Thursday, February 5, 2009
FM Auto Vulca S, 2009
Finally! F&M AutoVulca S was unveiled as a world premiere at the 2009 Salone del Lusso in Vicenza.
630 Hp, 4.83m x 2.00m x 1.34m, totally hand made in aluminium, complete with a sophisticated data acquisition system to monitor your driving skills, full hand-stitched leather trim etc: the F&M Auto Vulca S is a true beast disguised in a gorgeous dress.
Only 10 F&M Auto Vulca S will ever be made, be one of the priviledged few to own one.
630 Hp, 4.83m x 2.00m x 1.34m, totally hand made in aluminium, complete with a sophisticated data acquisition system to monitor your driving skills, full hand-stitched leather trim etc: the F&M Auto Vulca S is a true beast disguised in a gorgeous dress.
Only 10 F&M Auto Vulca S will ever be made, be one of the priviledged few to own one.
Opel GTC Concept, 2007
Opel GTC Concept Heralds New Design Era for the Brand
The world premiere of the GTC Concept (Gran Turismo Coupé) at the 77th Geneva Motor Show gives an insight into how dynamic and refreshing Opel's new design language will look in the future. "This concept car demonstrates the new interpretation of the Opel brand," explains Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing. "The GTC Concept embodies the confident, emotional direction we're taking with Opel. Its exciting lines combined with its high driving dynamics and interior flexibility reflect what the Opel brand trademark characteristics will be in the future." Even a new, more refined brand emblem, with the Opel name proudly embossed into the Blitz ring, is suggested.
The four-seat coupé is powered by a 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine and features an intelligent, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which provides optimum traction and stability as well as excellent agility in all driving conditions.
Brand-typical on-board flexibility is ensured by the thoughtful "Flex4" system (patent application submitted). The backs of both rear seats can be docked separately to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or two-seater with flat load floor and up to 1020 liters of luggage compartment capacity. As is typical of Opel cars, the seats do not have to be removed or installed.
Dynamic design: Visually communicating the Opel brand promise
The GTC Concept reveals the next-generation of Opel styling. Much like the Opel Speedster did in 1999, or the GTC Genève Concept did in 2003 this car marks a break in the evolution of Opel's design language and signals that the next chapter is about to be written.
Key elements of the silk grey-lacquered Coupé concept car finished with a matte grey paint (length/width/height: 4830/1867/1432 millimeters, wheelbase: 2737 mm) begin with an aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements, proposing an unmistakable down-the-road signature performance graphic, coming or going.
The proud front is highlighted by a prominent, trapezoidal grille with signature Opel bar and Blitz, executed in polished aluminum, and gracefully finished with a bolder Opel Blitz emblem concept. The centerline crease coupled with the distinctive aluminum vertical intakes and outboard LED vertical driving lamps choreograph in harmony to visually communicate power and strength. The distinctive design continues with LED technology, enabling creative headlamp inner shapes that propose a night time signature illumination graphic in the front and rear lamps.
Another significant design cue of the two-door sport-coupé with its sleek silhouette is the sophisticated bodyside shapes and surfacing. The sheetmetal surfaces suggest athleticism coupled with elegance to provide tasteful distinction in a visually loud marketplace. The car features sculpted side lines that further progress the Opel profile shown on the Antara and Opel GT production vehicles.
In addition, large flares hug the aggressive wheel and tire package, visually suggesting road confidence to the customer. Thanks to the wide track (front/rear: 1627/1629 mm), the Opel GTC Concept provides a commanding stance, planted by 20-inch rims with 245/40 R20 "red line" styled rubber. The wheels reference the motor sport aesthetic of black rims - however, elegantly finished with high- gloss black spokes contrasted with machine polished edges, alluding a signature performance wheel look.
The GTC Concept's rear visual solutions strategically echo the design language of the nose with an integrated rear bar and blitz emblem resting on the distinctive Opel rear center crease. Sophisticated surface development sculpturally integrates the rear spoiler into the sheetmetal to visually communicate performance. The rear appearance features Opel signature shaped rear lamps, uniquely displaying a LED night lighting graphic showcasing the exterior brand identity. The smart exterior shape and aerodynamic characteristics are rewarded by the cD value of 0.25.
Interior design: Warmer and more inviting
Opel's interior designs have progressed to become warmer and more inviting in products like the new Corsa, Antara and Opel GT. However, the Opel GTC Concept significantly represents the next chapter of Opel's interior brand identity. Echoing the exterior, the interior shapes and surfaces are sculpturally-crafted to visually articulate a dynamic driving experience. The dashboard's top-pad wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, embracing the occupants. The sweeping décor dynamically stretches one's eye from the surfaces of the door and instrument panel, creating a memorable environment. The horizontal theme is secured with a large integrated centerstack design floating above the décor surface, an appearance reminiscent of premium audio equipment.
Complementing the exterior material theme, matte ebony surfaces are contrasted with rich high-gloss piano black décor finishes and structurally elegant aluminum accents, revealing a new standard of Opel aesthetics. The U-shaped aluminum graphic on the steering wheel is reflected again on the center console and the gear shifter, visually connecting the driving interfaces to emphasize Opel's driving dynamics. The rotating navigation control is ergonomically positioned, allowing it to easily be located and controlled by the driver, without having to remove his/her eyes from the road. The four, sporty, round instruments encircled by translucent rings are backlit in dynamic red, replacing Opel's traditional amber tones. These interior appearance solutions intentionally reinforce the dynamic ownership experience Opel provides.
As a final identity concept, the refined "redline" graphic of the tire pattern is vertically woven into the contoured sport seat surfaces and the centerline of the steering wheel, proposing that a visual performance identity can be distinctive without compromising taste.
Intelligent packaging: Compact exterior with spacious, flexible interior
With the lower seating position and vertical hip point ? known as the H-point? , both front occupants sit perfectly integrated in the car. Thanks to the lower-set instrument panel, outward visibility remains excellent. This also provides a generous sense of space, an effect strengthened by its color: the instrument panel's upper section is dark, while the lower section is light.
The intelligent packaging is further highlighted by plenty of space in the rear of the Opel Concept car, despite its flat roof line: rear headroom is 920 millimeters. The rear seats are set low, but the four-seat, two-door car still offers Opel's brand-typical flexibility thanks to a novelty developed by Opel engineers: the "Flex4" interior concept (patent application submitted).
"Flex4" enables the backs of both the rear seats in the Coupé concept car to be moved forward separately at the touch of a button via sensor-control and docked to the front seats. The luggage compartment cover is thereby automatically pulled over the remaining seat surfaces in the floor. This creates a three or two-seater with a flat load floor up to 1.80 meters long. Luggage compartment capacity increases from 500 liters to 755 liters (three-seater) or up to 1020 liters (maximum capacity: up to waistline).
Powerful engine and intelligent four-wheel drive system
The Opel GTC concept car is powered by a turbocharged, 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with two variable camshafts, which is combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is available from 1850 up to 4500 rpm, and accelerating from zero to 100 km/h is calculated to take around six seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
The power from the high-tech turbo engine is channeled via an advanced, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which is fully integrated into the car's adaptive IDSPlus chassis management system. An electronically-regulated torque transfer device seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear axles for optimum traction and driving performance. The high-speed control allows more power to be provided to the rear axle before any traction loss can occur, for example during quick acceleration. This creates a driving feel similar to a sporty rear-wheel drive car. An electronically-controlled limited slip differential at the rear axle provides additional stability and traction thanks to torque distribution between the rear wheels.
Major benefits of the Opel GTC Concept's intelligent four-wheel drive system are: optimum traction and stability in all driving conditions as well as excellent agility and an active driving feel.
The world premiere of the GTC Concept (Gran Turismo Coupé) at the 77th Geneva Motor Show gives an insight into how dynamic and refreshing Opel's new design language will look in the future. "This concept car demonstrates the new interpretation of the Opel brand," explains Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing. "The GTC Concept embodies the confident, emotional direction we're taking with Opel. Its exciting lines combined with its high driving dynamics and interior flexibility reflect what the Opel brand trademark characteristics will be in the future." Even a new, more refined brand emblem, with the Opel name proudly embossed into the Blitz ring, is suggested.
The four-seat coupé is powered by a 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine and features an intelligent, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which provides optimum traction and stability as well as excellent agility in all driving conditions.
Brand-typical on-board flexibility is ensured by the thoughtful "Flex4" system (patent application submitted). The backs of both rear seats can be docked separately to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or two-seater with flat load floor and up to 1020 liters of luggage compartment capacity. As is typical of Opel cars, the seats do not have to be removed or installed.
Dynamic design: Visually communicating the Opel brand promise
The GTC Concept reveals the next-generation of Opel styling. Much like the Opel Speedster did in 1999, or the GTC Genève Concept did in 2003 this car marks a break in the evolution of Opel's design language and signals that the next chapter is about to be written.
Key elements of the silk grey-lacquered Coupé concept car finished with a matte grey paint (length/width/height: 4830/1867/1432 millimeters, wheelbase: 2737 mm) begin with an aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements, proposing an unmistakable down-the-road signature performance graphic, coming or going.
The proud front is highlighted by a prominent, trapezoidal grille with signature Opel bar and Blitz, executed in polished aluminum, and gracefully finished with a bolder Opel Blitz emblem concept. The centerline crease coupled with the distinctive aluminum vertical intakes and outboard LED vertical driving lamps choreograph in harmony to visually communicate power and strength. The distinctive design continues with LED technology, enabling creative headlamp inner shapes that propose a night time signature illumination graphic in the front and rear lamps.
Another significant design cue of the two-door sport-coupé with its sleek silhouette is the sophisticated bodyside shapes and surfacing. The sheetmetal surfaces suggest athleticism coupled with elegance to provide tasteful distinction in a visually loud marketplace. The car features sculpted side lines that further progress the Opel profile shown on the Antara and Opel GT production vehicles.
In addition, large flares hug the aggressive wheel and tire package, visually suggesting road confidence to the customer. Thanks to the wide track (front/rear: 1627/1629 mm), the Opel GTC Concept provides a commanding stance, planted by 20-inch rims with 245/40 R20 "red line" styled rubber. The wheels reference the motor sport aesthetic of black rims - however, elegantly finished with high- gloss black spokes contrasted with machine polished edges, alluding a signature performance wheel look.
The GTC Concept's rear visual solutions strategically echo the design language of the nose with an integrated rear bar and blitz emblem resting on the distinctive Opel rear center crease. Sophisticated surface development sculpturally integrates the rear spoiler into the sheetmetal to visually communicate performance. The rear appearance features Opel signature shaped rear lamps, uniquely displaying a LED night lighting graphic showcasing the exterior brand identity. The smart exterior shape and aerodynamic characteristics are rewarded by the cD value of 0.25.
Interior design: Warmer and more inviting
Opel's interior designs have progressed to become warmer and more inviting in products like the new Corsa, Antara and Opel GT. However, the Opel GTC Concept significantly represents the next chapter of Opel's interior brand identity. Echoing the exterior, the interior shapes and surfaces are sculpturally-crafted to visually articulate a dynamic driving experience. The dashboard's top-pad wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, embracing the occupants. The sweeping décor dynamically stretches one's eye from the surfaces of the door and instrument panel, creating a memorable environment. The horizontal theme is secured with a large integrated centerstack design floating above the décor surface, an appearance reminiscent of premium audio equipment.
Complementing the exterior material theme, matte ebony surfaces are contrasted with rich high-gloss piano black décor finishes and structurally elegant aluminum accents, revealing a new standard of Opel aesthetics. The U-shaped aluminum graphic on the steering wheel is reflected again on the center console and the gear shifter, visually connecting the driving interfaces to emphasize Opel's driving dynamics. The rotating navigation control is ergonomically positioned, allowing it to easily be located and controlled by the driver, without having to remove his/her eyes from the road. The four, sporty, round instruments encircled by translucent rings are backlit in dynamic red, replacing Opel's traditional amber tones. These interior appearance solutions intentionally reinforce the dynamic ownership experience Opel provides.
As a final identity concept, the refined "redline" graphic of the tire pattern is vertically woven into the contoured sport seat surfaces and the centerline of the steering wheel, proposing that a visual performance identity can be distinctive without compromising taste.
Intelligent packaging: Compact exterior with spacious, flexible interior
With the lower seating position and vertical hip point ? known as the H-point? , both front occupants sit perfectly integrated in the car. Thanks to the lower-set instrument panel, outward visibility remains excellent. This also provides a generous sense of space, an effect strengthened by its color: the instrument panel's upper section is dark, while the lower section is light.
The intelligent packaging is further highlighted by plenty of space in the rear of the Opel Concept car, despite its flat roof line: rear headroom is 920 millimeters. The rear seats are set low, but the four-seat, two-door car still offers Opel's brand-typical flexibility thanks to a novelty developed by Opel engineers: the "Flex4" interior concept (patent application submitted).
"Flex4" enables the backs of both the rear seats in the Coupé concept car to be moved forward separately at the touch of a button via sensor-control and docked to the front seats. The luggage compartment cover is thereby automatically pulled over the remaining seat surfaces in the floor. This creates a three or two-seater with a flat load floor up to 1.80 meters long. Luggage compartment capacity increases from 500 liters to 755 liters (three-seater) or up to 1020 liters (maximum capacity: up to waistline).
Powerful engine and intelligent four-wheel drive system
The Opel GTC concept car is powered by a turbocharged, 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with two variable camshafts, which is combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is available from 1850 up to 4500 rpm, and accelerating from zero to 100 km/h is calculated to take around six seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
The power from the high-tech turbo engine is channeled via an advanced, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which is fully integrated into the car's adaptive IDSPlus chassis management system. An electronically-regulated torque transfer device seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear axles for optimum traction and driving performance. The high-speed control allows more power to be provided to the rear axle before any traction loss can occur, for example during quick acceleration. This creates a driving feel similar to a sporty rear-wheel drive car. An electronically-controlled limited slip differential at the rear axle provides additional stability and traction thanks to torque distribution between the rear wheels.
Major benefits of the Opel GTC Concept's intelligent four-wheel drive system are: optimum traction and stability in all driving conditions as well as excellent agility and an active driving feel.
Pagani Zonda R, 2008
The Zonda F lacks performance figures, driving around the Nürburgring in 7:32 and achieving lateral G forces of almost 1.5 G, it is however a road car, easy to drive, intuitive and setting the benchmark for comfort, safety and lightweight. Paired with a quality finish and the attention to detail this made the Zonda F one of the most desirable supercars resulting in the 25 Coupé models being sold out in record time.
This did not seem to fulfil the requirements of our most demanding customers, who adore the weekend drive on a racetrack.
The spark has been set by an Italo-American customer, enthusiast and already proud owner of 3 Zondas. He describes the project this way: "The thought has been on my mind for quite some time, but I am not interested in racing".
The Zonda R is born with full liberty. The target: the ultimate performance at the racetrack without any implications of rules, except for safety, where no compromise is allowed. In September 2006 the first drawings were ready, but it was crucial to have the support of Mercedes-AMG for a high revving engine with a power output of 750hp, dry sump, light and with a low centre of gravity. The basis was the self supporting engine of the mighty CLK GTR, which has dominated the GT championships.
Eve at constant racing pace the engine would have to cover over 5.000 km before servicing. The challenge has been accepted without hesitation.
The Zonda R is a car designed from scratch, with only 10% of the Zonda F components to be carried over. The suspension forged in Avional, a new Pagani six speed transversal sequential gearbox, carbon fibre monocoque, aeronautical four pump fuel tank are only part of the equation.
The wheelbase has grown by 47mm, the overall length by 394 mm and the track is increased by 50mm. The bodywork and aerodynamics have been studied to offer maximum downforce. Even though built for the track, the project would not have received kick off, if the quality and finish of the car and its details was not up to the level of the Pagani road cars. One of the first cars to be delivered however will be kept in a living room, designed by Pagani and built with the same materials as the Zonda F, beautifully textured carbon fibre, avional, titanium, inconel and other state of the art materials. Additionally it will feature a bespoke HiFi System that will allow the customer to listen to the sound of this car at Le Mans and the Nürburgring.
The Pagani customers who have ordered the Zonda R will be relieved of almost 1.2 million + taxes.
Technical Specifications
This Zonda is purpose made for track use, without restrictions of any competition rules or homologation, with the only exclusion of the passengers' integrity, where no compromise is tolerated according to our philosophy and state-of-the-art safety measures are featured.
A new heart
The engine is built by the racing specialists at Mercedes AMG, where the championship winning DTM cars are born, as well as the CLK GTR, probably the most devastating and effective weapon ever to compete in the GT series. From it's engine the Zonda R borrows the basic architecture including an ingenious dry sump allowing a low centre of gravity. This self-supporting engine with 750 hp at 8000 rpm and 710 Nm of torque carries a lightweight carbon fibre highperformance intake system, a racing multiple disc sintered clutch and Formula 1 style exhaust system, hydroformed in Inconel 625 and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation. The power unit combined with a 6 speed transversal manual sequential synchronised gearbox is designed to satisfy the most ambitious drivers.
The chassis
The central carbon chassis will incorporate a roll cage and a rubber racing fuel tank with 4 fuel pumps and quick refuel filler like on GT race cars. The wheelbase has been increased by 47mm to offer the best stability. The front and rear subframes are brand-new, built to accommodate a new suspension geometry, produced in avional. The magnesium forged rims with central wheel nut and a quick pneumatic lifting system allows fast and effortless changes of the slick tyres.
Bodywork and aerodynamics
The new bodywork has been honed to offer elevated downforce even in low speed corners. The longer front bonnet with flaps, closed underbody and the rear overhang with the adjustablerear wing and race derived diffusor translate into shattering aerodynamic efficiency and will let you experience cornering speeds beyond imagination. The car displays and logs information about the amount of dowforce that the car is generating at each moment. Combined with the adjustable wings you can easily find the best setup for each track.
Workstation
The interior is designed to accommodate the driver and passenger in bespoke seats, built to offer the best support, when the G-forces from the vehicle dynamics come into question. The Digitek instrumentation provides the essential information and a sophisticated telemetry allows through a variety of sensors to monitor every single component of the car.
Technical Data
* Type V12 - M120
* V - angle 60°
* Displacement 5987 ccm
* Stroke 80,20 mm
* Bore 89,00 mm
* Valves per cilinder 4
* Horse Power 750
* Power output 551 KW at 7.500 1/min
* Torque output 710 Nm
* Aspiration Single throttle bodies, mechanically operated
* Lubrification Dry sump with separate oil tank
* Firing order 1-12-5-8-3-10-6-7-2-11-4-9
Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept, 2007
The 308 RC Z concept car is a new Peugeot interpretation of driving pleasure. The car is a 2+2 coupé, with true versatility and at the same time a style that is modern, original and well-balanced.
Attention initially focused on making the vehicle as light as possible by the use of numerous aluminium components, for example the two roll over protection bars that separate the passenger compartment and give shape to the exterior styling, and the use of a polycarbonate rear windscreen and a large number of carbon fibre body parts.
Using the 308 as a blueprint offered a number of benefits. It made it possible:
* to adopt a particularly stylish front design;
* to share a large number of components already developed for the hatchback, therefore simplifying the production of this coupé;
* to capitalise on the hatchback's strong points, which become even more effective in the 308 RC Z concept car (for example, suspension components, wheels, certain equipment items and the fl owing design of the fascia panel).
Its taut lines and streamlined design ensure an efficient aerodynamic specification (a SCx of just 0.65), improving performance, fuel consumption and therefore helping to protect the environment due to the reduced CO2 emissions.
With a length of 4.276 (same as the hatchback), a width of 1.840 (25 mm more than the hatchback) and a height of only 1.320 m, the proportions of the 308 RC Z concept car combines a very dynamic design with a high level of road holding.
Exterior styling
The particularly stylish design of the front of the 308 blends brilliantly with the proportions of this concept car.
The Peugeot "Lion" badge is mounted to what can truthfully be called the «nose of the bonnet». From here, the style lines fl ow upwards back over the bonnet and into the two polished aluminium roll-over protections bars. This fl owing «V» profile gives the vehicle its shape and creates an impression of movement in all positions.
Visually, the fl uidity of the design is further enhanced by the way the large tinted front windscreen, the carbon fibre roof panel and the polycarbonate tinted rear window are combined together.
From the side, the vehicle displays a strong profile with its prominent front wings, deeply sculpted sides, and particularly generous rear wings. The doors raise the visual profile, creating a link between the sloping front design and the curvaceous rear design.
The end result, firmly sitting on 19 inch wheels, suggests power, strength and dynamism, like an animal ready to pounce.
The specific shape of the rear window required the use of polycarbonate instead of glass. The two curved sections emerging from the roof give the vehicle an original appearance and contribute greatly to its aerodynamic efficiency. The design of the tailgate assists the airfl ow over the rear of the vehicle, while the shape of the rear of the vehicle provides sufficient down force onto the rear suspension to eliminate the need for a rear spoiler, thereby preserving the purity of the vehicle's lines.
The Peugeot Lion badge is displayed in a U shaped panel in the centre of the tailgate, and is backlit at night. In addition, simply by pressing the lion badge, opens the tailgate.
The rear lights are mounted fl ush with the car's wide rear wings. Fitted with light emitting diodes (LEDs), they have a ruby red finish combined with a stylised translucent section which contains the direction indicator.
Two centrally mounted exhaust pipes are integrated into the wraparound lower rear panel. To achieve this, the rear exhaust silencer has been located in a transverse position where it also serves as an aerodynamic diffuser, but still allows sufficient space for the storage of a spare wheel.
The rich metallic grey exterior body colour is created by a special process using finely milled metallic particles. This gives the impression that the vehicle has been formed from a single block of metal, enhancing the purity of the car's lines and the styling of the bodywork to remarkable effect.
The interior
The fascia panel in 308 RC Z concept car has been taken directly from the hatchback. A pure, elegant and fl uid design, it allows a particularly clear view of the outside thanks to its sloping design which complements the vehicle's large front windscreen. It offers a high level of interior brightness, improved visibility and an overwhelming feeling of space.
Refl ecting the hatchback, no effort has been spared in terms of the finishing touches and meticulous attention to comfort and convenience inside the car. This is evident in the care given to the styling of each component and the quality of materials used, both in terms of visual appearance and tactile appeal.
The entire fascia panel is trimmed in leather, while the use of chrome, aluminium and black lacquered fittings creates a sporty, upmarket impression. With this in mind, a Bell&Ross® clock has been placed in the centre of the fascia panel, between two air vents, its typography perfectly matching the background of the instrument panel located in the driver's line of sight.
Another sign of the vehicle's exclusive nature are the bucket type front seats with polished aluminium eyelets, the style of which is also refl ected in the design of the inner door panels. The ergonomically designed driver's seat ensures the driver is firmly in control of the vehicle.
At the rear there are two occasional seats trimmed in leather, both of which can be folded. The vehicle therefore offers real modularity and great versatility. For example, enough space can be created behind the front seats to house a set of golf clubs. Similarly, the length and maximum available boot volume can even accommodate a mountain bike!
The engine
The 308 RC Z concept car is powered by a 1.6 litre THP engine developed from the EP6DTS engine designed and developed via the collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group, where it is fitted to the 207 RC, with a power output of 128 kW (˜175 bhp).
However, the 1.6 litre THP engine, as a result of new engine management software specially developed for the concept car, now produces a maximum power of 160 kW (˜218 bhp).
It is characterised by incredible fl exibility, thanks to its maximum torque of 280 Nm produced at a low engine speed (300 Nm in overboost). These values ensure remarkable responsiveness under all driving conditions.
Its innovative Twin-Scroll turbocharger optimally pairs the exhaust gases fl owing from two cylinders to ensure maximum fl ow onto the turbine, while its high-pressure direct petrol injection system improves combustion and overall engine efficiency.
The engine is coupled with an entirely new 6 speed manual gearbox.
This unit helps to give the 308 RC Z a particularly efficient compromise between performance and fuel consumption. For example, its maximum speed of 235 km/h is attained in sixth gear and it takes only 7.0 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h. In gear acceleration is impressive: only 7.5 seconds in 5th gear from 80 to 120 km/h. At the same time, fuel consumption is very reasonable with 6.7 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, or just 160 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Wheels and suspension
In the tradition of Peugeot concept cars there is a linked front suspension employing the widespread use of aluminium to reduce the vehicle's overall weight.
This set up ensures exceptional road holding, excellent steering accuracy and great feedback intensifying the overall driving sensation.
The rear suspension, derived from the hatchback, consists of a torsion-beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar. It has been specially modified to take account of the wider vehicle tracks. Indeed the front and rear tracks have been increased by 59 mm compared to the hatchback, and also the fitment of wider tyres, ensures maximum body rigidity, precision and vehicle stability.
Braking relies on large (360 mm) diameter ventilated discs at the front with four piston calipers.
Polished split rim 19'' alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 245/40 R19 tyres.
Safety
Even for a unique model, Peugeot's designers do everything they can to make their dreams become a reality and leave nothing to chance. Safety is also made a top priority.
While the exceptional road holding of the 308 RC Z concept car forms the basis of its primary safety, it is supplemented by safety equipment borrowed from the 308 hatchback, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and the directional bi-Xenon headlamps.
S
Attention initially focused on making the vehicle as light as possible by the use of numerous aluminium components, for example the two roll over protection bars that separate the passenger compartment and give shape to the exterior styling, and the use of a polycarbonate rear windscreen and a large number of carbon fibre body parts.
Using the 308 as a blueprint offered a number of benefits. It made it possible:
* to adopt a particularly stylish front design;
* to share a large number of components already developed for the hatchback, therefore simplifying the production of this coupé;
* to capitalise on the hatchback's strong points, which become even more effective in the 308 RC Z concept car (for example, suspension components, wheels, certain equipment items and the fl owing design of the fascia panel).
Its taut lines and streamlined design ensure an efficient aerodynamic specification (a SCx of just 0.65), improving performance, fuel consumption and therefore helping to protect the environment due to the reduced CO2 emissions.
With a length of 4.276 (same as the hatchback), a width of 1.840 (25 mm more than the hatchback) and a height of only 1.320 m, the proportions of the 308 RC Z concept car combines a very dynamic design with a high level of road holding.
Exterior styling
The particularly stylish design of the front of the 308 blends brilliantly with the proportions of this concept car.
The Peugeot "Lion" badge is mounted to what can truthfully be called the «nose of the bonnet». From here, the style lines fl ow upwards back over the bonnet and into the two polished aluminium roll-over protections bars. This fl owing «V» profile gives the vehicle its shape and creates an impression of movement in all positions.
Visually, the fl uidity of the design is further enhanced by the way the large tinted front windscreen, the carbon fibre roof panel and the polycarbonate tinted rear window are combined together.
From the side, the vehicle displays a strong profile with its prominent front wings, deeply sculpted sides, and particularly generous rear wings. The doors raise the visual profile, creating a link between the sloping front design and the curvaceous rear design.
The end result, firmly sitting on 19 inch wheels, suggests power, strength and dynamism, like an animal ready to pounce.
The specific shape of the rear window required the use of polycarbonate instead of glass. The two curved sections emerging from the roof give the vehicle an original appearance and contribute greatly to its aerodynamic efficiency. The design of the tailgate assists the airfl ow over the rear of the vehicle, while the shape of the rear of the vehicle provides sufficient down force onto the rear suspension to eliminate the need for a rear spoiler, thereby preserving the purity of the vehicle's lines.
The Peugeot Lion badge is displayed in a U shaped panel in the centre of the tailgate, and is backlit at night. In addition, simply by pressing the lion badge, opens the tailgate.
The rear lights are mounted fl ush with the car's wide rear wings. Fitted with light emitting diodes (LEDs), they have a ruby red finish combined with a stylised translucent section which contains the direction indicator.
Two centrally mounted exhaust pipes are integrated into the wraparound lower rear panel. To achieve this, the rear exhaust silencer has been located in a transverse position where it also serves as an aerodynamic diffuser, but still allows sufficient space for the storage of a spare wheel.
The rich metallic grey exterior body colour is created by a special process using finely milled metallic particles. This gives the impression that the vehicle has been formed from a single block of metal, enhancing the purity of the car's lines and the styling of the bodywork to remarkable effect.
The interior
The fascia panel in 308 RC Z concept car has been taken directly from the hatchback. A pure, elegant and fl uid design, it allows a particularly clear view of the outside thanks to its sloping design which complements the vehicle's large front windscreen. It offers a high level of interior brightness, improved visibility and an overwhelming feeling of space.
Refl ecting the hatchback, no effort has been spared in terms of the finishing touches and meticulous attention to comfort and convenience inside the car. This is evident in the care given to the styling of each component and the quality of materials used, both in terms of visual appearance and tactile appeal.
The entire fascia panel is trimmed in leather, while the use of chrome, aluminium and black lacquered fittings creates a sporty, upmarket impression. With this in mind, a Bell&Ross® clock has been placed in the centre of the fascia panel, between two air vents, its typography perfectly matching the background of the instrument panel located in the driver's line of sight.
Another sign of the vehicle's exclusive nature are the bucket type front seats with polished aluminium eyelets, the style of which is also refl ected in the design of the inner door panels. The ergonomically designed driver's seat ensures the driver is firmly in control of the vehicle.
At the rear there are two occasional seats trimmed in leather, both of which can be folded. The vehicle therefore offers real modularity and great versatility. For example, enough space can be created behind the front seats to house a set of golf clubs. Similarly, the length and maximum available boot volume can even accommodate a mountain bike!
The engine
The 308 RC Z concept car is powered by a 1.6 litre THP engine developed from the EP6DTS engine designed and developed via the collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group, where it is fitted to the 207 RC, with a power output of 128 kW (˜175 bhp).
However, the 1.6 litre THP engine, as a result of new engine management software specially developed for the concept car, now produces a maximum power of 160 kW (˜218 bhp).
It is characterised by incredible fl exibility, thanks to its maximum torque of 280 Nm produced at a low engine speed (300 Nm in overboost). These values ensure remarkable responsiveness under all driving conditions.
Its innovative Twin-Scroll turbocharger optimally pairs the exhaust gases fl owing from two cylinders to ensure maximum fl ow onto the turbine, while its high-pressure direct petrol injection system improves combustion and overall engine efficiency.
The engine is coupled with an entirely new 6 speed manual gearbox.
This unit helps to give the 308 RC Z a particularly efficient compromise between performance and fuel consumption. For example, its maximum speed of 235 km/h is attained in sixth gear and it takes only 7.0 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h. In gear acceleration is impressive: only 7.5 seconds in 5th gear from 80 to 120 km/h. At the same time, fuel consumption is very reasonable with 6.7 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, or just 160 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Wheels and suspension
In the tradition of Peugeot concept cars there is a linked front suspension employing the widespread use of aluminium to reduce the vehicle's overall weight.
This set up ensures exceptional road holding, excellent steering accuracy and great feedback intensifying the overall driving sensation.
The rear suspension, derived from the hatchback, consists of a torsion-beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar. It has been specially modified to take account of the wider vehicle tracks. Indeed the front and rear tracks have been increased by 59 mm compared to the hatchback, and also the fitment of wider tyres, ensures maximum body rigidity, precision and vehicle stability.
Braking relies on large (360 mm) diameter ventilated discs at the front with four piston calipers.
Polished split rim 19'' alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 245/40 R19 tyres.
Safety
Even for a unique model, Peugeot's designers do everything they can to make their dreams become a reality and leave nothing to chance. Safety is also made a top priority.
While the exceptional road holding of the 308 RC Z concept car forms the basis of its primary safety, it is supplemented by safety equipment borrowed from the 308 hatchback, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and the directional bi-Xenon headlamps.
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