Peugeot is to release a stunning concept at the upcoming Paris motor show next month.
The original idea was to create a four-seat limousine with an imposing style that offered its occupants a new driving sensation. The 908 RC owes its name to its engine: the Peugeot V12 HDi DPFS, which will power the racing version of the 908 in 2007 -- the abbreviation RC used to designate Peugeot sports models.
Engine
Behind the occupants of the 908 RC lurks Peugeot’s 5.5-litre V12 HDi DPFS (diesel particulate filter system) diesel engine that will power the French carmaker's 2007 Le Mans entry.
Maximum power is "greater than 700bhp" and it returns a torque figure of over 885lb-ft. With a 100-degree V angle, the engine’s centre of gravity is lowered. The engine is arranged in a rear central transverse position, coupled to the compact six-speed electronically controlled sequential gearbox that sits under the engine.
According to Peugeot, the position of the power train permits a large-capacity boot situated behind the final drive assembly and which doesn't encroach on the passenger compartment. This design also allows the driving position to be moved forward.
Exterior
Sitting on large diameter 20-spoke alloy wheels (20-inchers at the front, 21 at the rear), the overall effect is, reckons Peugeot, that of a big cat, from the nose at the front, to the tip of the rear lights.
Lighting is provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with their appearance the result of a special finish given to the internal components. The exterior appearance of the lights looks like a crystal, cut like a precious stone, creating a faint outline like the pupil of an eye.
The bonnet draws its inspiration directly from the head of a big cat. The areas either side of the bonnet create the effect of the cat’s cheeks with the bonnet tapering down to a nose, highlighted by the large chromed badge.
Aligned with the curves of the car’s pronounced hindquarters, the rear LED lights incorporate a polished aluminium insert are supposed to be redolent of a powerful claw. Under that sit the rear diffuser with chrome detailing, and twin exhaust pipes.
Interior
The windscreen is huge, stretching behind the driver’s head, as far as the B/C pillar where the glazed roof begins. All functions (radio, MP3 player, satellite navigation, four-zone air conditioning, etc) are controlled by means of a large touch screen, which is also accessible to rear passengers via a multimedia screen on a console between the two rear seats.
The passenger compartment features dark oak surrounds, integral amethyst-grey leather trim, polished aluminium inserts, touches of chrome, and a Bell&Ross clock. Practical aspects include numerous storage spaces in the door panels and in front and rear consoles, plus an air-conditioned glove box.
Chassis
The vehicle is built around a pre-impregnated carbon composite and vacuum-polymerised aluminium honeycomb structure. The rear section is a self-supporting shell incorporating a sub-frame consisting of a tubular structure on which the engine and suspension are assembled.
The car features a 407-derived drop link double wishbone type suspension front and rear. Braking is by means of four monobloc ceramic carbon composite discs which reduce weight and improve thermal efficiency. The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 255/35 R20 tyres at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.
Aerodynamics
The car’s aerodynamics deliver an excellent drag coefficient of 0.556. A two-part front air intake directs air to cool both engine radiators, and controls internal and external flow by means of the black anodised aluminium vents located upstream of the front wheels. This also improves the car’s aerodynamic performance, reckons Peugeot.
Air is provided to the engine via vents in the rear quarter panels, and directed from the rear wheel arches, through the two intercoolers for the turbochargers and then out through the vents behind the wheel arch.
A controllable rear spoiler incorporated into the boot lid can be raised by the driver to improve road holding. The flat underfloor and diffuser assist the car's aerodynamic efficiency.
But will it fit in your garage...?