Pumped-up Peugeot RCZ R launched from $68,990

Peugeot-RCZ-R-front-quarter

Peugeot Australia has today launched the most powerful road-going car the brand has ever sold, the eagerly anticipated Peugeot RCZ R. The added performance in the RCZ R sees its price jumps $10,000 over the regular RCZ to $68,990. Only 35 RCZ Rs out of a global total of 500 are allocated for Australia, making it one of the most exclusive sports coupes around.

At its heart is a vast range of mechanical upgrades. Inspired by the Peugeot RCZ Racing Cup track car and sitting 10mm closer to the ground, the new range-topping sports coupé is powered by a 1.6-litre THP turbocharged petrol engine producing 199kW of power at 6000rpm and 330 Nm of torque available from 1900 to 5500rpm.

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The standard RCZ, launched in 2010, developed 147kW. The uprated engine in the RCZ R represents a considerable 52 kW and 55 Nm hike in power and torque, which prompted the French carmaker to rework almost every component behind the car’s iconic lines. The result is sharper handling, a whole two seconds per kilometre quicker than the 147kW car at the famous Nürburgring test track. The difference was even greater in wet conditions.

Read our Peugeot RCZ review

“The Peugeot RCZ R is not just a sporty version of the RCZ,” says John Startari, General Manager, Sime Darby Motors Group Australia. “Developed with Peugeot Sport, the RCZ R has significant engineering modifications compared with the RCZ and was developed as a sports competition model for use on circuits and tracks.”

“RCZ R is a perfect example of Peugeot’s expertise in motorsport. RCZ R is a halo model for the brand and we expect it will not only increase sales but bring new customers to Peugeot.”

 

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The starting point of the RCZ R was the engine. Unlike 2.0-litre units in rival performance cars, Peugeot opted to downsize to 1.6-litre capacity. The 199kW it punches out is almost identical in output to the Racing Cup car and, with nearly 124kW per litre, it’s also one of the most powerful 1.6-litre engines around.

The Peugeot RCZ R sprints to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds – almost two seconds quicker than the RCZ. Weighing just 1,280kg, the RCZ R boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 155kW per tonne and sips a respectable 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.

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The block has been reinforced by a specific heat treatment prior to machining to improve durability. New forged pistons with a compression ratio of 9.2:1 were developed by Mahle Motorsport and use a grade of aluminium found in Formula One. This is the first time in a production car for Peugeot.

The con rods have been engineered to withstand continued use at high engine speeds and the upgraded bearings – making their world debut on a road car – are covered with a polymer coating that can withstand higher cylinder pressures.

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Also new is the specially strengthened six-speed manual transmission, upgraded clutch, larger intercooler and new twin-scroll turbocharger. The exhaust has also been modified; linked to the draw of the engine’s air intake, it features an enhanced ‘sound system’ to amplify the sporting character of the new RCZ R’s engine.

A Torsen® differential has been added to provide additional grip. The front track has been widened to boost traction. Other upgrades include revised dampers settings and increased stiffness in the springs. Aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability have been improved, thanks to a new fixed boot spoiler which keeps rear turbulence in check.

The RCZ R rides on exclusive two-tone 19-inch alloys housing new larger four-piston brakes. They feature red calipers at the front bearing the Peugeot Sport name. Discs with a diameter of 380mm and thickness of 32mm are mounted on an aluminium hub, contributing to increased weight-saving and cooling. Making contact with the tarmac is a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 235/40 R19 tyres.

The Peugeot RCZ R goes on sale today and is available in four colours – Moroccan Red, Perla Nera Black, Mercury Grey and Opal White.

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