As the Peugeot 207’s position in the European line up was replaced by the 208, it is expected for such a transition will also take place to Peugeot’s podium-grabbing 207 S2000 International Rally Championship car. And one would not have to wait long as with the world-renowned Paris Motor Show commencing at Peugeot’s own backyard, they had recently revealed their new contender for the international rally; the 208 R5.
With some new rules enforced by FIA specifically to reduce cost, the 208 R5 will be a very different machine from the one that it replaces. For starters, the R5 class will consist of Group A cars based on a production unit, with at least 25,000 units have already been built. The regulation also stated that the racing cars should retain a number of parts from the S2000 class which includes the all-wheel drive system with no center differential, a five-speed sequential gearbox, widened tracks, aerodynamic aids and a 1,200kg minimum weight.
But the change is much more noticeable in the performance department, where the 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated engines will be replaced by forced-induction 1.6-liter units. So for the 208 R5, it will house Peugeot’s own 1.6-liter THP unit, thoroughly tested in the RCZ Racing Cup competition. Bertrand Vallat, the man responsible for the 207 S2000 and is now the project leader for the new 208 R5 project claims that the new RCZ endurance racing-derived turbocharged engine will come with an output of 276-horsepower.
“We have serious foundations with this engine and we are aiming for a very high level of durability and reliability between 3,000 and 5,000 km (1,800-3,100 miles), which will also reduce the operating costs”, said Vallat.
The 208 R5 will be assembled at the Peugeot Sport facilities in Velizy and begin its testing program at the end of 2012.
