Peugeot Automobiles Australia has launched the sporty RCZ-R, priced from $68,990.
One of the most beautifully-styled coupes of the current era, the Peugeot RCZ was always crying-out for a racier version and the RCZ-R – inspired by the motorsport RCZ Racing Cup machine - delivers with more grunt (199kW/330Nm from the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine) and 10mm lower ride height.
Development is the work of Peugeot Sport and the newcomer – tipping the scales at 1280kgs for a power-to-weight ratio of 155kW per tonne – covers zero to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
In a first for Peugeot, the uprated Peugeot Sport engine has a heat-reinforced block, new forged pistons (using F1-grade aluminium) from Mahle Motorsport and a 9.2:1 compression ratio. Conrods and bearings have also been upgraded.
There’s also a twin-scroll turbocharger, larger intercooler, racy exhaust and a strengthened six-speed manual transmission.
Underneath are larger brakes, a torsion differential and stiffer dampers and springs.
On the outside, the Peugeot RCZ-R scores a fixed rear spoiler and 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 R19 Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres.
Now that sounds like the Peugeot RCZ we’ve been waiting for.
