- Peugeot’s latest concept car to debut at the Paris Motor Show in September
- Stylish four-door limousine combines power, comfort and green performance
- Powered by a 5.5-litre V12 HDi engine mounted behind passengers
- A staggering 515kW of power and 1200Nm of torque
Peugeot always shines at the bi-annual Paris Motorshow, and with the
unveiling of the 908 RC, Peugeot will certainly have the star of the show
gracing its Motorshow stand in September.
The 908 RC owes its name to its engine: the Peugeot V12 HDi DPFS, which will
power the racing version of the 908 in 2007. The abbreviation “RC”, used to
designate sports models in the Peugeot range in mainland Europe, also refers to
the RC and RC• concept cars which made their appearance in 2002 and whose
architecture served as an inspiration during the design of this innovative
project.
The original idea was to create a limousine with an imposing style that
offered its four occupants a new driving sensation. The final design, however,
is an uncompromising car that combines dynamic performance, comfort, luxury and
environmental protection. In short, it is an exclusive four-door vehicle that
will capture the imagination of both occupants and onlookers.
Engine and architecture
The 908 RC is powered by Peugeot’s V12 HDi
DPFS (diesel particulate filter system) diesel engine designed to take part in
the “Le Mans Race Series” programme in 2007. The engine has a capacity of
5.5-litres and offers a level of performance unprecedented for a diesel engine,
with a maximum power output greater than 515kW (700bhp) and, above all, an
exceptional torque in excess of 1200Nm. With a 100° V angle architecture, the
engine’s centre of gravity is as low as possible. Two particulate filters are
located at the end of each exhaust system ensuring the car’s
environmentally-friendly credentials.
The originality of the 908 RC resides in its compact design, with the engine
arranged in a rear central transverse position. Similarly the compact 6-speed
electronically controlled sequential gearbox has been specially adapted to
withstand the phenomenal torque, and is located under the engine.
The position of the power train allows the creation of a large-capacity boot,
situated behind the final drive assembly and therefore not encroaching on the
generous interior space of the passenger compartment. This design also allows
the driving position to be moved forward, maximising the driving experience for
both the driver and the passengers.
Exterior style
The design of the 908 RC creates a particularly
low-lying exterior body with a stylish tapered design at the front of the
vehicle. Its proportions create an elegant and dynamic statement. Sitting on
large diameter 20 spoke alloy wheels (20’’ at the front, 21’’ at the rear); the
overall effect is that of a big cat, from the nose at the front, to the tip of
the rear lights.
More than ever, the Marque’s emblem has played a part in fashioning the power
of expression of the 908 RC.
At the front, the lion’s character seems to emanate from each detail,
starting with the design of the headlights. Lighting is provided by
light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with their dazzling appearance the result of a
special finish given to the internal components. The exterior appearance of the
lights looks like a crystal, cut like a precious stone, creating a faint outline
like the pupil of an eye.
The bonnet draws its inspiration directly from the head of a big cat. The
areas either side of the bonnet create the effect of the cat’s “cheeks” with the
bonnet tapering down to a nose, highlighted by the large chromed emblem of the
Marque.
A lot of attention has been paid to the design of the exterior body, with its
lack of door handles creating surfaces of great simplicity and purity, and
highlighting to maximum effect the reflections that accentuate every facet of
the body.
Aligned with the curves of the car’s pronounced “hindquarters”, the rear
lights, equipped with LEDs, incorporate a polished aluminium insert evoking the
shape of a powerful claw. The dynamic rear profile is characterised by the shape
of the rear air diffuser, accentuated by chrome detailing and supported visually
on each side by twin exhaust pipes.
The metallic black body colour with its bluish reflections further enhances
the impression of status, dynamism and purity portrayed by this car.
Inside the 908 RC
The ambience inside the 908 RC is the result of
meticulous attention to detail on the part of the car’s designers.
Thanks to a forward-positioned passenger compartment made possible by the
car’s architecture, and a large glazed surface area of 3m2, occupants are truly
at one with the road and the passing landscape. The special shape of the huge
front windscreen allows a completely unimpeded field of vision. The front
windscreen stretches back behind the driver’s head, as far as the B/C post where
the glazed roof begins. This gives both front and rear passengers a sense of
being at one with the outside environment. Unequalled brightness and visibility
combine with a generous interior space, complete with four independent seats,
helping to create a truly exceptional ambience.
The light and flowing style of the interior, combined with the latest
technology ensures purity of the design and a comfortable interior. For example,
all vehicle functions (radio, MP3 player, satellite navigation, four-zone air
conditioning, etc) can be easily controlled by means of a large touch screen -
the Man/Machine Interface (MMI). The MMI is also accessible to the rear
passengers, thanks to a multimedia screen positioned on the centre console
separating the two rear seats.
The high-quality materials and interior finish of the 908 RC create an
atmosphere that is both luxurious and timeless. The passenger compartment
features dark oak surrounds, integral amethyst-grey leather trim, polished
aluminium inserts, touches of chrome, and a Bell&Ross clock: everything
stimulates the senses of touch, sight and smell. Practical aspects have not been
overlooked either. Numerous storage spaces, in addition to the large air
conditioned glove box, are located in the door panels and also in the front and
rear consoles.
Structure and Suspension
In the great tradition of Peugeot concept
cars, the 908 RC is a unique model conceived in the inner sanctum of the Peugeot
Design Centre in Paris. The vehicle is built around a pre-impregnated carbon
composite and vacuum-polymerised aluminium honeycomb structure. The rear section
is a self-supporting shell incorporating a sub-frame consisting of a tubular
structure on which the engine and suspension are assembled.
Both at the front and the rear, the car features a drop link double wishbone
type suspension, derived from the 407.
Braking is by means of four monobloc ceramic carbon composite discs which
reduce weight and improve thermal efficiency. The wheels are fitted with
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 255/35 R20 tyres at the front and 285/30 R21 at the
rear.
Aerodynamics
The car’s aerodynamics have been particularly
fine-tuned to attain an excellent drag coefficient of only 0.556. The air ducts
were designed in a wind tunnel to optimise the car’s performance and fuel
consumption, while ensuring the necessary cooling of the power train.
A two-part front air intake directs air to cool both of the engine’s
radiators and also improve the car’s aerodynamic performance by controlling the
internal and external flow by means of the black anodised aluminium vents
located upstream of the front wheels.
Air is provided to the engine by means of vents located in the rear quarter
panels. Air is also directed from the rear wheel arches, through the two
intercoolers for the turbochargers and then out through the visible vents behind
the wheel arch.
A controllable rear spoiler incorporated into the boot lid can be raised by
the driver to improve road holding.
The flat under floor and diffuser enhance further the aerodynamic efficiency
of the 908 RC.
Finally, the 908 RC, is a luxurious touring interpretation of the racing car
of the future, through its engineering, it creates the spirit of the “gentleman
driver”. It is targeted at a very upmarket virtual customer, naturally
accustomed to a very high level of luxury but above all passionate about their
motoring and its history, but also in search of innovation coupled with
assertive styling and uncompromised driving pleasure.
For further information contact:
Mathew McAuley
Public and
Customer Relations Manager
Phone: 02 8737 7900
Mobile:0439 984
228
Email: mathew.mcauley@peugeot.com.au
|
908 RC
|
| ENGINE |
|
|
|
Type |
V12 diesel HDi |
|
Capacity (litres) |
5.5 |
|
Particulate filter |
2 (1 on each exhaust system) |
|
Max power (kW / bhp) |
515 / 700 |
|
Max torque (Nm) |
1200 |
| GEARBOX |
|
|
| 6-speed electronically controlled sequential gearbox |
|
|
| ESTIMATED PERFORMANCE |
|
|
|
1000 m D.A. (s) |
22 |
|
Max speed (km/h / mph) |
+300 / +186 |
| SCx |
|
0.556 |
| SUSPENSION |
|
|
| Front and Rear: drop link, double wishbone suspension |
|
|
| STRUCTURE |
|
|
| Carbon composite and aluminium honeycomb |
|
|
| TYRES – MICHELIN Pilot Sport PS2 |
|
|
|
Front |
255 / 35 R 20 |
|
Rear |
285 / 30 R 21 |
| BRAKING – BREMBO Carbon Ceramic |
|
|
|
Front: |
|
|
Disc diameter and thickness (mm) |
380 / 34 |
|
Brake calliper |
6 pistons |
|
Rear: |
|
|
Disc diameter and thickness (mm) |
350 / 34 |
|
Brake calliper |
4 pistons |
| WEIGHT (kg) |
|
1800 |
| EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS |
|
|
|
Length (m) |
5.123 |
|
Width including mirrors (m) |
2.154 |
|
Wheelbase (m) |
3.15 |
|
Height (m) |
1.37 |
|
Front overhang (m) |
1.01 |
|
Rear overhang (m) |
0.962 |
| FUEL TANK (litres) |
|
100 |
| INTERIOR |
|
|
|
Glazed surface |
3 / 1.3 / 0.5 |
|
(total / windscreen / glass roof) in m2 |
|
|
Instrumentation |
Digital |
|
Fascia mounted multifunction screen type |
Touch screen LCD XGA 10.4” |
|
Capacity of front luggage area (dm3) |
220 |
|
Capacity of rear luggage area with motorised opening
(dm3) |
300 |
|
