1.320 m, the proportions of the 308 RC Z concept car combines a very dynamic design with a high level of road holding.

Exterior styling

The particularly stylish design of the front of the 308 blends brilliantly with the proportions of this concept car. The Peugeot �Lion� badge is mounted to what can truthfully be called the �nose of the bonnet�. From here, the style lines fl ow upwards back over the bonnet and into the two polished aluminium roll-over protections bars. This fl owing �V� profi le gives the vehicle its shape and creates an impression of movement in all positions.

Visually, the fl uidity of the design is further enhanced by the way the large tinted front windscreen, the carbon fi bre roof panel and the polycarbonate tinted rear window are combined together.

The �feline-like� front headlights extend along the line of the bonnet. They contain four �cylindrical lights� each which create a bright and piercing beam of light. These �cylindrical lights� are clearly visible due to the clear glass headlamp lenses. The lower front panel differs from that of the 308 hatchback. It has a sharper and sportier shape with a single air intake and integral front fog lamps, while the front grille features chrome detailing.

From the side, the vehicle displays a strong profi le with its prominent front wings, deeply sculpted sides, and particularly generous rear wings. The doors raise the visual profi le, creating a link between the sloping front design and the curvaceous rear design.

The end result, fi rmly sitting on 19 inch wheels, suggests power, strength and dynamism, like an animal ready to pounce.

The specifi c shape of the rear window required the use of polycarbonate instead of glass. The two curved sections emerging from the roof give the vehicle an original appearance and contribute greatly to its aerodynamic effi ciency. The design of the tailgate assists the airfl ow over the rear of the vehicle, while the shape of the rear of the vehicle provides suffi cient down force onto the rear suspension to eliminate the need for a rear spoiler, thereby preserving the purity of the vehicle�s lines.

The Peugeot Lion badge is displayed in a U shaped panel in the centre of the tailgate, and is backlit at night. In addition, simply by pressing the lion badge, opens the tailgate. The rear lights are mounted fl ush with the car�s wide rear wings. Fitted with light emitting diodes (LEDs), they have a ruby red fi nish combined with a stylised translucent section which contains the direction indicator.

Two centrally mounted exhaust pipes are integrated into the wraparound lower rear panel. To achieve this, the rear exhaust silencer has been located in a transverse position where it also serves as an aerodynamic diffuser, but still allows suffi cient space for the storage of a spare wheel.

The rich metallic grey exterior body colour is created by a special process using fi nely milled metallic particles. This gives the impression that the vehicle has been formed from a single block of metal, enhancing the purity of the car�s lines and the styling of the bodywork to remarkable effect.

The interior

The fascia panel in 308 RC Z concept car has been taken directly from the hatchback. A pure, elegant and fl uid design, it allows a particularly clear view of the outside thanks to its sloping design which complements the vehicle�s large front windscreen. It offers a high level of interior brightness, improved visibility and an overwhelming feeling of space. Reflecting the hatchback, no effort has been spared in terms of the fi nishing touches and meticulous attention to comfort and convenience inside the car. This is evident in the care given to the styling of each component and the quality of materials used, both in terms of visual appearance and tactile appeal.



The entire fascia panel is trimmed in leather, while the use of chrome, aluminium and black lacquered fi ttings creates a sporty, upmarket impression. With this in mind, a Bell&Ross� clock has been placed in the centre of the fascia panel, between two air vents, its typography perfectly matching the background of the instrument panel located in the driver�s line of sight.

Another sign of the vehicle�s exclusive nature are the bucket type front seats with polished aluminium eyelets, the style of which is also refl ected in the design of the inner door panels. The ergonomically designed driver�s seat ensures the driver is fi rmly in control of the vehicle. At the rear there are two occasional seats trimmed in leather, both of which can be folded. The vehicle therefore offers real modularity and great versatility. For example, enough space can be created behind the front seats to house a set of golf clubs. Similarly, the length and maximum available boot volume can even accommodate a mountain bike!

The engine

The 308 RC Z concept car is powered by a 1.6 litre THP engine developed from the EP6DTS engine designed and developed via the collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citro�n and the BMW Group, where it is fi tted to the 207 RC, with a power output of 128 kW (≈175 bhp). However, the 1.6 litre THP engine, as a result of new engine management software specially developed for the concept car, now produces a maximum power of 160 kW (≈218 bhp).

It is characterised by incredible fl exibility, thanks to its maximum torque of 280 Nm produced at a low engine speed (300 Nm in overboost). These values ensure remarkable responsiveness under all driving conditions.

Its innovative Twin-Scroll turbocharger optimally pairs the exhaust gases fl owing from two cylinders to ensure maximum fl ow onto the turbine, while its high-pressure direct petrol injection system improves combustion and overall engine efficiency.

The engine is coupled with an entirely new 6 speed manual gearbox. This unit helps to give the 308 RC Z a particularly effi cient compromise between performance and fuel consumption. For example, its maximum speed of 235 km/h is attained in sixth gear and it takes only 7.0 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h. In gear acceleration is impressive: only 7.5 seconds in 5th gear from 80 to 120 km/h. At the same time, fuel consumption is very reasonable with 6.7 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, or just 160 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Safety

Even for a unique model, Peugeot�s designers do everything they can to make their dreams become a reality and leave nothing to chance. Safety is also made a top priority.

While the exceptional road holding of the 308 RC Z concept car forms the basis of its primary safety, it is supplemented by safety equipment borrowed from the 308 hatchback, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and the directional bi-Xenon headlamps.

Similarly, in terms of secondary safety, the 308 RC Z uses the same impact protection structures, in particular the three impact absorption structures at the front, designed to provide a rigid structure which can deform in a controlled manner, maximising the absorption of impact forces.

Finally, tertiary safety is assured by the �Peugeot Emergency� service linked to the vehicle�s RT4 telematics system. This pinpoints the vehicle�s location and triggers the dispatch of appropriate assistance as required.

Like all concept cars, the 308 RC Z is an amazing laboratory of ideas making it possible to design and test new concepts and pioneer technical and styling ideas free from the constraints of volume production.

To a greater or lesser extent, these unique cars often serve as the source of inspiration for future production vehicles.

They are a sort of �guide� to the Peugeots of the future, indicating a chosen path to be followed. Concept cars are like the stars, they serve as a guiding light. Even though they sometimes appear too far away to grasp, it sometimes feels as though all it would take is an outstretched arm...

Topspeed

[Plex]

Some more pictures





Worldcarfans

[Rory Phoulorie]

Me no like.

[Plex]

I am bit disappointed its FWD for 218 bhp car or at least be RWD..

[Plex]

[Plex]

Peugeot to produce RC-Z coupe

The sleek and exotic styling of the Peugeot RC-Z concept shown off at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show is supposedly coming to a Peugeot dealer near you in the spring of 2010. Next year's Frankfurt show will mark the debut of the production car, the French automaker announced on Thursday at the Lisbon Motor Show.

The concept car is a 2+2 coupe, though the back seats are largely for decoration, since even a grocery bag won't be comfortable back there. Power for the concept came from a 1.6 liter turbo four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual transmission. While the car's styling definitely suggests a mid-engine layout, the concept's powerplant was in the front.

Built on the Peugeot's 308 hatchback platform, the stylish Pug should be a cheaper alternative to Audi's TT. According to Autocar, Peugeot claims it "will keep all the appeal and excitement of the original concept." The automaker did not release any specifics, but it's not likely the double bubble roof will make it to production.

Leftlanenews

[joecol]

it looks really nice and stylish

[Plex]

Magna Steyr to build Peugeot 308 RC Z coupe next year

Peugeot confirmed that its striking 308 RC Z would enter production several months back but never revealed any further details. Speaking at the Lisbon Motor Show in April, Peugeot boss Jean-Philippe Collin said the car was destined for production at that the final version would be revealed at next year�s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Latest reports claim the first cars will be produced next year but not by Peugeot. Instead, independent vehicle manufacturer Magna Steyr will build the cars at a plant in Austria and annual production numbers are expected to top 20,000 units. Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung said the assembly of the vehicle will take place in Graz, Austria, towards the end of next year with the first cars expected to arrive in showrooms by the middle of 2010.

Like the concept version, the production car will ride on a lightened chassis but will still be based on the 308 platform. Expect to see the same strut suspension set-up in the front and torsion beam at the rear. The most likely engine option will be the same 1.6L supercharged engine from the smaller 207 RC (also shared with the Mini Cooper S) but power is expected to be boosted to around 220hp.

Motorauthority

[NarendZORCE]

interesting... a RWD Peugeot TT powered by a 1.6 (great for taxes)

but will it be reliable?
_________________
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[Plex]

It should be, Peugeot got their act in order.

[Del]

Boy that car real nice. what can the price be
_________________
AlexDel

[Plex]

[Plex]

Peugeot RC-Z production version to be revealed in Frankfurt

Here�s a new reason to wish the French sold cars in the U.S. Peugeot showed up to the Frankfurt Motor Show two years ago with the 308 RC-Z, a concept coupe based on it�s 308 series of small cars. Now it�s coming back to Frankfurt this year with the production version.

Unlike many production cars, much of the concept�s lines are rumored to be unchanged. This includes elements like the dual cowl top, large rear glass area, and sweeping roofline.

The top end 308 RC-Z should come with the same 218 hp 1.6-liter engine from the concept. Pricing should start at around �20,000 (about $29K at direct current rates.) That�s not too bad considering a base Audi TT coupe with 197 hp starts at about �25,000.

Topspeed

[Plex]

Peugeot 308 RC-Z Spotted almost Undisguised

Yes, the Peugeot 308 RC-Z does bear a certain resemblance to the previous-generation Audi TT. But Peugeot does not seem to be fazed much by this perception. The French automaker appears determined to bring the car into production. Our spy pictures of a black prototype taken in Spain establish as much.

Peugeot first showed the 308 RC-Z Concept car at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. It wowed the audiences and many probably wished it would be built soon after. They may have to wait just a little longer as the car is destined to begin production in 2010.

Competitors in this field are fierce so the car will have to produce a very special lineup of powertrains to run alongside them. The RC-Z will probably hit the streets with the same engines as higher-level 308 models with a rumoured 250hp (184kW) motor mentioned. Turbo diesels are probably going to be included as well.

PSA Peugeot Citroen is realigning itself. While Citroen is also going upmarket with models like the DS Line, Peugeot is keeping the harder tab on the highest sporting side of things such as Le Mans and of course the 308 RC-Z.

The Frankfurt Motor is coming up again in about three months and it would be an ideal place to unveil the sports car in production trim.



Worldcarfans