Displayed alongside the regular versions of the mildly refreshed RCZ at the French firm’s Paris Auto Salon booth is a thinly disguised prototype of a model that will soon gain the title of the most powerful production model in Peugeot’s automobile range.
The study is the RCZ R and it is showcased in Paris in matt black and copper livery that echoes another Peugeot concept unveiled at the show, the ‘Onyx’ supercar.
Peugeot said the car is currently being developed in partnership with its motorsports division with the intention of launching it onto the market before the end of 2013.
The highlight of the RCZ R is a heavily modified version of the standard model’s 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine tuned to deliver 260Hp, which equals a specific power of more than 160bhp/litre, among the highest in the world for a production model.
Despite the high output, Peugeot says the new unit will return CO2 emissions of approximately 155g/km.
Besides the newly found power, the RCZ gets a revamped suspension and new wheels combined with a Torsen limited slip differential on the front axle.
The package is completed with aero enchantments, wider front and rear fenders and a re-trimmed interior.
PHOTO GALLERY
