The 308 RC Z concept car has been unveiled by Peugeot just a few weeks before the official European launch of the new 308 model.

It is powered by a 1.6 liters turbocharged unit that delivers 218 hp.

The main performance figures are a top speed of 235 km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.0 seconds.

The concept

The aim of Peugeot's design team "was to build a vehicle with a strong focus on driving pleasure and the associated emotions, a vehicle that was light and efficient while at the same time environmentally friendly."

The brief also provided the source of inspiration for the theme of the 4th Peugeot design competition (P.L.E.A.S.E).

One of the project's goals was to reduce the total weight of the car, by making extensive use of lightweight materials.

Special components include two aluminium roll over protection bars that separate the passenger compartment and give shape to the exterior styling, the polycarbonate rear windscreen and a large number of carbon fibre body parts.

The Design

With a length of 4.276 (same as the hatchback), a width of 1.840 (25 mm more than the hatchback) and a height of only 1.320 m, the proportions of the 308 RC Z concept car combines a very dynamic design with a high level of road holding.

The particularly stylish design of the front of the 308 blends brilliantly with the proportions of this concept car.

The Peugeot “Lion” badge is mounted to what can truthfully be called the «nose of the bonnet». From here, the style lines flow upwards back over the bonnet and into the two polished aluminium roll-over protections bars.

This flowing «V» profile gives the vehicle its shape and creates an impression of movement in all positions.

Visually, the fluidity of the design is further enhanced by the way the large tinted front windscreen, the carbon fibre roof panel and the polycarbonate tinted rear window are combined together.

The “feline-like” front headlights extend along the line of the bonnet.

They contain four «cylindrical lights» each which create a bright and piercing beam of light. These “cylindrical lights” are clearly visible due to the clear glass headlamp lenses.

The lower front panel differs from that of the 308 hatchback. It has a sharper and sportier shape with a single air intake and integral front fog lamps, while the front grille features chrome detailing.

From the side, the vehicle displays a strong profile with its prominent front wings, deeply sculpted sides, and particularly generous rear wings.

The doors raise the visual profile, creating a link between the sloping front design and the curvaceous rear design.

The end result, firmly sitting on 19 inch wheels, suggests power, strength and dynamism, like an animal ready to pounce.

The specific shape of the rear window required the use of polycarbonate instead of glass.

The two curved sections emerging from the roof give the vehicle an original appearance and contribute greatly to its aerodynamic efficiency.

The design of the tailgate assists the airflow over the rear of the vehicle, while the shape of the rear of the vehicle provides sufficient down force onto the rear suspension to eliminate the need for a rear spoiler.

The Peugeot Lion badge is displayed in a U shaped panel in the centre of the tailgate, and is backlit at night. In addition, by pressing the lion badge, opens the tailgate.

The rear lights are mounted flush with the car’s wide rear wings. Fitted with light emitting diodes (LEDs), they have a ruby red fi nish combined with a stylised translucent section which contains the direction indicator.

Two centrally mounted exhaust pipes are integrated into the wraparound lower rear panel. To achieve this, the rear exhaust silencer has been located in a transverse position where it also serves as an aerodynamic diffuser, but still allows sufficient space for the storage of a spare wheel.

The rich metallic grey exterior body paint 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, thus enhancing the styling of the bodywork.

Interior Design

The fascia panel in 308 RC Z concept car has been taken directly from the hatchback.

A fluid design that 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.

The entire fascia panel is trimmed in leather, while the use of chrome, aluminium and black lacquered fittings creates a sporty, upmarket impression.

A Bell&Ross® clock has been placed in the centre of the fascia panel, between two air vents, its typography matching the background of the instrument panel located in the driver’s line of sight.

The bucket type front seats feature polished aluminium eyelets, the style of which is also reflected in the design of the inner door panels.

At the rear there are two occasional seats trimmed in leather, both of which can be folded, thus offering versatile space for luggage.

The length and maximum available boot volume can even accommodate a mountain bike.

Technical features

The 308 RC Z concept car is powered by a 1.6 litre THP engine derived from the EP6DTS unit developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group.

It delivers a power output of a maximum power of 160 kW (218 bhp), with an increase of 33 hp compared to the production engine that equips the 207 RC. The max torue is 280 Nm (300 Nm in overboost).

Among the engine's features are the Twin-Scroll turbocharger and the high-pressure direct petrol injection system.

The engine is coupled with a new 6 speed manual gearbox.

The rear suspension, derived from the hatchback, consists of a torsion-beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar. The front and rear tracks have been increased by 59 mm compared to the hatchback.

The braking system features 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 equipment includes Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), the directional bi-Xenon headlamps, three impact absorption structures at the front, «Peugeot Emergency» service linked to the vehicle’s RT4 telematics system.

"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."

Peugeot 308 RCZ - Technical Specifications

(Source: Peugeot)