Stylish RC Z coupe is better by design

The production Peugeot 308 RC Z coupe appears to be virtually identical to the concept car.

The Peugeot 308 RC Z coupe will be the French carmaker's "image product", profiling new engine technology and pointing to future styling cues.

"In short," says Peugeot New Zealand manager Simon Rose, "the RC Z is the epitome of the brand's future."

Rose got behind the wheel of the new two-door in France last week, roughly 12 months before the car is expected to land in New Zealand.

He says Peugeot's stylists and engineers have worked to ensure that the RC Z is in keeping with the design of the original concept, which appeared at the Frankfurt motor show in 2007.

"It is an outstanding example of Peugeot's innovative and stylish looking products," said Rose.

"It's also testament to the investment channelled into research and design, albeit in the middle of a challenging world economy.

The RC Z is at the front of a renewed push by the French carmaker to blend its traditional ride and handling strengths with world-leading CO2 emissions standards.

The two-door has been dubbed the "cut-price Audi TT" - largely because the look-alike model will go into production with a boosted line-up of small-capacity engines, cleaner-burning than the bigger and faster 2- and 3-litre offerings in the Audi.

The 308 RC Z is pictured here in "teaser" photos and a spy shot during testing in Germany. The company has kept some details under wraps until the global unveiling at the Frankfurt motor show in September, but it's still clear that the production car is virtually identical to the concept.

The twin roof bubbles, integrated into the rear window, and head-turning proportions remain intact. So does the aluminium-effect A-pillar, which runs over the doors and down to the rear deck.

The striking waistline, which steps up at the edge of the doors, is carried over, too. At the back, the look is finished off with neatly detailed tail-lights. In fact, the only big changes are smaller wing mirrors and the addition of a pair of washer jets for the bold headlamps.

Under the bonnet is the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine found in the Mini Cooper JCW, the go-fast variant from specialist British tuning house John Cooper Works.

It produces 160kW and and should propel the Peugeot from zero to 100km/h in under seven seconds and on to a top speed of around 230km/h.

Other likely engine options include a 110kW turbocharged petrol unit and a 2-litre turbo-diesel. Inside, the cabin is expected to be similar to the 308CC but with more leather trim and chrome highlights.