Peugeot Unveils RCZ Facelift and RCZ R Study with 260HP, Both go on Sale Next Year [45 Photos]

French car (and scooter) brand Peugeot may be having troubles in the European market, but that’s not going to stop it from attending the Paris Motor Show where it plans to debut an array of production and concept models including the facelifted RCZ coupe and the performance RCZ R Concept.

We will begin our tour with the refreshed RCZ that will arrive in European showrooms during the first quarter of 2013.

The 2013 model year version of Peugeot’s Audi TT challenger has received a round of cosmetic and equipment updates, while keeping the same engine range as before, including a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol in 154hp (156PS) and 197hp (200PS) variants, and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel generating 161hp (163PS).

Peugeot’s designers have gifted the 2013 RCZ with a more stylish and less bulbous front end by redesigning the headlamps and front bumper and adding the firm’s more compact and chic “floating grille”.

Other notable changes include the six LED bulbs on the front bumper, and the new headlamps available in a halogen version with an Aluminium background or a directional Xenon version with a Titanium background.

Inside, there’s a lacquered black surround for the gear lever, while on GT models, the door pads are trimmed in leather, and there’s new aluminum décor for the dashboard and center console.

New equipment and personalization features for the 2013 model include a lacquered black grille bars option, a “Black Pack” that paints the grille, mirror caps, brake calipers and roof arches in matte black and a trio of different exterior decals.

Joining the regular versions of the RCZ is the “R” badged concept that previews a production model set to go on sale towards the end of the next year.

The RCZ R (both in concept and production guise) gains the most powerful version of the PSA Peugeot-Citroen and BMW Group co-developed 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo engine to date, rated at 260-horsepower, which also makes it the most potent production model in Peugeot’s history.

And it’s not only powerful but also relatively green as Peugeot claims the turbo engine will deliver CO2 emissions of just 155g/km.

While power will continue to be delivered to the front wheels, Peugeot’s engineers have made changes to the chassis and added a Torsen limited slip differential on the front axle to keep everything in order.

The prototype is finished in a similar two-tone matte black and copper paint job to Peugeot’s other Paris Motor Show concept, the Onyx, and sports a wider body with beefed up front and rear fenders housing larger alloy wheels and wider tires.

Further details on the concept and the production model it will spawn, are to be announced in Paris later this month.

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