Peugeot's TT rival nigh

Peugeot's desire to build a sporty and seductive Audi TT rival appears to be almost complete, with new spy shots showing a close-to-production version of the new 308 RCZ testing in Europe.

The production version of the new intriguing new RCZ is likely to be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, just two years after the concept car was originally shown at the same event in 2007.

The sporty new model will begin production in the first half of 2010 with European sales to begin in about halfway through that year, to coincide with the Northern summer.

Peugeot hopes to be selling the sports car Down Under later in '10.

Mark McCartney, Peugeot Australia's Promotions and Events Manager, told the Carsales network: "We are very excited by the prospect of 308 RC Z coming to Australia, and we have every intention of launching it here.

"However, it is still quite some way off Australian roads, as it won’t be released in Europe until around the middle of 2010. Our aim is to have it here before the end of next year," explained McCartney.

As the spy photos show, the French-made 308 RCZ has some aesthetic similarities with the Audi TT, but with a front-wheel drive layout likely it might not be a direct competitor.

Asked whether it would be competing with Audi's iconic sports car, Peugeot Australia's Mark McCartney responded: "As for rivals, we are still a very long way off finalising specifications and price so it is impossible to suggest which cars it might compete against."

The images show a retractable rear spoiler which could suggest the implementation of a high performance engine. Rumours of a 184kW (250hp) engine have been bandied about but a more likely scenario is a range of 4-cylinder petrol and turbo diesel engines outputting around 125kW of power. This would also keep the cost down, creating an affordable alternative to the Audi TT.

Furthermore, the two-door coupe represents a subtle shift in direction for the French car maker. While sister company Citroen is moving into more of a prestige market, evidenced with the uber-fine C5 and upcoming DS-line small car range, Peugeot appears to be remoulding its image to something sportier. And after it's recent Le Mans win, Peugeot is in a good position to tout its performance credentials.

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