The new Peugeot 308 is transformed into an ultra-sporty concept car with refined design of the highest quality. Its bodywork bears the hallmarks of sportiness and innovates with a two-tone treatment, combining red and black, with a clean line of separation. Solidly planted on the ground, the Peugeot 308 R Concept is powered by the engine of the new RCZ R, a real powerhouse of energy. Developing 270bhp, this 4-cylinder 1.6-litre engine has a record specific power of nearly 170hp/litre, and CO2 emissions of just 145g/km.
The front face has an aggressive stance with three air intakes in the lower section. They stretch across the entire lower front panel, which covers a track widened by 30mm. The central intake consists of thin horizontal bars framed with a bluish Dark Chrome bead, while the side intakes are covered with a carbon mesh. The frontal appearance looks purposeful, with the ample capability to cool the 270 horsepower engine. This air flow radiates from the bonnet through two vents which take their form in the style lines in continuation of the body style lines that emanate from the radiator.The special bodywork components that distinguish the Peugeot 308 R Concept from the new Peugeot 308 are not separate but fully integrated. Made of carbonfibre, the doors, front wings, the body sides and sills, bonnet and bumpers are secured to the metal structure which retains only the roof and tailgate of the original.
It is finished with a bluish Dark Chrome bead surround with an innovative treatment for its mesh design in a matt black chequered effect. Seen straight on, the perspective effect creates a strong and purposeful effect with the changed proportions emphasizing the width of the car either side of the emblematic shaped grille.
The Full LED headlamps, taken from the new 308, characterise a feline appearance and are positioned with the lower front panel via its 3D ‘teeth’. The six groups of LEDs contribute to the determined attitude of the Peugeot 308 R Concept. They initiate the muscular movement of the front wings and the shoulder line which connects them to the rear lights. This line extends the bonnet and body waist line in a fluid and dynamic stance.
In profile, the concept’s posture is lowered by 26mm, emphasised by the body sills which have a matt black trim finish. They join the wheel arches curvaceously housing 19" bespoke wheels. On each wheel rim, the Lion is adorned in bluish Dark Chrome while one of the five spokes bears the signature ‘R’ logo in plain red.
Peugeot Sport has developed the drive train and the suspension to create a concept car that will certainly thrill the occupants. Under the bonnet is a compact, highly efficient petrol engine that was recently launched for production in the new Peugeot RCZ R Sports Coupé. The engineers have succeeded in drawing 270bhp from its capacity of only 1598cm3. The resulting specific power is of a record level with nearly 170bhp/litre while offering emissions of CO2 reduced to 145g/km, which equates to fuel economy of 6.3l/100km.
These evolutions allow the 1.6-litre THP 270 engine to develop its maximum power at 6000 rpm with torque available over a very wide range of use (330Nm from 1900 to 5500rpm). The power is deployed to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and harnessed to fully exploit its potential through the front axle via a Torsen™ differential. Its effect is felt on acceleration, during braking, with an increase in stability, and when cornering making it possible to maintain tight trajectories.
The Peugeot 308 R Concept can count on a braking system equal to the performance achieved. The Alcon discs are of impressive dimensions: 380mm in diameter and 32mm thick at the front, 330mm and 22mm at the rear. Fitted on an aluminium hub, they are equipped with four-piston calipers and this remarkable braking power passes to the ground through 235/35 R19 tyres.
