Peugeot Unveils TT Fighter

New RCZ is aimed at the market niche currently occupied by the Audi TT where both will square off in Europe.

An American no-show

Even though Peugeot’s new RCZ will probably not grace the shores of the US of A, those of us at LotPro.com would like to take this opportunity to salute the French on Bastille Day by introducing Peugeot’s newest model, the RCZ.

908 RC

Show then go

Carrying over much of the original design inspiration of the 908RC show car which made its debut at the Mondial de l’Automobile in 2006, the 308 RCZ concept was unveiled in September of 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Based on the architecture of the Peugeot 308 (specifically the 3-door hatch version), the concept was powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger that was co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW. While this same engine powers the Mini Cooper S, its application in the 308 RCZ produced 218 horsepower and 206 lb.-ft. of torque (versus 172 hp and 177 lb.-ft. of torque in the direct-injection version found in the Mini).

308 RC Z

Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, Peugeot listed an estimated 0-62 mph acceleration of about 7 seconds. Relying on copious amounts of both aluminum and carbon fiber for its construction, the 308 RCZ managed to hit the curb at 2645 pounds. Being a show car, it was shod with massive 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

RCZ

Called simply by the three letters “RCZ”, Peugeot is quick to point out that its latest model is the first vehicle not to use the usual zero or double zero numbering system. This omission, according to Peugeot, “symbolizes this special and unique position within the Peugeot range” of the RCZ.

And while the images of the RCZ that were released yesterday don’t give a complete view of the vehicle, it appears that the production version, a 2+2, adheres very closely to the lines of the original concept vehicle.

Another challenge to Peugeot was to complete the development of the production car in as short a timeframe as possible, which was also accomplished as the RCZ will be officially revealed for the first time in its final form at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show which begins on September 15th of this year.

The RCZ, itself, will reach dealer showrooms in the Spring of 2010.

Images courtesy of Automobiles Peugeot

Tags: 308, 308 rcz, 308 rcz concept, 908, 908 rc, 908 rc concept, audi, audi tt, bastille day, frankfurt motor show, michelin, mondial de l'automobile, peugeot, peugeot rcz, rcz, tt