FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Peugeot 308 Racing Cup revealed

Peugeot Sport has shown off its new 308 Racing Cup ahead of its official launch at next month's Frankfurt motor show.

Based on the regular 308 GTi, the new racing car gets a tweaked version of the road car’s 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 227kW -- 27kW more than the regular car.

Inside, the GTI’s interior has been dumped for a paired-back-to-metal look. There’s also polycarbonate rear screen and windows that help cut the kerb weight to 1000kg.

The 308 GTi’s six-speed manual is also ditched for a far faster six-speed sequential race ‘box with wheel-mounted paddles.

It remains front-wheel drive, but power is channelled through a more aggressive track-focused limited-slip differential while the 18-inch race wheels also now sport slicks.

Reigning in all that extra power are new six-piston brake callipers and race-spec pads and discs.

Suspension, meanwhile, is of the adjustable kind that allows the owner to fiddle with damper rates, ride height and toe and camber to suit each circuit and driving style.

Boosting safety, the standard car’s body is stiffened, while inside there’s a full FIA-approved roll cage. There’s even pneumatic hoists for quick pit stops.

Completing the transformation from road to race car is a wider track and a bespoke aero package that features a huge WTCC-spec rear wing.

Replacing the old RCZ Racing Cup, the new 308 is eligible to compete in many race series around the world including the Nurburgring VLN.

Pricing for the new 308 race car will be confirmed at its official launch at the Frankfurt show, but in Europe is expected to start at around $80,000.