Friday 26th April 2013

Loeb's 208 T16: Pic Of The Week

Width: this 208 has some. By which we mean lots.

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Pikes Peak racers are, almost by tradition, mad-looking things. The extravagant aero packages, ludicrously wide tracks, and hilariously distorted bodywork that are a feature of most are testament to the insane demands placed on both car and driver throughout the event. A vertical climb of 1,438 metres, with the associated rapid decline in air density that fatigues the driver and strangles the car; 156 corners, many with a vertical drop on one side and a rock face on t’other; a maximum road grade of 10.5 per cent with a course average of seven per cent. These are just a few of the delights that await each and every competitor. Oh, and you’ve got to drive pretty quickly while you’re at it, too – did we mention that bit?

So it’s no surprise that Pikes Peak competitors usually need something... well... a bit barmy, really. And with their sights firmly set on the 9:46.164 course record that Rhys Millen set in a Hyundai Genesis last year, Red Bull and Peugeot Sport will be entering the fray with something that fits that bill perfectly: the 208 T16. Driven by Seb Loeb, this monstrous bit of kit bears little relation to the road-going 208, somewhat unsurprisingly – under the skin, in fact, it’s got more to do with Peugeot’s 908 HDi FAP Le Mans racer, which is largely down to the course’s recent switch from a loose surface to tarmac. In name, though, it harks back to the equally bonkers 405 T16 with which Peugeot won its last forays at the Peak back in 1988 and 1989.

To celebrate the fact that car manufacturers still feel the urge to go and hurl bits of terrifyingly expensive machinery at an American mountain, here’s a shot of the 208 T16’s rather indiscreet backside, which gives a prime view of its monumental width, as well as the 908-sourced rear wing. Enjoy!

Traditional (4:3)
Computer widescreen (16:10)
TV widescreen (16:9)
Portrait (smartphone, etc)

 

[Jessop]

I'd like this sort of shot but in 5760x1200 as i'm running triple screen

Any luck ?

[Rumblestripe]

Park that outside Halfords in plain clothing and half of us would be splitting our sides at it!

That wing does look a little "Barry" doesn't it?

[Mojocvh]

YES but how does it go, how does it corner, how is that visceral feeling as torque overcomes traction transmitted to the pílot through both the steering the wheel and the backside?

No idea?? Yep, a picture doesn't cut it.

[Skylinecrazy]

Rumblestripe said:

Park that outside Halfords in plain clothing and half of us would be splitting our sides at it!

That wing does look a little "Barry" doesn't it?

It has nearly 900BHP - I'm sure it serves a purpose..

[Tahiti]

Bonkers. I like that a lot.

[Great Dane]

I rather that Red Bulll will be streaming Pikes Peak

[K50 DEL]

Is it just me that thinks its a great shame that the road is now tarmac covered? Something tells me it was more of a challenge when it was gravel.

[JohnyPiston]

That car is just awe-inspiring to me. It just looks so profoundly focused. I really love it when something is purpose built. This kind of car is used but once a year ...at a specific event and everything about it is focused on that one event. It is a specialised and extreme tool fit for a specific purpose. I LOVE it!

[Red 3]

JohnyPiston said:

That car is just awe-inspiring to me. It just looks so profoundly focused. I really love it when something is purpose built. This kind of car is used but once a year ...at a specific event and everything about it is focused on that one event. It is a specialised and extreme tool fit for a specific purpose. I LOVE it!

^^^This^^^

...and wow thats got some serious "stance".

[DRS zone]

900 BHP on a 208!!!! Insane - by the way did I tell you I like insane!!!

[Chicane-UK]

Rumblestripe said:

Park that outside Halfords in plain clothing and half of us would be splitting our sides at it!

That wing does look a little "Barry" doesn't it?

I'm sure people wouldn't be laughing when the owner came back to the car and turned the ignition key though..

[RobGT81]

Chicane-UK said:

I'm sure people wouldn't be laughing when the owner came back to the car and turned the ignition key though..

Yeah, it sounds just like a 1.0 Saxo with a mahoosive exhaust;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S46ers1u_W4