As reported just short of a month ago, the Peugeot RCZ R has become a production reality and these are the first images of the sports coupé that will make its public debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The RCZ R finally brings the ‘go’ to match the French coupé’s ‘show’. The car’s existing 1.6-litre turbocharged engine has been substantially revised to produce 199 kW and 330 Nm of torque. Highlights include forged pistons, polymer-coated piston bearings, a higher pressure turbocharger and a new exhaust system designed to withstand the increased temperatures. Another notable aspect of the engine is that the peak torque figure of 330 Nm is available over a very wide spread of revs, specifically, 1 900 to 5 500 r/min.
The extra power is fed to the front-wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission, which together with a limited-slip differential and larger 235/40 R19 Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres, accounts for a 0 – 100 km/h sprint of 5.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The Peugeot RCZ R counters momentum with a larger set of 380 mm brake discs and 4-piston calipers in front, which Peugeot say will slow the car from 128 km/h (80 mph) to zero in 6.1 seconds. Along with the larger tyres and brakes, the RCZ R also features 10 mm lower suspension for sharper handling.
Despite having added more power, Peugeot claim the RCZ R will actually require 0.6 l/100km less fuel than the standard 1.6 THP Coupé, at 6.3 l/100km. The RCZ R also weighs 17 kilograms less than the standard Coupé at 1 280 kgs, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of roughly 155 kW per ton, or about the same as a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
Aerodynamic and styling enhancements include a fixed rear wing with a third brake light nestled beneath, a more aggressive front bumper with splitter, as well as a rear diffuser with twin-exhausts. The tail-lights feature dark surrounds and ‘R’ badging can be found on the grille and boot lid. The roof pillars are finished in a matt black colour and the roof itself can be optioned with a satin or gloss carbon fibre finish. Finally, the 19-inch alloys are a two-tone diamond/black combination, with red ‘Peugeot Sport’ signed brake calipers behind the front wheels.
Peugeot have also given the interior some subtle updates to match the car’s new found dynamism. ‘R’ badging has been placed on the door sills and embossed on the sports bucket seats. The leather trim of the dashboard has been given red stitching, while the seats are a sporty leather/Alcantara trim combination. A smaller diameter steering wheel, together with an aluminium gear knob and brushed aluminium certification plate, round off the changes.
The RCZ R Coupé will go on sale in early 2014, with availability of the halo model to be very limited in S.A.
