Peugeot is plotting a motorsport-inspired performance variant of the RCZ that will be its most powerful production model yet. The uprated version of the sports coupé — named Peugeot RCZ R – will go on sale next year and is previewed by this concept, which has appeared at the Paris motor show.
The RCZ R has been developed in collaboration with Peugeot Sport, the French manufacturer’s motorsport division. It is powered by the 1.6-litre petrol engine that is also installed in performance Minis and Citroëns. However, Peugeot Sport has tuned the unit to produce 260bhp, which gives the car a specific power output of 160bhp per litre. CO2 emissions are estimated to be 155g/km.
To offer more sporting driving characteristics, the suspension has been tweaked and a Torsen limited-slip differential fitted. The RCZ R also gets different wheels compared with the standard version, in addition to bespoke exterior and interior styling.
A facelifted version of the standard RCZ will also be displayed at the Paris motor show. It features a revised front end with a new grille, revised LED lights, reworked headlamps and new chrome bars on the central air intake, which has been lowered and extended.
New body colours and wheel choices and enhanced levels of interior equipment are also part of the car’s mid-life revamp. The engine line-up remains unchanged: a 1.6-litre petrol unit in 154bhp and 197bhp states of tune and a 161bhp 2.0-litre diesel. An automatic gearbox will be optional with the lower-powered petrol engine.
The revised RCZ will go on sale during the first quarter of next year, with the hot R version following at the end of the year.
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Spare parts issues for the RCZ
In Janaury I had an accident in my 18 month old RCZ - which by the way is a great car. However after more than 6 weeks Peugeot have been unable to supply me with a replacement front bumber, and my car is still off the road. Peugeot UK have told me that it is down to the supplier and not Peugeot - and that by the way the motor industry new car code promise of spare parts is 'voluntary'! This has spoilt my experience of the car completely, and I have as yet no date (if ever) for the supply of these parts. Good luck to other owners is my advice! I would be keen to know if others have experienced the same.
This is a very successful
This is a very successful facelift and the extra performance is welcome too.I hope Peugeot are on the road to recovery.This is a good start anyway.
looks much much better. Could we get a sportier diesel and loose