Jean-Philippe Imparato, Peugeot’s new boss, has confirmed that the French brand is working on a super hot hatch to take over the halo model role left by the now defunct RCZ sportscar.
When asked by Autocar if a model above the 308 GTi is possible, he said: “There is space for something. I don’t have a solution but I am on it”.
A 308 R is the most obvious bet, as previewed by the 308 R HYbrid concept shown at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2015. This concept featured a 1,6-litre petrol engine from the GTi developing 201 kW, along with two electric motors. The total system output is an astonishing 371 kW of power and 729 N.m. of torque.
It comes as no surprise that Peugeot claims a 0-100 km/h time of just 4,0 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h. These bold figures, bar the top speed, easily surpass those of the Ford Focus RS, Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3 Sportback.
The production model, though, seems unlikely to employ electrification as this would make the newcomer pricier and harder to sell. It is also unclear whether or not the production model will make use of the 6-speed automatic ‘box doing service in the concept.
Exactly when Peugeot will launch its mega-hatch remains unclear, but it will be interesting to see it will fit into an increasingly competitive segment.
Article by Lutho Dweba