Peugeot's 308 RC Z: Peugeot's cut-price TT
308 RC Z concept could become a production reality within two years
The official line on the 308 RC Z concept is that it will be used to test public reaction to the idea of a compact Peugeot coupe when it’s unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September. But the standard of detail finish and the very mainstream (i.e. ‘non-concept’) interior suggests that the decision to build the sub-£20K coupe has already been made.
Although the nose of the RC Z is shared with the forthcoming 308 hatchback, the rest of the body is all-new, and has more than a hint of Audi TT about it. As a sign that Peugeot may be targeting the fwd 2+2 at enthusiasts as well as poseurs, the RC Z – in concept form, at least – uses aluminium and carbonfibre panels in its body construction to keep weight down.
Power comes from the turbocharged 1.6-litre unit found in the 207 GTI, tuned to give 215bhp. Top speed is claimed as 146mph with 0-62mph in 7.0sec.
If the car does get the nod from Peugeot management it’s unlikely to appear before mid-2009, with prices probably in a range between £17,000 and £20,000.
