A few manufacturers have decided that they’ll launch their upcoming new models at a garden party – but when we say party, its actually more of a festival. The Goodwood Festival of Speed has always been THE location to see the world’s best offerings other than Geneva and in fact, its better than Geneva because its outdoor and you get to see it in action.
Peugeot has announced the release of their new RCZ R – a hot version of their bubble roof best-selling sports car. Aesthetically, the R is similar to the standard car with a few bits and bobs to differ including a set of new 19″ alloys and R badges everywhere. The pictures we received is in fact similar to the R concept that was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last year, other than a few colour theme difference and the R badges.
Although Peugeot has yet to give us the final word – but the RCZ R is set to pack a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder just like its concept car, which will produce a mighty 270bhp and 390nm. That is indeed a lot of power from a small 1.6-litre engine. At the same time, the R will be 17kgs lighter than the standard car, giving it the performance edge that it had always needed. The suspension setup will be stiffer and added with wider-tracks thanks to the wider tyres fitted on the R, which will give the car a more sporting nature.
Zerotohundred sprint is claimed at 5.9 seconds, which is faster than most of its rivals like the Megane RS265 and VW Scirocco R. This is achieved with a newly added Torsen limited-slip differential which is fitted to the powering wheels at the front – set to reduced wheel-spin and achieve better traction during acceleration and cornering. Indeed a very clever gizmo which will make the RCZ R more desirable.
Coupled with its awe-inspiring looks, the R will come in 4 different colours (black, red, grey or white) with numerous roof selection including a carbon-fibre finish which we reckon will be the choice for many buyers. Set to release Q1 next year, we hope that the RCZ R appear on our shores latest by Q2 2014. Keep a lookout for its official details this weekend at Goodwood FOS.
