French manufacturer Peugeot is set to unveil a hotter version of its RCZ coupe at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend – the RCZ R. Set to go on sale internationally early in 2014, the RCZ R will make its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. South Africans will be able to see this racy Peugeot at the Johannesburg Motor Show in October this year and it will go on sale in mid-2014.
As the ultimate expression of the road-going Peugeot, the RCZ R’s styling has been endowed with racier features, like a larger integrated rear spoiler, new rear diffuser, 19-inch alloys and red brake calipers. The famed “double-bubble” glass roof is also further accentuated with matte black roof arches.
There are also red R logos on the front grille and boot lid to distinguish the RCZ R from its lesser brethren.
The interior is similarly racy. There’s red stitching on the facia, leather steering wheel, gear lever gaiter, door panels, arm rests and seats, as well as Peugeot Sport sills, an aluminium gearknob, and a chrome certification plate on the centre console.
The 1,6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder has received a new exhaust system, amongst other alterations, to now produce 199 kW at 6 000 r/min and 330 N.m of torque at 1 900 r/min. But the lofty output doesn’t come at the expense of the environment, because the motor only releases 145 g/km of CO2 into the atmosphere.
The RCZ R also benefits from a Torsen differential to help send the power to the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox, resulting in a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 5,9 seconds, a 400 metre dash time of 14,2 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h. But the performance potential belies the fact that the RCZ R is already compliant with the upcoming Euro 6 emissions standards.
To help achieve the RCZ R’s figures, engineers put Peugeot’s coupe on a weight-loss programe – reducing the overall mass by 17 kg, and optimizing the RCZ R’s aerodynamics by adding downforce without increasing drag.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place from 11-14 July.
