Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car looks fast sitting still
Fri, 28 Sep 2012
Thankfully, with our meticulous shooters combing the floor, we now have a good long look at the Peugeot 208 R5, which the French automaker confirms will race next year in series like the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, European Rally Championship and the National Championships.
The 208 R5 is, of course, just as racy as we'd hoped, with a wheels-at-the-absolute-corners stance, huge white shoes wearing hometown Michelin rubber, a sizable rear wing and sporty graphics as far as the eye can see. Don't get used to seeing it in quite so gleaming a shade of white, however, as this one little guy is destined to get dirty, fast.
The 208 Type R5 unveiled at Paris Motor Show
- Peugeot 208 R5 rally car ready to revive the fortunes of its predecessor
- Lighter, more powerful and more agile - so the 208 is more efficient and effective
- Ready for a full test programme by the end of 2012 - on sale in 2013
19 September 2012 -- After the 208 R2, Peugeot Sport is opening a new chapter in the sports variants of the Peugeot 208, and not least with the 208 Type R5. It is a true 'competition wildcat', and will supersede the 207 Super 2000, benchmark of the S2000 category as much for its technical performance as for its sporting and commercial performance.
World premiere in Paris
Announced at the end of 2011, the 208 Type R5 will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on 27th September and on show until 14th October. Its contours and its technical assets continue Peugeot's rallying tradition. 'Body built' for asphalt (tarmac) and loose-surfaces (gravel), the 208 Type R5 will compete in its first rallies and go on sale in the 2nd half of 2013 in order to be able to conquer the national and international championships the following season.
In the footsteps of success
As a pioneer, the 207 Super 2000 won everything and has without doubt had the greatest record in the category. It has accumulated six Intercontinental Rally Challenge titles, many crowns in various national championships and numerous victories worldwide including San Remo, the Tour de Corse and the Monte Carlo. One hundred and seven of these vehicles have been sold, run by private customers, importers or on behalf of Peugeot subsidiaries: South Africa, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic and in the UK. Drivers like Thierry Neuville and Kris Meeke were 'discovered' and defined their skills at its wheel. So the 208 Type R5 will have to demonstrate that it is a worthy successor to the 207 Super 2000.
The 208 Type R5 benefits from all the expertise and experience of Peugeot Sport, acquired and recognised over many years. Under the direction of Alexis Avril, Technical Manager of Peugeot Sport, Bertrand Vallat, formerly responsible for the 207 S2000, is the Project Leader for the 208 Type R5.
Performance and cost reduction
The R5 category consists of group A vehicles derived from a production model, of which at least 25,000 must have been produced. Launched for 2013 by the FIA, among its objectives is a noticeable reduction in costs, including operating expenditure. Therefore, the technical regulations will adopt the major assets of the S2000 category: four-wheel drive, five-speed sequential gearbox, no central differential and long travel suspension. This is also the case externally with widened tracks, a spoiler, the increase in the wheel arches to fit 18" wheels without forgetting the minimum weight set at 1200kg for the gravel (loose-surface) and asphalt (tarmac) version, as for the WRC.
"Based on an optimisation of costs", explains Bertrand Vallat, "the regulations impose, among other things, a maximum price for certain parts and technical limitations such as a minimum weight of components of the chassis and engine. In addition, a certain number of components of the vehicle must be similar. The hub carrier is a perfect example. All four must be identical. This makes operation considerably easier and limits costs and stocking."
Another major difference: the engine, the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit is replaced by the 1.6-litre turbo. The 208 Type R5 will adopt the EP6 CDT as standard. "We are aiming for performance which is slightly higher than that of the S2000", emphasises Bertrand Vallat.
"We start with the 1.6-litre THP engine that is already a competition winner. We know that it is both reliable and powerful, and can achieve 280bhp. We have serious foundations with this engine as it is the same as that of the RCZ Racing Cup which currently develops 260 horsepower in its endurance version. We are also aiming for a very high level of durability and reliability in competition with a potential 5000 kilometres (according to the components and conditions), which will also reduce the operating costs." Finally, the FIA has also set the maximum price for the 'R5s' at €180,000 excluding taxes.
The 208: an asset
The 208 Type R5 benefits from the product developments of the 208 production car, particularly in regards to the weight. The shell of the 208 has benefited from a weight reduction of approximately 40 kilos compared with its predecessor the 207. Its dimensions are an advantage for the Type R5 with its long wheelbase which provides excellent chassis stability. Also, being more compact, the 208 will be more agile and efficient as a result, key factors that are sought after in a competition car. All of these dynamic qualities of the 208 combine to give the R5 excellent road holding."
Commitments from 2013
The 208 Type R5 has big ambitions. Designed and assembled in the workshops of Peugeot Sport in Vélizy, it will begin a vast test programme from the end of 2012, both on asphalt and on loose surface (gravel). This will continue throughout its life in order to constantly evolve developments for customers and subsidiaries in order to guarantee chances of victory in a very competitive sector. On sale during the second half of 2013, the 208 Type R5 will compete at the highest level in key championships:
- Intercontinental Rally Challenge
- European Rally Championship
- National Championships
A 208 Type R5 video and photos can be seen on the facebook.com/peugeot.sport page from 27th September 2012.
208 Type R5 Technical Specification
ENGINE
Type EP6 CDT
Location Transverse Front
Capacity 1598 cc
Number of cylinders 4
Power (bhp.DIN) 280bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque (Nm) 400 Nm at 2,500rpm
Max engine speed 7,500rpm
Injection Magneti Marelli High Pressure Direct
Intake Single throttle
Number of valves 16
TRANSMISSION
Mode Four-wheel drive
Clutch Dual disc
Gearbox Five-speed with sequential control
Differential Two self-locking differentials
CHASSIS
Structure and materials Shell + Tubular roll-over bar
Front suspension Pseudo MacPherson
Rear suspension Pseudo MacPherson
BRAKES / STEERING
Front brakes Alcon 4 pistons
Diameter 300 (gravel) 355 (asphalt)
Rear brakes Alcon 4 pistons
Diameter 300 (gravel) 355 (asphalt)
Steering Direct with hydraulic assistance
Wheels Aluminium monoblock 8"x18'' (asphalt) / 7"x15" (gravel)
Asphalt wheels 225x40x18
Loose surface/gravel wheels 215x65x15
DIMENSIONS
Length 3,962mm
Width 1,820mm
Wheelbase 2,560mm
Minimum weight 1,200 kg (asphalt & gravel)
By Seyth Miersma
See also: Peugeot Onyx Scooter Concept is half motorcycle, half scooter, all kinds of cool, Peugeot RCZ R Concept is an unsubtle hint at performance coupe to come, Peugeot's Onyx hybrid supercar may be the belle of the Parisian ball [w/video].