The eagerly anticipated Peugeot RCZ R will be the most powerful
road-going car the brand has ever sold. At its heart is a vast range of
mechanical upgrades that will guarantee a thrilling ride for anyone who
gets behind the wheel.
Inspired by the
Peugeot RCZ Racing Cup track car and riding 10mm lower to the ground,
the new range-topping two-seater sports coupé is powered by a 1.6-litre
THP turbocharged petrol engine developing 270bhp.
Since
its launch in 2010, the flagship of the range has developed 200bhp. The
RCZ R represents a considerable boost in power, so to harness this and
create a dynamic experience to rival the best-in-class, engineers at
Peugeot Sport in Paris have reworked almost every component behind the
car’s iconic lines.
The starting point was
the engine. While many rivals rely on 2.0-litre units for performance,
Peugeot opted to downsize to 1.6-litre capacity. With 270bhp it is
almost identical in output to the Racing Cup car and, with nearly 170bhp
per litre, sets a record for specific power in the category.
This
new performance-oriented unit – codenamed EP6CDTR – features numerous
parts which have evolved or been completely redesigned to allow drivers
to exploit the full potential of the RCZ R. Maximum power is at 6,000rpm
and maximum torque of 330Nm is at 1,900rpm to 5,500rpm, yet it meets
the stringent Euro 6 emissions standard.
Also
new is a specially strengthened six-speed manual transmission, uprated
clutch, larger intercooler and new twin-scroll turbocharger. The exhaust
has also been modified; linked to the draw of the engine’s air intake,
it features an enhanced ‘sound system’ to amplify the sporting character
of the new RCZ R’s engine.
A Torsen differential has been added to the car’s specification
to provide additional grip. The front and rear track have been widened
to boost traction. Other upgrades include revised dampers settings,
increased stiffness in the springs and anti-roll bar. Aerodynamic
efficiency and high-speed stability have been improved, thanks to a new
fixed boot spoiler which aids rear downforce.
The
Peugeot RCZ R rides on unique two-tone 19-inch alloys which accommodate
new larger four-piston brakes. They feature red calipers at the front
bearing the Peugeot Sport name. Discs with a diameter of 380mm and
thickness of 32mm are mounted on an aluminium hub, contributing to
increased weight-saving and cooling. They are shod in Goodyear Eagle F1
Asymmetric 235/40 R19 tyres for outstanding road-holding.
In
more than 120 years of manufacturing cars, the RCZ R is a Peugeot like
no other. Its exceptional performance and agility are the result of
countless hours of bespoke development and attention to detail, followed
by validation on and off the track with Peugeot Sport’s experienced
test drivers in control.
Despite the car’s
performance credentials, environmental concerns were always at the heart
of powerplant development. With CO2 emissions of only 145g/km and fuel
economy of 44.8mpg on the Combined Drive Cycle.
The
Peugeot RCZ R made its International debut in the UK at the Goodwood
Festival of Speed last July and was formally revealed at the Frankfurt
Motor Show in September. Priced from £31,995, the RCZ R will be
available to order from 18th November and deliveries will start in the
UK from 2nd January 2014. The vehicle is available in four colours –
Moroccan Red, Nera Black, Mercury Grey and Opal White.
