Peugeot set to unveil Frankfurt stunner

Peugeot's recent styling efforts -- characterised by large, gaping mouths -- haven't earned everyone's approval, but here's a stunning design study that's bound to win kudos.

Say hello to the Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept, which seems poised to be one of the stars of September's Frankfurt motor show.

Billed as "a 2+2 Coupe with true versatility and style that is modern, original and well-balanced", word has it that a production version of the 308 RC Z is destined to hit the market within 18 months as a more affordable alternative to Audi's TT.

The 308 RC Z is powered by a 1.6 litre THP turbo-charged petrol engine that's a derivative of the unit that powers the Mini Cooper S and Peugeot 207 GTi. However, a few tweaks have bumped up power to a handy 160kW, while peak torque of 280Nm (300Nm for brief periods via an 'overboost' function) is said to be on tap from very low engine speeds.

Drive is relayed to the front wheels by what's being touted as "an entirely new" six-speed manual gearbox.

With a length of 4.28m (the same as the 308 hatchback, more here) , a width of 1.84m (25 mm more than the hatchback) and a height of only 1.32m, the streamlined design is said to offer "improved performance and reduced fuel consumption, helping further to protect the environment thanks to reduced CO2 emissions."

Peugeot says it's aimed to yield weight savings through the use of aluminium and carbonfibre for many of the components and, as a result, the 308 RC Z tips the scales at a none-too-portly 1200kg.

Performance is brisk, if not electrifying, as the manufacturer claims it can sprint 100km/h in 7.0sec and achieve a top whack of just under 240km/h.

The rear suspension, developed from the hatchback, consists of a torsion-beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar. In keeping with the car's sporting aspirations, the front and rear tracks have been increased by 59mm compared with the hatchback.

Stopping power comes via 360mm ventilated discs at the front with four piston calipers and the 308 RC Z rides on polished split-rim 19-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 245/40 R19 rubber.

Visually, there's a few familiar Peugeot cues, including the large, angular headlights and smiley grille, but the overall proportions are far better than what we've come to expect of the Gallic brand. Viewed from the rear, there's more than a hint of Nissan's 350Z Roadster.

The curved shape of the roof panel and rear window is said to assist the airflow over the rear of the vehicle, creating sufficient downforce to eliminate the need for a rear spoiler (in contrast to the Audi TT, which has a spoiler that deploys at cruising speeds).

Inside, there's lashings of chrome, aluminium and black lacquer to create "a sporty, upmarket impression".

There are two "occasional" seats in the rear, but these are more likely to be folded down to house cargo such as a set of golf clubs. In fact, Peugeot claims the length and maximum available boot volume means it can even accommodate a mountain bike.

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