Peugeot has been considering making a 2+2 coupe roadster rival to the Audi TT. The French car maker’s ideas will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September where it will show the 308 RC Z Concept Car along with the donor 308 hatchback, which is making its world debut as successor to the 307. The 308 RC Z Concept Car is a 2+2 Coupé with true versatility and at the same time a style that is modern, original and well-balanced.

A lot of attention has been paid to the design to ensure it is as light as possible with the use of aluminium and carbon fibre for many of the components.
With a length of 4.276m, the same as the hatchback, a slightly wider width of 1.840m and a height of only 1.320 m, the streamlined design ensures both improved performance and reduced fuel consumption, helping further to protect the environment thanks to reduced CO₂ emissions.

The stylish design at the front is taken directly from the 308 but has been given a sharper and sportier lower panel incorporating the single air intake, chrome front grille and integral front fog lights.

The “feline” like front headlamps which extend along the line of the bonnet contain four cylindrical lights, clearly visible through the clear lenses, each of which create a bright and piercing beam of light to ensure safe night time driving.

The curved shape of the roof panel and rear window assists the airflow over the rear of the vehicle, creating sufficient rear down force to eliminate the need for a rear spoiler, thereby preserving the purity of the vehicle design. The two centrally mounted rear exhaust pipes are integrated into the wraparound rear bumper lower panel. To achieve this, the rear exhaust silencer has been located in a transverse position where it also serves as an aerodynamic diffuser.

The rich metallic grey exterior body colour is created by a special process using finely milled metallic particles. This gives the impression that the vehicle has been formed from a single block of metal, enhancing further the purity of the overall design.

The fascia panel has been taken directly from the 308 hatchback.  The entire fascia panel is trimmed in leather, while the use of chrome, aluminium and black lacquer detailing creates a sporty, upmarket impression.

With this in mind, a Bell&Ross® clock has been placed in the centre of the fascia panel, between the two central air vents, its typography perfectly matching that of the instrument panel.

Another sign of the vehicle’s exclusive nature is the bucket type front seats with polished aluminium eyelet detailing, the style of which is also reflected in the design of the inner door panels. The ergonomically designed driver’s seat ensures the driver is always firmly in control of the vehicle. At the rear there are two occasional folding leather seats. The vehicle therefore offers real modularity and great versatility.

 For example, enough space can be created behind the front seats to house a set of golf clubs. Similarly, the length and maximum available boot volume can even accommodate a mountain bike!

The 308 RC Z is powered by a 1.6 litre THP turbo-charged petrol engine developed from the EP6DTS engine normally found under the bonnet of the 207 GTi, but now with a maximum power output of 218 bhp.

It is characterised by incredible responsiveness, thanks to the maximum torque output of 280 Nm produced from very low engine speeds. This can also temporarily be increased to 300 Nm due to the over boost function.

The engine is coupled with an entirely new6 speedmanual gearbox.

The front suspension uses many aluminium components to help reduce weight and ensure exceptional road holding, excellent steering accuracy and great feedback, intensifying the overall driving sensation.

The rear suspension, developed from the hatchback, consists of a torsion-beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar. It has been specially modified to take account of the wider vehicle track and tyres. Indeed the front and rear tracks have been increased by 59 mm compared to the hatchback.

Braking relies on 360 mm diameter ventilated discs at the front with four piston callipers. Polished split rim 19’’ alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 245/40 R19 tyres.

While the exceptional road holding of the 308 RC Z forms the basis of its primary safety, it is supplemented by safety equipment borrowed from the 308 hatchback such as the Lane Departure Warning System and the directional bi-xenon headlamps. Similarly, in terms of secondary safety, the 308 RC Z uses the same impact protection structures designed to deform in a controlled manner, maximising the absorption of impact forces.

Like all concept cars, the 308 RC Z is an amazing test bed of ideas making it possible to design and test new concepts, technology and styling ideas free from the constraints of volume production.  

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