Peugeot is launching the high-performance version of the RCZ, naturally called the R, in the UK on the 18th of November. The Peugeot RCZ R is inspired by the Racing Cup track car. It has a 10 mm lowered suspension, 1.6-litre THP turbocharged petrol engine that develops 270 bhp at 6,000rpm and 330Nm of torque between 1,900rpm and 5,500rpm. Usually, to get this much power these days you need to get a 2.0-liter turbo engine. However, for lower taxes and a lower fuel consumption, Peugeot decided to invest in the development of a smaller engine, with the same performance. The RCZ R offers 170bhp per liter, which is at the top of its class. The engine block of the RCZ R has been reinforced by a specific heat treatment.
The sports coupe comes with forged pistons, a 9.2:1 compression ratio, re-engineered con rods, a strengthened six-speed manual transmission, a tougher clutch, a larger intercooler and a new turbo. The Peugeot RCZ R is also equipped with a bespoke exhaust system and a Torsen limited slip diff.
Apart from these upgrades, Peugeot gave the RCZ R a wider track on both axles, revised dampers settings, stiffer springs, and a new anti-roll bar. To get more downforce on the rear axle of the RCZ R, even though the car is front wheel-drive, Peugeot installed a boot lid spoiler.
In terms of performance, the Peugeot RCZ R needs 5.9 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) and it can reach a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). With a fuel economy of 44.8mpg and a 145g/km CO2 emissions level, the RCZ R sits at the top of its class.
The Peugeot RCZ R's price list for the UK market starts at £31,995 GBP. The first deliveries of the RCZ R on the British market will commence on January 2nd, 2014.
