New Peugeot sports car to be unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
Peugeot will reveal its most powerful production model ever, the Peugeot RCZ R, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.
The sports car uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine to achieve 270bhp and 243 lb ft of torque. It can get from 0-62mph in 5.9sec and has a limited top speed of 155mph.
The RCZ R saves 17kg over the 200bhp RCZ THP, leaving it with a mass of 1280kg. Peugeot says this has been archived by using lightweight components and by making full use of the downsized engine. The manufacturer says that achieving 270bhp from a 1.6-litre engine is a class first, and leaves the RCZ R with a power-to-weight ratio of 170bhp per litre.
At the same time the downsized engine has also allowed the RCZ R to cap its CO2 emissions at 145g/km and give 44.8mpg on a combined cycle.
Styling wise, the RCZ R is lowered by 10mm over the standard model. A new fixed rear spoiler gives the car a more aggressive stance, as do the 19-inch alloy wheels, while plenty of Peugeot Sport and 'R' badges adorn the exterior.
Braking force is suppled via large 380mm brake discs mounted on an aluminium hub - Peugeot says the RCZ R can brake from 80-0mph in less than 61 metres.
Cornering stability and grip have also been addressed on the new model, which uses a Torsen differential to manage torque from the engine from as low as 1900rpm in the rev range. The exhaust is teamed with a sound system to amplify the noise of the engine.
Inside, the RCZ R is very driver focused, with bucket seating, and a smaller steering wheel and gear lever, which Peugeot hopes will enhance feeling from the road.
Peugeot says that the car has been developed to meet the needs of both road and track users.
The RCZ R will be available in four colours - Moroccan Red, Nera Black, Mercury Grey and Opal White - when it goes on sale in the early part of next year.
A more formal reveal is expected at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
For all the latest news from the Goodwood Festival of Speed, stay tuned to Autocar.co.uk