The new Peugeot 208 Type R5, to be unveiled on September 27 at the Paris Motor Show, is the French marque’s second competition model based on its new supermini after the 208 R2 that was introduced back in May.
We only get a single darkened picture of the 208 Type R5 that sports Peugeot’s racing colors (in case you didn’t notice, there’s a thin yellow line between those BMW M stripes), but the carmaker has released initial details on the vehicle that will compete in the upcoming R5 category, to be launched by FIA in 2013.
The R5 category consists of Group A vehicles derived from a series production model, with at least 25,000 sales. It was created by FIA to reduce costs for teams adopting the major assets of the S2000 category including four-wheel drive, five-speed sequential gearbox, no central differential and long travel suspension. FIA has also set the maximum price for the ‘R5s’ at €180,000 (US$238,700) excluding taxes.
The 208 Type R5 is powered by Peugeot’s 1.6-liter turbocharged engine rated at 280hp at 6,000rpm and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 2,500rpm with a five-speed sequential transmission driving all-four wheels.
“We are aiming for performance which is slightly higher than that of the S2000”, says Bertrand Vallat, project leader for the 208 Type R5. “We are starting with the 1.6 l THP, that is already a prize winner. We know that it is reliable and powerful and we can achieve 280 horsepower. We are also aiming for a very high level of durability and reliability: with between 3,000 and 5,000 kilometres (according to the components and conditions), which will also reduce the operating costs.”
Peugeot Sport’s new competition model will begin a test program at the end of 2012 on both asphalt and gravel surfaces before it goes on sale in the second half of 2013. It will be able to compete in various rallies including the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, the European Rally Championship and national championships.
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