24 Jan 08
Peugeot 308 RC Z gallery
True, this concept car's springs are on the firm side and its ride isn't great, but there's time to fix all that. The upside is that the steering feels pretty natural for an electric system (that's because it has a rack-mounted motor rather than a column-mounted one) and the low, wide stance means that every little steering input has an immediate effect on direction instead of being absorbed in body roll. It's the same story as with an Audi TT vis-a-vis an A3 or a Golf.
'This car replaces the 205 GTI spirit, although with a different silhouette,' says Gilles Boussac. 'And I know you in the UK are very keen on the idea of a dynamic Peugeot.'
The concept car's body is made from carbon-fibre but, roof apart, a production version would be steel. Unlike its potential TT rival, it has a boot rather than a hatchback, but the tiny, almost useless rear seats fold forward to extend the already ample boot. Those who want to carry four people in a compact Peugeot coupe will buy the forthcoming 308 CC, is the thinking.
That car's more angular 'mouth' is reprised on the wider RC Z, but the idea of a stubby bonnet extending right across to cover the front wheels is new. This lack of front wings would be carried over to production - if it happens. So, will it?
The business case need to be convincing, but Peugeot will make a decision in the next few months. If it's a yes, which seems likely (especially as Peugeot let me drive the car), then expect to see the production version at October's Paris show.
There's also the question of where to build it. Coincidentally, Peugeot's past design and manufacturing partner, Pininfarina, could do with some more work at the moment...
