Peugeot RCZ R Concept is an unsubtle hint at performance coupe to come

Fri, 28 Sep 2012

Say one thing for Peugeot at its home Paris Motor Show this season: the company knows how to run with a theme. Peugeot, some might argue, stole the 2012 show with its Onyx supercar concept; that car has an Onyx Scooter Concept that matches it in livery (if not performance). But, perhaps the most realistic vehicle to wear the matte black and copper attire is this hotted-up RCZ R Concept.

Now, don't let that "Concept" bit on the end of the formal name fool you too much – the company out and out says that the RCZ R will show up as a production model at the end of 2013.

That's great news if you've been considering an RCZ but had hoped for a bit more performance from the fashion-forward coupe. The Peugeot Sport development group plans to fit the production RCZ R with a 260-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, Torsen limited slip differential and revised wheels and suspension. We're guessing that the stealthy black paint and copper roof rails will be for the concept car only – but with the French, you never know...

And coming soon... the 'RCZ R'

Striving to be at the top of this exclusive, dynamic and sporty range, the 'RCZ R Concept' is unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. In a matt black and copper livery it echoes another Concept Car unveiled at the show: the 'Onyx' supercar.

The 'RCZ R Concept' previews a future version of enhanced sportiness, which will be introduced to the range at the end of 2013.

The Peugeot Sport and PSA Group Development teams are working together to adapt technology originating from the world of motor sport to make a production ready vehicle and once again turn a dream into reality.

Its new 1.6-litre THP 260bhp engine will make it the most powerful production model in Peugeot's history. A specific power of more than 160bhp/litre, among the highest in the world for a production vehicle, and CO2 emissions of approximately 155g/km, position it in a range of new high efficiency.Coherent with this engine, special suspension and wheels combined with a Torsen® limited slip differential promise dynamic and effective sensations of a very high level.

A special exterior signature and interior treatment will perfect this version with a high level of performance assured to offer intense driving sensations.

By Seyth Miersma