The Fearless Lion!

Peugeot - 308 RC Z Concept.

The 308 RC Z concept car has been unveiled by Peugeot just a few weeks before the official European launch of the new 308 model.

It is powered by a 1.6 liters turbocharged unit that delivers 218 hp.

The main performance figures are a top speed of 235 km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds.

The aim of Peugeot's design team "was to build a vehicle with a strong focus on driving pleasure and the associated emotions, a vehicle that was light and efficient while at the same time environmentally friendly."

One of the project's goals was to reduce the total weight of the car, by making extensive use of lightweight materials.

Special components include two aluminium roll over protection bars that separate the passenger compartment and give shape to the exterior styling, the polycarbonate rear windscreen and a large number of carbon fibre body parts.

The Design 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. Visually, the fluidity of the design is further enhanced by the way the large tinted front windscreen, the carbon fibre roof panel and the polycarbonate tinted rear window are combined together.

From the side, the vehicle displays a strong profile with its prominent front wings, deeply sculpted sides, and particularly generous rear wings.

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

The design of the tailgate assists the airflow over the rear of the vehicle, while the shape of the rear of the vehicle provides sufficient down force onto the rear suspension to eliminate the need for a rear spoiler.

Interior Design

The fascia panel in 308 RC Z concept car has been taken directly from the hatchback.

A fluid design that allows a particularly clear view of the outside thanks to its sloping design which complements the vehicle’s large front windscreen.

Technical Features

The 308 RC Z concept car is powered by a 1.6 litre THP engine derived from the EP6DTS unit developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group.

It delivers a power output of a maximum power of 160 kW (218 bhp), with an increase of 33 hp compared to the production engine that equips the 207 RC. The max torue is 280 Nm (300 Nm in overboost).

Among the engine's features are the Twin-Scroll turbocharger and the high-pressure direct petrol injection system.

The engine is coupled with a new 6 speed manual gearbox.

The rear suspension, derived from the hatchback, consists of a torsion-beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar. The front and rear tracks have been increased by 59 mm compared to the hatchback.

The braking system features 360 mm diameter ventilated discs at the front with four piston calipers.

Polished split rim 19’’ alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 245/40 R19 tyres.

Safety equipment includes Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), the directional bi-Xenon headlamps, three impact absorption structures at the front, «Peugeot Emergency» service linked to the vehicle’s RT4 telematics system.

"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."