Peugeot RCZ News

The Peugeot RCZ range has been expanded to include the hot ‘R’ variant.

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSBMW i3: BMW will bring the high tech i3 city car down under from September, with the pure-electric i3 BEV expected to start at about $60,000, and a range-extended i3 REX version with a 647cc petrol generator further up the price scale. (Approximately $60,000)SMALL CARSAudi A3 sedan: Audi will add a sedan version of its A3 small car to the existing Sportback hatch lineup from January, with the hot S3 version to follow in April, and the drop-top A3 Cabriolet (from about $57k) to complete the lineup in about September. (Approximately $65,000)BMW 2 Series: The discontinued 1 Series coupe will be replaced by the new 2 Series coupe in around May, and will likely mirror the petrol and diesel drivetrains of the existing 1 Series hatch. A soft-top convertible is also in the works, but its launch date is still up in the air. (Approximately $45,000-$85,000)FAMILY CARSInfiniti Q50: Infiniti models are set to become a more common sight on Australian roads before June, with the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50’s arrival, boasting fresh styling, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of diesel or hybrid drivetrains. (Approximately $51,900-$73,900)Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Mercedes' new C-Class sedan and wagon are due around mid-year, with a range of new engines and an 80mm wheelbase stretch to help combat the also enlarged BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS rivals. Drivetrain availability from launch will include the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre C180 and 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre C200 petrols, and the 125kW/400Nm 2.1-litre turbodiesel C220. A smaller diesel, diesel-electric hybrid and more powerful petrol engines will come later. (Approximately from $60,000)Tesla Model S: The long-awaited Tesla Model S pure-electric passenger car is due to arrive locally in the second quarter, with the five door hatch balancing style, performance, and all-electric tech in equal measures. (Approximately $80,000)Volvo S60 and V60: Volvo will introduce the first of its new Drive-E engines to the S60 sedan and V60 wagon range in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $49,000-$78,000)LUXURY CARSLexus RC: Lexus’ new RC coupe should arrive before the end of 2014 to take on the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, with a choice of petrol V6 and hybrid drivetrains likely to expand to include a high-performance 5.0-litre V8 RC-F soon after. (Approximately $70,000-$130,000)SUV/4WDAudi RS Q3: The company’s first RS-badged SUV will arrive in February, with the RS Q3 borrowing its 228kW/420Nm five-cylinder heart from the TTRS, and promising 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds. (Approximately $81,900)BMW X1: The baby bimmer SUV is also in line for a refreshing in March, with styling and interior tweaks expected. (Approximately 46,000-63,000)BMW X5 sDrive 25d: BMW will add the first two-wheel drive X5 to the new 2014 lineup early in the year, with a price-leading $82,900 2.0-litre turbodiesel sDrive 25d undercutting the existing all-wheel drive xDrive 25d by $5000. (Approximately $82,900)Ford Territory: The Territory SUV will score SYNC-inclusive revisions by the end of the year, ahead of its 2016 fate. (Approximately $40,000-$63,000)Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: The stylish Range Rover Evoque is due for an update before June, with a new nine-speed auto delivering fuel economy gains of about 10 per cent, plus styling tweaks to bring it in line with the new full-size Range Rover and Sport models. (Approximately $50,000-$91,000)Porsche Macan: Porsche will add the new sub-Cayenne Macan SUV to its Australian lineup from June, with the cheapest diesel model forming a new entry point to Porsche ownership at $84,900. Twin-turbo 3.0 and 3.6-litre V6s will sit further up the price scale, with the 294kW top-spec capable of 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds. (Approximately $84,900-$122,900)Volvo XC60: Volvo’s new Drive-E engines will also appear in the XC60 SUV in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $57,000-79,000)SPORTS/PERFORMANCEAlfa Romeo 4C: Alfa will bring a limited number of its limited-build 4C sports car to Australia in around June, with the mid-engined, carbon-chassised performance hero expected to lob for as little as $75,000.Peugeot RCZ-R: Building on the brand’s reignited performance cred thanks to the excellent 208 GTi, the French brand will also add the hot RCZ-R to the lineup in the second quarter, with a highly tuned 199kW version of the existing petrol version’s 1.6-litre turbo. (Approximately $70,000)CONVERTIBLESBMW 4 Series convertible: The folding hardtop version of BMW’s 4-Series coupe is expected by March, and echo its hardtop sibling with 420d, 428i, and 435i drivetrains. (Approximately $85,000-$120,000)  

Power and passion returns to Peugeot as it prepares a coupe claimed to be its most powerful road car. Finally receiving the performance potential to suit its slippery shape, the RCZ R this week breaks cover in England at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.Built by Peugeot Sport and poised for its official public debut at September's Frankfurt motor show, the RCZ R is boosted to 200kW/330Nm for a maximum speed of 250km/h (electronically limited), a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds, the 400m standing start in 14.2 seconds and 1000m in 25.4 seconds.The R is based on the facelifted RCZ coupe launched in Australia in May that has a similar 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine -- shared with the Peugeot 208 GTi and the Mini Cooper S among other cars --  with a 147kW/275Nm output.But to squeeze out the higher outputs for the RCZ R, many engine parts are evolutions or complete redevelopments from the original. The new engine is reinforced by heat treatment prior to machining to improve durability.The twin-scroll turbo has been developed specifically to benefit from an ideal design for this application and this level of performance. The steel exhaust manifold has a unique architecture inspired by racing systems to cope with higher temperatures.New pistons, providing a compression ratio of 9.2:1, were developed with Mahle Motorsport, taking a forged structure and a grade of aluminium used in Formula 1. They are cooled by two oil jets.The conrods are specified to withstand continued use at high engine  speeds and have bearings covered with a polymer coating that can withstand the higher cylinder pressures. This coating, patented in 2011 and developed by Mahle, are a world first in the RCZ R.Getting the Peugeot up to speed has  seen the R gain a Torsen differential for more grip, a fixed rear spoiler (the current model has a retractable wing), a 17kg weight cut, 10mm lower ride height and a leather and alcantara cabin.DESIGNThe R version is identified by matte black roof arches, rear spoiler, its lower stance than the standard RCZ and the 19-inch two-tone allo y wheels. It has a wider track than the standard car and suspension with retuned dampers, increased spring stiffness and a stiffer anti-roll bar while the wheels are designed to accommodate and cool the bigger 380mm brakes.The car also has a new rear diffuser that supports two chromed exhaust pipes. A Peugeot monogrammed R in red lettering is on the grille and boot lid as a signature RCZ R. Upgrades over the standard RCZ extend to the cabin, with Peugeot Sport embossed sills, red stitching on t he dashboard and leather upholstery and trim. The steering wheel has a smaller diameter, the manual gear shifter is shorter and the leather and alcantara seats have an ``R'' monogram.LAUNCHThe coupe this week made its international debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed though won't be officially unveiled until the Frankfurt show. It goes on sale early 2014.  Peugeot has yet to confirm the car for the Australian line up, or talk about prices. But with a $6000 discount to nearest Euro-rival the Audi TT, the R may represent a stronger alternative.Peugeot project manager for the RCZ R, Budar Pierre, says the development of the car evolved through a race-bred program.  ``This included the design and specification of the drivetrain, gearbox, brakes and tyres beyond the usual criteria, in order to allow the most enthusiastic drivers to perform,'' he says.This reporter is on Twitter: @cg_dowling 

The French have long made beautiful, if quirky, cars. The latest addition to this fold is the production version of the 191kW Peugeot RCZ R, a hot and sporty version of the standard RCZ.Introduced last year as a concept at the Paris Motor Show, the RCZ R gets its stout power output from a mere 1.6 litres of turbocharged four-cylinder fury putting out 191kW. That puts it among the most potent production cars in the world on a power-per-litre basis--at 118kW/litre, it's 7.4kW/litre ahead of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse and Super Sport. And Peugeot says the CO2 emissions of the RCZ R are targeted at just 155g/km.A unique suspension setup, lightweight wheels, and a Torsen limited-slip differential will also enhance performance over the standard model.Full details on the Peugeot RCZ R will be unveiled along with the car at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.www.motorauthority.com 

The French brand is channelling early Citroen influences with the left-turn styling of its RCZ coupe, which has a body sitting on a less-radical 308 platform.A choice of petrol and diesel engines, with a well-equipped interior and a single price for the three-model range, will draw the more outgoing motorist but cabin ergonomics and the discomfort of a jolting low-speed ride could disrupt the experience.WANT MORE?Road test and review by Craig DuffFirst drive in Australia by Mark HinchliffeAt the international launch by Karla Pincott

But it’s also war on the showroom.

 It is utterly curvaceous – right down to the brain-bending compound curves in the rear glass.  It’s designed, clearly, to take an elegant swipe at cars like the Audi TT.The RCZ is also the first Peugeot in the company’s history to drop the trademark numerical naming convention.  If it looks strangely familiar, you’re probably remembering the 308 RC Z concept car, which debuted on the global car show scene three years back.This production version, which is destined for Australian delivery from October this year, is amazingly similar to the concept car – something not all that many designs can claim.The RCZ is starkly different to the other cars in the French manufacturer’s lineup. It’s a 2+2 (four-seater) coupe with rear headspace enhanced and preserved thanks to the intricate Batmobile-like rearward roof curves, which continue into the rear glass.There is some commonality between the RCZ and other Peugeots, however.  This car shares the same platform as the more conventional 308, but it sits 20mm lower and has a significantly wider track (54mm at the front and 72mm at the rear).There’s a choice of petrol or diesel power. The petrol option is a 1.6-litre turbocharged four with 147kW and 275Nm (the same engine as in the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works) mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed tiptronic auto. The diesel is a 2.0-litre unit with 120kW and 340Nm, mated to a six-speed manual only, and capable of achieving an official fuel figure of just 5.4 litres per 100km.Another neat trick from the RCZ: there is an adjustable active rear spoiler, which deploys in one of two positions depending on travel speed. The first angle of attack is 19 degrees, which occurs at 85km/h (with retraction at 55km/h to help reduce drag when downforce isn’t required), while the second, which is unlikely to be of much use in Australia, is 34 degrees.The rear wing deploys to this angle at 155km/h and returns to 19 degrees when speeds drop below 145km/h.  All RCZs – the petrol manual and auto, and the diesel manual – are offered at the one list price of $54,990.

Peugeot's 3008 HYbrid4 will arrive in Australia about this time next year boasting fuel economy of 3.8 litres per 100km and pumping out only 99g of CO2 per kilometre which is better than some scooters.  Peugeot Automobiles Australia spokesperson Kirin Tipping says it will appeal to people who want an SUV "with a clear conscience". It's not the first Peugeot with a diesel-electric hybrid engine.  The company has made small numbers of 308CC diesel hybrids for testing in Madrid, one of which came to the Sydney Motor Show as a display vehicle. However, this will be the first full production model diesel hybrid. It will be followed by an RCZ sports car in early 2012, says Tipping.  "We are also definitely considering entering a diesel-hybrid in the Le Mans," she says. "We've done extremely well in the past, winning it last year. And we're actually going to have that car at the Sydney Motor Show in October."  The 3008 HYbrid4 is powered by a 2.0 litre 122kW HDi diesel engine driving the front wheels and a 27.5kW electric motor driving the back wheels with the ability to operate in all-electric mode and produce zero emissions. There is no mechanical transfer box or prop shaft connecting the two powertrains. Drive is controlled electronically. Tipping says the vehicle will have "better sales than a niche market product".  "We've been doing well with diesel sales in past five to 10 years," she says. "The 3008 has had good success for us so far so the introduction of diesel-hybrid will only strengthen the interest. Just look at the popularity of the Camry and Prius hybrids and this is promising much better economy and emissions results." She says the HYbrid4 will probably come in one spec close to or matching the top-spec 3008 XTE.  "There would be a premium price over the XTE ($39,990), but it will be minimal," Tipping says. "One of our big things is keeping prices in line with the CPI and with the reduction in exchange rates we've been able to drop our prices recently, so we don't want to make it a huge step up."  The HYbrid4 will feature new-generation high-voltage stop-start technology. Tipping says the new technology will avoid the problem of shuddering which occurs when diesel engines start and stop.  "There has been work to get rid of that," she says. "The electric motor has dissipated that shudder in combination with the Aisin AT6 (manual six-speed electronic sequential) gearbox which is on some 308 and 3008 models."  The HYbrid4 will feature a control selector on the centre console so drivers can choose between four operating modes. Auto mode allows the system to switch between the HDi diesel engine and electric motor.  ZEV mode (Zero Emission Vehicle) uses the electric motor for short periods when the battery is fully charged with the diesel cutting in only under hard and sustained acceleration. Four-wheel drive mode (4WD) operates both powertrains and Sport mode uses both powertrains and combines quicker gear changes and higher engine speeds.  The nickel-metal hydride batteries are under the boot floor, near the electric motor. To cope with the added weight in the rear, the multi-arm suspension houses the electric motor and reduction gearbox.  Despite the battery and motor in the rear, Peugeot claims load capacity under the parcel shelf of 420 litres and 66 litres under a flat boot floor. The HYbrid4 is expected to come with a range of high-tech gear such as jet-fighter-style head-up display on the windscreen, a distance alert system that helps the driver keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, a parallel park system that evaluates the size of a parking space, an electric handbrake with hill assistance and a satellite navigation system that includes a juke-box, hard disc drive, USB connector, DVD player and Bluetooth. The 3008 HYbrid4 will be produced in Sochaux and Mulhouse, France.

The French brand's all-out assault on a turnaround is spearheaded by the 2+2 coupe, which will challenge the seasoned sportscar heavyweights from Germany and Japan.