Category: Peugeot

Peugeot say they are embarking on a new design direction. To make the world sit up and take notice they have released these images of their SR1 Concept. The concept car will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show this March. Further pushing Peugeot’s future direction, the SR1 is powered by hybrid technology producing a total of 313bhp.

The first engine is a 1.6 litre THP petrol engine providing the bulk of the power with 218bhp on tap, while an electric motor provides the remaining 95bhp. The SR1 also features all-wheel drive. Such HYbrid4 technology will first been seen in the Peugeot range in the 3008 model due in 2011.

In full electric mode the SR1 produces no emissions, overall the CO2 emissions are rated at 119g/km and average fuel consumption is 4.9l/100km (57.7mpg).

Also announced with the SR1 Concept, and to celebrate the company’s 200th anniversary, is a new logo for the French brand (see separate article).

A total of 24 images can be accessed in wallpaper-friendly 2000px sizing by clicking on each pic. Peugeot’s full press release also follows after the jump.

UK media outlet Autocar is reporting that Peugeot will scrap its GTi badge. That’s right, no more hot hatchery from one of the finest exponents of the genre.

Apparently Peugeot will focus more heavily on the likes of the upcoming RCZ coupé. It is believed the Audi TT in haute couture will offer more to Peugeot’s brand recognition than tuned versions of their volume selling hatchbacks. Well, that’s the theory anyway.

Speaking to Autocar Peugeot’s marketing director said, “For us, the GTI concept is dead. We will move away from hot hatches towards premium sports coupes.”

So, shed a few tears for the end of some froggy cornering goodness. The likes of the 205 GTI, 306 GTi6 and 206 GTI180 will be remembered fondly. Even the awkward looking 207 GTi, with a MINI Cooper S engine, is quite a capable mover.

Let’s hope Renault maintains the rage, as the French generally take a vive la différence approach to the hot hatch segment.

[Source: Autocar]

The man in the dark sunglasses is back. This time, though, he is not so shy about showing us his car. So, here, in full, is the new Peugeot RCZ.

Revealed a month out from the start of the Frankfurt Motor Show, where the car will make its public debut, these pictures show off the stunning lines and attractive curves of the RCZ. It is quite a nice car to look at, really, even if the Audi inspiration is clear.

The most memorable exterior styling cue is probably the “double bubble” roofline. Check the curves on the rear window! The active rear spoiler has two settings, depending on the speed travelled, and Peugeot say it has the right balance between road holding and fuel consumption. They also say the RCZ has “superb aerodynamics”. Although, in the press release below at least, they don’t put a figure to that claim.

The 2+2 coupé will be powered by three engines at its launch. All turbocharged four cylinders, two petrol, one diesel. The entry level is the 2.0 HDi FAP (no, I’m not kidding) which is good for 120kW (163bhp) and 340Nm (251lb ft) of torque.

Next are the two petrol engines, both 1.6 litre in capacity and closely related to the offerings found in the MINI range. The first produces 116kW (156bhp), with torque rated at 240Nm (177lb ft). The second headlines the RCZ lineup the 2.0 THP offering 150kW (200bhp) and peak torque of 275Nm (203lb ft) with overboost function. The higher spec engine features Sound System technology that creates a different note according to engine speed, “just like a musical instrument”.

All engine options can be mated to a six speed manual gearbox, while only the lower spec 1.6 litre petrol engine has the option of a six speed sequential automatic transmission. Although, this won’t be available until a few months after the car goes on sale in the first half of 2010

Sadly there is only one photo supplied to date of the interior, described as possessing “subtly elitist ambience”. Not content with that array of adjectives the PR team continue saying the interior is “echoing the world of motor sport”. Quite. Although, the leather dash is pretty cool, it has to be said.

There’s more pics to be viewed after the jump along with a detailed press release from Peugeot UK. As usual, clicking on any of the pictures will load a wallpaper-friendly 2000px super image.

UPDATE: The Motor Report brings us news saying the RCZ will launch in Australia in the latter half of next year. Très bien!

Peugeot’s answer to the Audi TT, the RCZ 2+2 Coupé, will make it’s official, production ready, debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September. To help build anticipation for this reveal Peugeot have released a bunch of teaser images. We’re not sure who the dude in the dark glasses is, but we think he thinks he is pretty cool. Never mind, it’s all about the car right, so just click on each image to load 2000px versions.

The good news is the RCZ will be in Pegeuot showrooms across the globe in 2010, including Australia.

Ken Thomas, general manager of Peugeot Automobiles Australia said, “The RCZ got a lot of attention when it was unveiled as a concept car and we are confident that the car will receive even more attention on the road.

“We will be offering high performance petrol and diesel engines when the car arrives here. To say we are excited about the RCZ coming to Australia is an understatement.”

It will be interesting to see what Peugeot defines as high performance engines. By the time the RCZ arrives down under the Audi TT RS will be on sale and then there is also the BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Nissan 370Z and Porsche Cayman to consider.

Will the RCZ be a hairdresser’s car, or can Peugeot capture the spirit of the Le Mans winning 908 HDi and make a fair dinkum sports coupé for the road?

More pics after the jump.