Peugeot RCZ News

There is no timetable for either car but both are more than just dreams, according to Peugeot. It previewed the RCZ hybrid at last year's Frankfurt motor show and is considering a car that will pick

The RCZ is already being touted as Peugeot's TT and the 3008 finally gives it a well-priced compact SUV.

...as Europe and Japan push ahead with some cutting edge designs. Apart from the Citroen GT, the Mercedes-Benz SLS, Ferrari 458 Italia, Audi R8 V10 supercars and affordable Honda CR-Z and Peugeot RCZ,

The Peugeot 308 RC-Z bears a striking resemblance to the previous-generation Audi TT, particularly at the rear. But the French car-maker is pressing on with plans to introduce the sexy 2+2 next year.Our spy pictures of this black prototype caught by Carparazzi in southern Europe reveal an almost production-ready sportscar.Peugeot lifted the wraps of the 308 RC-Z Concept to an enthusiastic audience at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.The production RCZ is almost identical to the concept, with the sloping roof line and kink in the shoulderline behind the doors. From the front the car borrows heavily from the existing 308 hatch, with the wide-opening grille and feline-like headlights that reach back along the car's flanks. At the back the RC-Z gets a centrally mounted exhaust and rear diffuser.When it does go on sale, the smart coupe is tipped to line up against a wide range of rivals as diverse as the Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT, Mini Cooper S and Alfa Romeo GT coupe.However, pricing is expected to be significantly under these cars.The RC-Z is expected to hit showrooms with the same engines as higher-level 308 models.A range-topping turbo 186kW four-cylinder expected from the same stable that builds the John Cooper Works Minis is also likely. Peugeot's 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbo diesels will also be part of the model mix.Inside the RC-Z's cabin will mimic the 308CC, with a high-quality leather interior, sports seats and 2+2 seating.The PSA Group, which consists of Peugeot and Citroen, is realigning itself with Citroen going up-market and Peugeot chasing the performance tag.Citroen's DS-line clearly shows its new direction but Peugeot is expected to continue to refine its sports line-up with cars like the RC-Z and continue its involvement with the Le Mans 24 hour race.The 308 RC-Z is tipped to be part of Peugeot's Frankfurt Motor Show arsenal in September, along with the face-lifted 207 range.

The spectacular 308-based coupe, the RC-Z — shown as a concept car at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show — was dismissed as a pure show car.But Peugeot last week confirmed it will go on sale in 2010 and is expected to be priced in the high $50,000s to substantially undercut its main rival, the Audi TT.The cheapest TT is $68,990.The introduction of the 308 RC-Z is part of a plan outlined by Peugeot director — and the fifth generation of the car-making family — Christian Peugeot. “We won't make boring cars,” he says.Of interest is that Peugeot has steered away from fitting the RC-Z — which uses the 308 hatch platform — with a big engine.But it does get Peugeot's most powerful four-cylinder yet — a highly tuned 160kW derivative of the existing 110kW and 128kW turbocharged 1.6-litre engines.These 1.6-litre engines, shared with the Mini Cooper, are standard fare in some 207 and 308 models.Peugeot says the company fleetingly considered a V6 petrol or V6 turbo-diesel engine but stayed with the 308-based drivetrain.“A smaller petrol engine with turbocharging gives performance plus low carbon-dioxide emissions,” Peugeot says. “That's our marketing goal and we've maintained that with the RC-Z. Downsizing is clearly a technical revolution.”Peugeot hasn't discounted a turbo-diesel engine for the RC-Z. It is certainly possible, given Audi's recent announcement that a diesel would be optional in its TT.There are a lot of similarities between the Audi TT and the RC-Z — a 2+2 seating arrangement, sloping rear deck profile, front-wheel-drive and even four-cylinder turbo engine — though Christian Peugeot says his coupe would be less expensive.“We aim to have an acceptable price,” he says.“The concept car will now be put away for a month while we decide on the finer details of the production car.”One feature that may not remain is the “double bubble” roof line. This scalloped glass roof is regarded as being too expensive for production and is likely to be replaced with a curved glass pane.“The RC-Z will not be a high-volume car,” Peugeot says.“It's not 200,000 a year, more like 30,000 to 40,000 a year.“The final car will be presented at Frankfurt in 2009.”Peugeot says a convertible version is “very unlikely” because the company already markets two folding metal roof convertibles, the 207CC and 307CC.It will also miss out on receiving Peugeot's hybrid powertrain, which is expected to be ready at the end of 2010. 

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 fronthas 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.