Peugeot RC concept

Peugeot is exhibiting the two striking 'RC' concept cars at this year's Geneva Motor Show. The two have a shared architecture and shape, with a power train in the central and transverse rear position. The body colour sets them apart: black for the RC equipped with the 2.0 l 133 kW petrol engine, and red for the model equipped with the 2.2l Diesel engine (HDi) developing 129 kW.

These low, lean 2+2 coupés both feature vast, long and steeply raked windscreens with a 'dog-leg' A-pillar design, and have a distinctly feline look with a clear family resemblance to the current generation of Peugeot road cars.

Distinctive red and black colour schemes enhance the external appeal of these potent-looking machines. The gleaming black RC 'Spades' features a bright red leather trim and upholstery, while the brilliant red RC 'Diamonds' boasts rich black leather.

Both cars are equipped with a 6-speed electro-hydraulic manual gearbox operated via a sequential control lever on the central transmission tunnel, and up and down shift buttons on the steering wheel.

The structure is made from carbon pre-impregnated directly onto honeycomb panels, formed and baked into an autoclave. This self-supporting shell incorporates a cage roll-over bar, and forms a rigid assembly including the roof, to which are attached the front wings, the hoods and the two 'beetle wing' doors. The shell houses the fuel tank and incorporates the front suspension and steering connections and, at the rear, the mountings of a tubular trellis sub-frame which supports the power train.

Echoing the futuristic and sporting characteristics of the cars’ exterior, stainless steel, aluminium and leather have been used throughout the interior, with the leather-upholstered carbon fibre bucket seats featuring motor racing-style harness seatbelts. The cloth and leather covered seats continue the red and black theme.

The leather upholstered fascia panel houses a 'chronograph' instrument panel with both digital speed and analogue rev counter readouts. The electrical structure uses multiplexing and includes air conditioning with automatic regulation, automatic headlamp illumination, automatic speed-regulated operation of the windscreen wipers, and an on-board computer. The RCs are equipped with telematics comprising a CD radio telephone, an on-board navigation system with a 7’’ colour screen.

The RCs are equipped with 18’’ diameter magnesium alloy wheels. These are fitted with Michelin 245/45 R18 tyres incorporating a tread with a central red ring.

Page 12 of 18