After getting a tonne of attention with the new 308 GTi, Peugeot decided to take the new hot hatch a step further by building one that calls the track its home. This new racing car is called the 308 Racing Cup and it is far from being a concept as it will be available for customers all over the world from the end of 2016 onwards.
Powering the 308 Racing Cup is an uprated version of the 1.6-liter THP engine from the 308 GTi which adds up an extra 37-horsepower for an appropriate output of 308PS (304-horsepower), thanks to the turbo unit found in the 206 T16 rally machine. Since the car is still in its early stages, Peugeot Sport is aiming to extract more power out of this power plant.
Aside from the power increase, the 308 Racing Cup also benefits from a more muscular appearance thanks to the aggressive bumpers, a front splitter, rear diffuser, huge rear wing inspired by WTCC regulations, and wider wheel arches to fit the 18-inch wheels. The car is now 106mm wider than its street version, bringing to an overall width of 1,910mm.
While the 308 Racing Cup still gets some suspension elements from the 308 GTi like the pivots and rear beam, Peugeot Sport has added some race-specific parts to make it feel like home on the race track such as the six-piston brake calipers. It also comes with a six-speed sequential gearbox with steering-mounted paddle-shifters. This 308 Racing Cup will have a restricted weight between 1,000kg and 1,050kg.
