Peugeot is super styling

It may look like just another muscly Motor Show concept, but under this feline French beast is a sexy Audi TT challenger.

The Peugeot 308 RC Z is essentially the new two-seater 308 coupe and is one of several cars Peugeot will unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany next month.

The RC Z will join the new 308 hatch as part of Peugeot's French onslaught at Frankfurt.

Peugeot Automobiles Australia spokesman Mathew McAuley says the RC Z is still not confirmed for production, but if it does go ahead “we'd love to see it here.” He says a 308 coupe would be a perfect fit under the 407 coupe and a logical extension to the new 308 range.

The RC Z makes extensive use of weight-saving components such as aluminium and carbon fibre to try to reduce fuel consumption.

The stylish design is taken directly from the 308, but the front

has a sharper and sportier lower panel incorporating a single air intake, chrome grille and integrated fog-lights.

In keeping with Peugeot's corporate look, the headlights extend along the bonnet and contain four cylindrical lights that can be seen through the clear lenses.

The curved roof and rear window are not only for aesthetics,  they have an aerodynamic function. Their design helps air flow over the car, creating enough rear downforce to eliminate the need for a spoiler.

Two centrally mounted exhausts are integrated into the rear bumper.

The paint is a rich metallic grey containing finely milled particles.

At 4276mm, the car is the same length as the 3089 hatch but is 25mm wider and lower.

Inside, the dashboard, taken directly from the 308 hatch, is trimmed in leather, chrome, aluminium and black lacquer. To enhance the prestige look, a Bell & Ross clock is in the centre of the dashboard, between two air vents.

In the back are two occasional folding leather seats. There is enough space behind the front seats for a set of golf clubs.

The RC Z shares much with the 207 and 308.

It is powered by a “worked” 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developed from the EP6DTS engine normally found in the 207 GTi.

Performance is impressive, with maximum power and torque of 162kW and 280Nm. A temporary overboost function can lift torque to 300Nm from as low as 2000 revs.

The turbo four pushes the car to 100km/h in 7.0 seconds and has a top speed of 235km/h.

Combined fuel consumption is 6.7 litres for 100km.

The engine is mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox. Brembo brakes add to the performance package. McAuley says the high-performance engine and gearbox would also be a good fit with the 207 and 308 range.

The front suspension uses aluminium components to reduce weight and ensure exceptional road-holding. The rear suspension, developed from the hatchback, comprises a torsion-beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar.

It has been modified to take account of the wider vehicle track and tyres. The front and rear tracks have been increased by 59mm compared with the hatchback.

Polished split-rim 19-alloys are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 245/40 R19 tyres.