Although not extensive, the release and images Peugeot has sent out with regards to its RCZ give away all the important aspects about the 2+2 seat coupé from the French manufacturer before its international début at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.By Kyle Kock
The name leaves no doubt as to how special this car is for the marquee, as it is the first Peugeot passenger car not to use the traditional number-name method with a central zero or double zero. Destined to be built by Magna Steyr in Austria, the RCZ is aimed at “customers who see their cars as a source of driving enjoyment as well as daily transport.”
The production version retains the key styling features of the concept car featured at Frankfurt
two years ago, like the “double bubble” roof, aluminium roof arches, and bold lines, as well as a black roof panel and an active rear boot spoiler.
Initially, three engines will find their way under the RCZ’s aluminium bonnet, all promising high performance, low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to comply with Euro 5 standards. First up is a 1,6-litre turbocharged petrol unit that produces 116 kW at 5 800 r/min and 240 N.m of torque at 1 400 r/min. Transmission options include a six-speed manual gearbox and six-speed auto, with the prospect of a sequential automatic to be announced at a later stage.
A 122 kW oil-burner in the form of a 2,0-litre HDi FAP develops its peak power at 3 750 r/min and 340 N.m of torque at 2 000 r/min through the use of a new-generation ECCS (Extreme Conventional Combustion System) combustion chamber design, variable-geometry low-inertia turbocharger and a high-pressure diesel injection pump. The range-topper is the turbocharged 1,6-litre THP powerplant that develops 149 kW at 5 800 r/min and 255 N.m of torque at 1 700 r/min.
The RCZ uses a MacPherson type front suspension and rear torsion beam set-up specially altered for the RCZ. The ride height is 20 mm lower than other platform two vehicles, while the front and rear track have been widened to 54 mm and 72 mm respectively. Revised shock absorber calibration, new anti-roll bar, and hydraulic power steering are said to provide the RCZ with excellent agility. Brake discs measure 302 mm up front (340 mm on the range-topper), and 290 mm at the rear.
Driver aids include Hill Assist coupled to ESP, which on all versions expect those with an automatic gearbox, include traction control, dynamic stability control, EBD an EBA. The DSC, EBS and traction control systems can be switched off simultaneously so an experienced driver can fully exploit the RCZ’s dynamic capability.
The interior is said to make use of high-quality materials, with supportive, bucket-type seats, instrument panel dials in metal casing, soft-touch facia and Nappa leather trim. A high-tech range of in-car entertainment comes courtesy of a Peugeot Connect 3D multimedia system or JBL hi-fi system.
Peugeot is also developing an RCZ Hybrid4 for release after the other versions go on sale in Europe next year, powered by an electric/turbo diesel system rather than the conventional petrol/electric combination. Technological improvements in the optimisation of diesel fuel are especially relevant in Europe – where the fossil fuel holds as much as 60 per cent market share in some countries. Peugeot claims the hybrid RCZ has a CO2 rating of 95 g/km, and fuel consumption savings of up to 35 per cent are possible.