308 RC Z: Dreamlike Efficiency

Ideas sometimes come together to give life to even the most fantastic ideas. In some cases the dreams finally become reality, making way for part-real, part-fantasy automotive designs. The result of such an idea is the 308 RC Z concept car.

Architecture

The 308 RC Z concept car is a new Peugeot interpretation of driving pleasure. The car is a 2+2 coupe, with true versatility and at the same time a style that is modern, original and well-balanced.

Attention initially focused on making the vehicle as light as possible by the use of numerous aluminum components, for example the two roll over protection bars that separate the passenger
compartment and give shape to the exterior styling, and the use of a polycarbonate rear windscreen and a large number of carbon fiber body parts.

Exterior Styling

The particularly stylish design of the front of the 308 blends brilliantly with the proportions of this concept car.

The Peugeot “Lion” badge is mounted to what can truthfully be called the "nose of the bonnet". From here, the style lines flow upwards back over the bonnet and into the two polished aluminum
roll-over protections bars. This flowing "V" profile gives the vehicle its shape and creates an impression of movement in all positions. Visually, the fluidity of the design is further enhanced by the way the large tinted front windscreen, the carbon fiber roof panel and the polycarbonate tinted rear window are combined together.

From the side, the vehicle displays a strong profile with its prominent front wings, deeply sculpted sides, and particularly generous rear wings. The doors raise the visual profile, creating a link between the sloping front design and the curvaceous rear design.

The Interior

The fascia panel in 308 RC Z concept car has been taken directly from the hatchback. The entire fascia panel is trimmed in leather, while the use of chrome, aluminum and black lacquered
fittings creates a sporty, upmarket impression.

With this in mind, a Bell&Ross clock has been placed in the centre of the fascia panel, between two air vents, its typography perfectly matching the background of the instrument panel located
in the driver’s line of sight.

Another sign of the vehicle’s exclusive nature are the bucket type front seats with polished aluminum eyelets, the style of which is also reflected in the design of the inner door panels.

The Engine

The 308 RC Z concept car is powered by a 1.6 liter THP engine developed from the EP6DTS engine designed and developed via the collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroen and the BMW Group, where it is fitted to the 207 RC, with a power output of 175 bhp. However, the 1.6 liter THP engine, as a result of new engine management software specially developed for the concept car, now produces a maximum power of 218 bhp.

It is characterized by incredible flexibility, thanks to its maximum torque of 207 lb-ft produced at a low engine speed (221 lb-ft in overboost). These values ensure remarkable responsiveness under all driving conditions.

Its innovative Twin-Scroll turbocharger optimally pairs the exhaust gases flowing from two cylinders to ensure maximum flow onto the turbine, while its high-pressure direct petrol injection system improves combustion and overall engine efficiency.

The engine is coupled with an entirely new 6-speed manual gearbox.

The radical PEUGEOT 308 R Concept

Pure and sleek, 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 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 new PEUGEOT 308, with its pure and sleek style, is a hatchback which carries the Marque's upmarket ambitions. The 308 R Concept radicalises this boldness and enriches the expertise of PEUGEOT Sport to obtain extreme sensations."
Maxime Picat, Director General, Automobiles PEUGEOT

Radical purity

Immediately, the temperament of the 308 R Concept is clear. Its low posture, its wide track, its toned bodywork indicate simply its sports vocation while clearly linked with the new PEUGEOT 308.

It retains the identity, the attention to detail, the sleek purity of lines of the production model while interpreting them in its own style.

"For us, it was clear that the 308 R Concept retained the identifiable features of the new PEUGEOT 308. They share elegance and sophistication. The 308 R Concept is a production car pushed to the extreme."
Thomas Rohm, new PEUGEOT 308 and 308 R Concept Design Manager

Sportiness is in the genes of this radical concept car. It is fully-expressed with the identifying colours of this ultra-sporty world. The interpretation is innovative and unique. The front is plain red which has a fluorescent base for flamboyance. It contrasts with a textured blue-black at the rear.

The oblique cut line inspired by the Onyx supercar Concept.

The special bodywork components that distinguish the 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.

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.

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 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.

Overhead, the exterior mirrors are finely shaped in carbonfibre and fixed to the bodywork. In spite of their extreme aerodynamic style, they incorporate the direction indicator with LEDs of a sharp design. The upper part accommodates the shell and the glass, the whole confirming that purity and radicalism go hand in hand.

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.

The light effect produced by the character line running across the doors adds to the dynamism of the vehicle by having the appearance of leaning forward. From the side, the upper body is retained in its entirety as a reminder of the spacious passenger compartment of the new PEUGEOT 308. In this area, only the spoiler changes in length to provide more down-force at high speed, with detailing treated in a matt black finish.

At the rear, the 308 R Concept appears ready to pounce, like a cat focused on its prey. The characteristic 'PEUGEOT pyramid' shape of the rear, with its prominent haunches, places the vehicle firmly on the road.

The new 308 rear lights, with the three claws outlined by LEDs, emerge from the quarter lines interrupted cleanly by the widening of the wings. In addition, this leaves visible the pronounced stance of the rear, a promise of stability in this world of performance. Putting the finishing touches to this radical style with beauty, the two symmetrical exhaust tailpipes protrude through black lacquered trims, which frame the air vents. At this particularly furtive angle, a few components stand out. Dressed with a red signature are the lamps, the interior of the tailpipes and the interior surface of the spoiler to enhance its prominence.

An aggressive temperament

The 308 R Concept is intended for incisive handling due to its compactness, its reduced overhangs and its lightness. To take full advantage of this, the driving position is ideal due to the new PEUGEOT i-Cockpit. Its pure design, full of character, promises a new kind of sensation.

"The PEUGEOT i-Cockpit is a major innovation for the motorist, who is more at one in the car. In an ultra-sporty vehicle, this is a distinct advantage."
Vincent Devos, New PEUGEOT 308 Project Manager

For the driver, the controls are clear and simple as the steering is communicative. The compact dimensions of the steering wheel are a result of the overall weight-saving and enhance vehicle agility and increase the driving sensation. The instrument panel is positioned to be viewed over, not through, and is directed more in line with forward vision. With its very precise design, it makes reading the information much easier, and becomes instantaneous, with no need to take your eyes off the road ahead. Finally, the large 9.7" touch screen also brings the vehicle environment controls together for simple and intuitive ergonomics.

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.

This incredible output requires special components for long-lasting durability. Numerous parts are specially reinforced: the engine block undergoes a particular heat treatment before machining, forged pistons with a grade of aluminium usually used in high-level competition, doubling up of the piston jets, polymer big end shells, etc.

These evolutions allow the 1.6-litre THP 270 engine to develop its maximum power at 6000rpm 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 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.

Since its launch, the PEUGEOT 308 has won over more than 280,000 connoisseurs across the world thanks to qualities that are unheard of in segment C. As it presses ahead with its internationalisation strategy, the marque is present at the Shanghai motor show to launch its new 308 S, built and marketed in China. Regardless of body style and engine fit, the PEUGEOT 308 is renowned for its high performance, boosted by the versatility of its EMP2 platform. PEUGEOT Sport has now developed a new plug-in petrol hybrid powertrain on this same base. The 500 hp power and the four-wheel drive push back the boundaries of sporting prowess in the segment, offering truly extraordinary performance. PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid is also the revelation of a unique interior design with four individual seats and sleek lines pared in blue and black.

The PEUGEOT 308 is a definite commercial success. It has already received 24 awards, including the prestigious Car of the Year 2014. PEUGEOT 308 is reaffirming its status as a global car with the launch of the new 308S in China. In fact, with the 308 R Hybrid version, it becomes the brand's icon.

Maxime Picat, Managing Director at PEUGEOT

PEUGEOT Sport's expertise applies an uncompromising approach to meeting targets. With our experience in hybrid vehicles developed with the PEUGEOT 908, the high-performance hybrid powertrain fitted to the 308 gives a glimpse of the potential for ultra-sports models in the future.

Bruno Famin, Director at PEUGEOT Sport

A balanced yet radical style

PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid has the perfect proportions for its quest for pure performance: it is incredibly compact with wheels in its four corners offering perfect balance, attained by seating the 308 hatchback on the EMP2 platform.

The elegant style and sporting prowess of the 308 are perfectly recognisable, borrowing the design codes explored on the Quartz concept car and expressing them in its own radical manner.

The balanced proportions of the PEUGEOT 308 and its clean-cut, technological design are the ideal base for a radical model like this. PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid makes spectacular use of its assets for an even racier, evermore dynamic style.

Gilles Vidal, Head of Styling at PEUGEOT

Pinned to the ground on its 235/35 R19 tyres set on tracks that have been widened by 80 mm, the PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid devours the road. Its front end is imposing with the expressive louvers on the bonnet and the sharp edges and sleek surfaces of its mineral bumper.

The grille features a checked pattern and supplies the innovative 500-hp powertrain with air. The side air scoops integrate the sequential LED indicators while the central scoop sports the car's signature 308 R HYbrid badge, carved into the block.

In profile, the lines, which have been cut to fit tightly around the mechanical components, catch the light as they draw your eye over the vehicle. PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid is cloaked in an impressively intense blue, developed using fluorescent pigments and glass particles. This colour recalls both the hybrid powertrain and the shade historically reserved for French competition vehicles. On the rear doors, the blue is matched with a matte black, giving a different interpretation of the car’s clean lines, a trademark of the most extreme cars from PEUGEOT.

At the rear, PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid is remarkably understated yet just as radical. The rear stance underscores the car's road handling while a narrow spoiler at the top of the tailgate reinforces the aerodynamics. Then there is the bumper with two scoops that help keep the battery temperature down by drawing out the hot air.

The air scoops and the body sills are embellished with a touch of white ceramic-look material, emphasising the car's dynamic character.

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit, efficient design for the driver

The doors open to reveal an impressive interior structured by a stretched-out central console and four bucket seats. The selected materials and colours clearly state the aim of PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid: performance.

The upper fittings and the roof lining are slate grey. The bucket seats are upholstered in fawn-coloured patinated leather. In true sporting tradition, the interior is finished with touches of red, especially around the dials, the steering wheel centre marker and the central console.

For the first time ever, PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid has adopted a set of materials taken from the range usually reserved for concept cars only. Hence, the dashboard is covered in a fabric produced using a digital weaving technique. This innovative material can be used to produce large, complex parts that are soft to the touch with no need for foam, making for a lighter vehicle. The digital fabric is used on the door panels together with black leather and the same fawn patinated leather as the seats.

Thanks to the innovative architecture of the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit, the driver is fully in control of the 500 hp supplied by the powertrain. The compact steering wheel, upholstered in perforated leather and bearing the 308 R HYbrid logo, allows for precise, incisive positioning when cornering. The steering wheel paddles are immediately to hand, giving the driver finger-tip control over the six-speed gearbox. And the head-up display provides all relevant driving information, without the need to take your eyes off the road.

Finally, the two buttons on the central console allow the driver to keep a check on the mechanics. The first activates the powerful powertrain while the second gives access to the four driving modes.

A radically performing petrol hybrid plug-in

Development of the PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid was entrusted to PEUGEOT Sport. They were challenged to developing an efficient petrol hybrid plug-in powertrain, integrating it into the EMP platform and setting new limits in terms of performance.

The result is on a par with that challenge: quite simply astounding. Developing 500 hp with four-wheel drive, PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid has its speed limited electronically at 250 km/h, going from 0 to 100 km/h is 4.0 seconds, and covering 1000 m from a standing start in 22.0 seconds. In spite of all that, CO2 emissions are just 70 g/km.

It is perfectly balanced, with 60% of its weight to the front and 40% to the rear. PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid has a fiery spirit but an incredible weight/power ratio, barely reaching 3.1 kg/hp.

If we were able to reach this kind of performance on a segment C vehicle, it is all down to our passion for a challenge and our desire for excellence. PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid is part of a very select club of cars reaching 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds.

Jean-Philippe Delaire, PEUGEOT Sport, Head of Development of the PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid powertrain

PEUGEOT Sport systematically called on its technical expertise and its successful motor racing track record to define the specifications of each component as well as its ideal position. The powertrain thus combines three sources of power, each powering the vehicle independently of the others:

- the 4-cylinder petrol 1.6L THP 270 S&S engine, with the highest special power rating in the world for this engine size,

- an electric motor with power of 85 kW / 115 hp, linked to the 6-speed gearbox,

- an electric motor with the same characteristics on the rear axle.

For impeccable dynamic handling, the car’s weight has been recentred and placed as low as possible. The Lithium-Ion 3 kWh battery has an excellent ratio between power and size, and has been placed under the rear seats in place of the fuel tank. In turn, the 50 L fuel tank has been placed in the boot above the rear electric motor and the two transformers. In their quest for perfection, the PEUGEOT Sport engineers have completely redesigned the bottom of the fuel tank so that it sits tightly up against the technical components. The few millimetres thus gained on the vehicle height contribute to its performance.

The toggle button on the central console is used to select one of the four driving modes:

- Hot Lap mode is the most powerful, harnessing the full potential from the three power sources to reach a total of 500 hp and maximum torque of 730 Nm.

- Track mode delivers 400 hp and 530 Nm, mainly from the petrol engine and the rear electric motor. The front electric motor serves as an additional booster when accelerating.

- Road mode is specially designed for road use with power of 300 hp and torque of 400 Nm. The petrol engine delivers its full potential while the rear electric motor helps during accelerations. The front electric motor is not used in this mode.

- ZEV makes priority use of the rear electric motor to drive the PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid. The front electric motor comes into play, depending on the pressure applied by the driver on the accelerator pedal.

Thanks to the all-wheel drive system, the handling of PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid is pretty formidable, especially coming out of the bends. The braking system is on a par with the car's performance with 380 mm ventilated discs at the front, gripped by four pistons, and 290 mm discs to the rear. However, they are not used every time the brakes are applied, because PEUGEOT Sport has designed the powertrain to decelerate using the electric motors throughout the full speed range, starting at 250 km/h. Not only does this preserve the discs and pads, but this regenerative braking system is also one of the three ways of recharging the battery.

Another recharging strategy uses the front electric engine as a generator, driven by the petrol engine. The third solution is a rapid recharging terminal restoring the battery to its maximum power in just 30 minutes.

PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid is awe-inspiring proof of the engineers' and designers' talent and of the excellence of the PEUGEOT 308. A PEUGEOT is always about motion and emotion.