Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept Revealed

Press Release

Interior

The fascia panel in 308 RC Z concept car has been taken directly from the hatchback. A pure, elegant and fluid design, it allows a particularly clear view of the outside thanks to its sloping design which complements the vehicle’s large front windscreen. It offers a high level of interior brightness, improved visibility and an overwhelming feeling of space.

Reflecting the hatchback, no effort has been spared in terms of the finishing touches and meticulous attention to comfort and convenience inside the car. This is evident in the care given to the styling of each component and the quality of materials used, both in terms of visual appearance and tactile appeal.

The entire fascia panel is trimmed in leather, while the use of chrome, aluminum and black lacquered fittings creates a sporty, upmarket impression. With this in mind, a Bell&Ross® clock has been placed in the centre of the fascia panel, between two air vents, its typography perfectly matching the background of the instrument panel located in the driver’s line of sight.

Another sign of the vehicle’s exclusive nature are the bucket type front seats with polished aluminum eyelets, 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 firmly in control of the vehicle.

At the rear there are two occasional seats trimmed in leather, both of which can be folded. 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!

Engine

The 308 RC Z concept car is powered by a 1.6 liter THP engine developed from the EP6DTS engine designed and developed collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group, where it is fitted to the 207 RC, with a power output of 128 kW (175 bhp).

However, the 1.6 litre THP engine, as a result of new engine management software specially developed for the concept car, now produces a maximum power of 160 kW (218 bhp). It is characterized by incredible flexibility, thanks and it takes only 7.0 seconds to go from to its maximum torque of 280 Nm produced at a low engine speed (300 Nm in over boost). These values ensure remarkable responsiveness under all driving conditions.

Its innovative Twin-Scroll turbocharger optimally pairs the exhaust gases flowing from two cylinders to ensure maximum flow onto the turbine, while its high-pressure direct petrol injection system via the improves combustion and overall engine efficiency.

The engine is coupled with an entirely new6 speed manual gearbox. This unit helps to give the 308 RC Z a particularly efficient compromise between performance and fuel consumption. For example, its maximum speed of 235 km/h is attained in sixth gear 0 to 100 km/h. In gear acceleration is impressive:

only 7.5 seconds in 5th gear from 80 to 120 km/h. At the same time, fuel consumption is very reasonable with 6.7 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, or just 160 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Wheels and suspension

In the tradition of Peugeot concept cars there is a linked front suspension employing the widespread use of aluminum to reduce the vehicle’s overall weight.

This set up ensures exceptional road holding, excellent steering accuracy and great feedback intensifying the overall driving sensation.

The rear suspension, derived from the hatchback, consists of a torsion-beam, two rear suspension calipers. arms and an integral anti-roll bar. It has been specially modified to take account of the wider vehicle tracks. Indeed the front and rear tracks have been increased by 59 mm compared to the hatchback, and also the fitment of wider tyres, ensures maximum body rigidity, precision and vehicle stability.

Braking relies on large (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

Even for a unique model, Peugeot’s designers do everything they can to make their dreams become a reality and leave nothing to chance. Safety is also made a top priority.

While the exceptional road holding of the 308 RC Z concept car forms the basis of its primary safety, it is supplemented by safety equipment borrowed from the 308 hatchback, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and the directional bi-Xenon headlamps.

Similarly, in terms of secondary safety, the 308 RC Z uses the same impact protection structures, in particular the three impact absorption structures at the front, designed to provide a rigid structure which can deform in a controlled manner, maximizing the absorption of impact forces.

Finally, tertiary safety is assured by the “Peugeot Emergency� service linked to the vehicle’s RT4 telematics system. This pinpoints the vehicle’s location and triggers the dispatch of appropriate assistance as required.

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.

To a greater or lesser extent, these unique cars often serve as the source of inspiration for future production vehicles.

They are a sort of “guide� to the Peugeot's of the future, indicating a chosen path to be followed. Concept cars are like the stars, they serve as a guiding light. Even though they sometimes appear too far away to grasp, it sometimes feels as though all it would take is an outstretched arm...