REVscene Automotive Forum - 2010 Peugeot 308 RCZ

http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Pe..._1600x1200.jpg
http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Pe..._1600x1200.jpg
http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Pe..._1600x1200.jpg
http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Pe..._1600x1200.jpg
http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Pe..._1600x1200.jpg
http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Pe..._1600x1200.jpg
http://www.diseno-art.com/images_3/P...rior_large.jpg
http://www.diseno-art.com/images_3/P...rear_large.jpg
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/654...trczcoupe9.jpg
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9...rczcoupe13.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/641...rczcoupe14.jpg
http://www.fastestcar.com/wp-content...-concept-4.jpg

The 2010 Peugeot RCZ is the production version of the Peugeot 308 RC Z Coupe concept from the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The original concept was well received by both the press and public when it was unveiled, and thankfully the RCZ has remained faithful to the original design. Even some of the more extravagant styling cues like the little flick-up in the side window line, double-bubble roof, aluminium "roof arches", and bulging wheel arches have been carried over.

The RCZ is intended to mark a new chapter in Peugeot's history. The car is supposed to be a specialist vehicle built in small numbers (for a major manufacturer like Peugeot), and rekindle a sense of driving excitement for the brand. Due to the special nature of the RCZ, it will be built by Magna Steyr in Austria in a production centre that specialises in exclusive vehicles built in small volumes.

Drivetrain
The Peugeot RCZ is available with a choice of three different drivetrain options.

- 1.6 litre THP 156 bhp six speed manual gearbox or six speed automatic gearbox. This turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine offers 156 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque at 1400 rpm. Fuel consumption figures for this powerplant stand at (40.9 mpg and 159 g/km of CO2 with a manual gearbox). This engine is also be available connected to an all-new 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox.

- 2.0 litre HDi FAP 163 bhp six speed manual gearbox. With a capacity of 1997 cm3, this engine develops a maximum power of 163 bhp at 3750 rpm and a generous maximum torque of 251 lb ft at 2000 rpm. To obtain this level of performance it has a new generation ECCS (Extreme Conventional Combustion System) combustion chamber design, a variable-geometry low-inertia turbocharger, a high-pressure diesel injection pump with a maximum pressure of 2000 bars and electronic solenoid injectors with eight apertures. This engine achieves 52.3 mpg in the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.

- The top spec RCZ is powered by a turbocharged 1.6 litre THP 4-cylinder which produces 200 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm. With this engine the RCZ can reach 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 39.8mpg with CO2 emission of less than 165g/km.

Suspension and Brakes
Compared to the standard ‘Platform Two’ vehicle from Peugeot, the 308, the ride height of the RCZ has been lowered by 20mm, the centre of gravity is also lower by 40mm, the front track has been widened by 54mm and the rear track is wider by 72mm.

The shock absorber calibration has also been revised to ensure the best possible levels of road holding and the RCZ will be available with both 18” and 19” wheels and tires.

On versions of the Peugeot RCZ fitted with the petrol turbocharged 200 bhp THP engine, the front suspension benefits from a special lower anti-roll bar to make the car even more responsive and agile.

The braking system features ventilated discs with a diameter of 302 mm and a thickness of 26 mm (340x30 mm with the 200 bhp THP engine). All models are equipped with rear brake discs with a diameter of 290x12 mm.

Interior
The interior of the Peugeot RCZ has a high quality appearance and stylish layout which looks more suited to an Italian sports car than a French hatchback-derived sports car. The instrument panel dials are contained in metal cases, with photo-etched, back-lit markings, a feature which is also continued in the stylish centrally mounted clock.

The fascia panel is covered entirely with an innovative soft feel material, hi-tech in appearance and very elegant in style. Customers will also be able to choose from several different colours. Nappa integral leather trim, a luxurious thick leather with a particularly fine, smooth grain is also available.