Not long ago Peugeot told us the RCZ R will be the most powerful production Pug ever, but the French manufacturer neglected to spill the juicy performance details. Now it has.
Those of you who loved the styling of the RCZ but felt it would struggle to punch its way out of a wet paper bag will be chuffed to know the bhp figure has jumped up from 260bhp to 270bhp since we last reported on the car, giving it an impressive total of 170bhp per litre.
Because the RCZ R weighs 1,280kg, the power to weight ratio works out at 210.94bhp per tonne. To put that into perspective, the mighty 205 GTI and its 208 GTI successor manage 148.5bhp and 170bhp per tonne, respectively.
Suffice to say, it should be plenty quick — 0 to 62mph takes 5.9 seconds and peak torque of 330Nm is available from 1,900rpm. The top speed is an electronically limited 155mph.
Though rapid, the 1.6-litre turbocharged THP lump still manages to keep CO2 emissions down at a respectable 145g/km while delivering 44.8mpg, so you won’t feel quite so guilty hooning around in it. Yes, the RCZ R is somehow more efficient and powerful than its predecessor.
New additions to tame all that new power include a steel exhaust manifold, new pistons specifically developed by Mahle motorsport, a bespoke, stiffer suspension setup, unique Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres and a Torsen limited slip differential.
On the inside, the interior has been blessed with Peugeot Sport embossed sills, smatterings of red stitching, a small leather steering wheel, plus leather gear lever gaiter, door panels and armrests. There’s also Nappa leather and black Alcantara seats to ease yourself into and a short-shift gear knob.
The Peugeot RCZ R will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and is scheduled to go on sale in early 2014 for an undisclosed sum.
Assuming the RCZ R handles and goes as good as it looks, it could be one hell of a grin-inducing ride.
Peugeot RCZ R Pictures
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