Peugeot RCZ coupe

Peugeot’s RCZ coupe isn’t far from being ready now, with the French firm peddling out some official teaser shots to keep us happy until the car’s Frankfurt motor show debut in September.   The shots are typical teaser fare, with no clear shots on the car and a suited bloke getting in the way of any really revealing features. We can tell the car’s kept the concept’s pert proportions, though, with a very low roofline and that fantastic double bubble rear window. It’s not just a mad styling trait either; it replicates the downforce an ungainly rear wing would achieve.   It’ll be one thing that differentiates it from the Audi TT that’s the RCZ’s closest rival. Peugeot seem to making no secret of the fact, either. The 2+2 RCZ – the first Pug to eschew the trademarked Zero and Double Zero naming system – will aim at an audience looking to spend a little less on their coupe and run it on less cash, however.   Six-cylinder engines are unlikely, with units set to include the 1.6-litre turbo petrol from the Mini JCW, tuned to deliver an extra 10bhp, while the range will kick off with the 150bhp 1.6-litre THP from the Peugeot 207 GT and a 2-litre HDI diesel offering similar power. Transmission choices will be a manual or automatic, both with six speeds.

Peugeot's promising sharp dynamics, too, saying the RCZ is 'aimed at enthusiasts who are particularly discerning with regards to driving enjoyment'. We look forward to finding out if that's the case.   The car gets its full airing in production form at September’s Frankfurt show, with UK sales likely to follow in spring 2010. Expect prices to start at around £20,000, undercutting the base Audi TT by 20 per cent.