More details have emerged regarding Peugeot's 2011 RCZ sports car, which'll hit the show stage next month in Frankfurt. The edgy Audi TT-fighter, officials say, is poised to take the French automaker into a "dynamic new chapter" in its storied history.
The RCZ's exterior aluminum panels are bulbous, yet smooth, balanced, and uniquely attractive to the eye. Engineers utilized the brand's existing "Platform Two" architecture to underpin its epic sports car, and widened, lowered, and elongated it to better fulfill its performance-oriented purpose. Eighteen-inch front and 19-in. rear wheels fill out each corner rather well and aid in grip.
As aforementioned, aluminum was extensively employed in order to keep the RCZ's weight low, performance up, and environmental impact minimal. Power is derived from three available engines: a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder (200 hp/188 lb-ft of torque or 203 lb-ft with overboost); 1.6L four-cylinder (156 hp/177 lb-ft of torque); and 2.0L HDi diesel (163 hp/251 lb-ft of torque).
All engines can be mated to a customer's choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. It takes the turbo 1.6L with six-speed manual around 7.6 seconds to hit 62 mph, the automaker says. The same combo gets 33 mpg combined, while the naturally aspirated 1.6L with manual gets 34 mpg. Check off the diesel option and customers should garner 43.5 mpg combined.
Fine leather mixed with other soft materials lines the cabin for a luxurious atmosphere. Customers seeking a bespoke RCZ can opt for a carbon fiber version of the trademark double-bubble roof, as well as off-color wheel arches, among other things.
Peugeot has commissioned Magna Steyr to build the RCZ at its facilities in Austria and will begin deliveries next spring.
Thanks to: Motor Trend