Peugeot shows off new toys

Renault has just overtaken Volkswagen as Europe's number one automaker, selling more cars so far in 2002 (June) than any other.

What does this mean for VW? It's got to try harder, though with the release of the Touareg and Phaeton models fast approaching, it may not have to try at all.

Back in France, Peugeot isn't sitting idly by as Renault makes billions of dollars with fresh new models. Not at all. Instead, it is attempting something very intriguing indeed.

Meet the new Peugeot RC coupe. It's an ultra-light, rear-drive, mid engine-mounted coupe with two models available: one a petrol and a one a turbo diesel.

A turbo-diesel coupe? Yes, the first of its kind with performance to match. It should be noted that the majority of new cars sold in France today are diesels, and that Europe - in general - is adopting diesel-powered cars at an impressive rate.

The new Peugeot RC is aimed directly at the Audi TT and Porsche Boxster and from initial reports, it looks ready to wipe the floor with both. While they look almost exotic in appearance, the key words here are "affordable" and "performance".

Taking a leaf from the Lotus how-to book of "Power-to-Weight", the new RC duo will weigh in at just over 910kg each, making them quite easily the lighest 2+2 coupes ever made.

To reach such a feather-weight mass, the cars use carbon fibre pre-impregnated directly onto honeycomb panels, which also improves torsional rigidity. Bolstering this theme is an incorporated roll-bar made from high-grade steel plus cermaic brakes help reduce weight too.

So, consider the 900-odd kilos of weight and then add a 133kW, 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering power to the rear wheels and you have a 0-100km/h time of a slightly under 6.0 seconds.

The DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder mill has a peak torque of 202Nm and it is rumoured that this engine will find its way into a 2003 rally-inspired version of the 206, to compete with Renault's Clio Sport.

The turbo-diesel engine is much the same, save for an increase of almost 200cc plus turbocharger and intercooler. The 2.2-litre diesel makes slightly less power - 129kW - yet almost doubles the torque with 400Nm on tap. It retains roughly the same 100km/h dash time as its petrol-powered brother.

Both RC models (remote controller not included...) come with six-speed electro-hydraulic manual transmission, allowing the cars to reach a top speed of 230km/h. Operated via a sequential control lever on the central transmission tunnel, or shift buttons on the steering wheel, it should make for some rather spirited driving.

As we mentioned earlier, the Peugeot RC will have impressive rigidity and together with low 18-inch magnesium alloy wheels, fitted with Michelin 245/45 R18 tyres, they will offer reassuring and predictable handling. Drag has been significantly reduced by lowering the car - it is more than 300mm lower than its stable-mate the 307.

Looking at the new RC from Peugeot, one thing is immediately obvious - this is a Pug. The front-end retains the cat-like visage Peugeot is famous for and depending on who you talk to, it's either a work of art or a piece of sh*t.

For us, the RC is great. The elongated gull-wing doors, dog-leg A-pillars and steeply-raked windscreen give it a sleek and very sexy profile.

It's low, very low, with short overhangs, fat wheels and the centrally-mounted twin exhaust rounds out the car perfectly. The rear-end is little disconcerting, but we're willing to forgive this minor blemish as the car is, in general, very nice to look at.

Inside, passengers will gain access to the rear by way of sliding front seats. Carbon-fibre bucket seats upholstered in matching red and black leather and cloth trim will see some people questioning the Peugeot boffins as to whether or not it's actually a Lambo.

These rear-wheel drive coupes are really quite exciting. Shown as concepts at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, nicknamed 'Spades' and 'Diamonds', Peugeot haven't commented on whether or not the fancy sportsters will make it production.

There's always a chance, but rumour has it that the cars were primarily developed to hone two new engine types - obviously the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel variants that give the RCs their go.

At any rate, Peugeot is flexing its innovative muscles and has come up with a couple of searingly hot little coupes that will be a source of inspiration for models to come. But will it be enough to lift Peugeot sales and see it as the dominant French marque? Only time and a little engine tweaking will tell.