These spy pictures show Peugeot’s new RC Z testing almost undisguised, and reveal that the production version of the French manufacturer’s fixed-head sports car will look almost identical to the concept unveiled two years ago.
Has the production Peugeot RC Z changed much since it was unveiled as a concept?
Not really – the RC Z concept was so production ready that it even had windscreen wipers. At the front the RC Z keeps the swept-back headlights and raised bonnet snout of the show car, while the big gaping grille and upright fog lamps are also present. Down the sides the door mirrors are a little different and the door handles are a little lower, but the wheelarches still bulge in all the right places.
The rear also features sweeping lights, and the concept’s double-bubble rear screen has also made it into production, made of glass rather than the show car’s Perspex. The roof-mounted third brake light is fake however, and the actual item is located on the trailing edge of the boot, around which a pop-up rear spoiler will sprout. There’s also a new rear diffuser, but the concept’s twin central exhaust have been lost.
What engines power this Peugeot?
In range-topping guise expect the familiar 1.6-litre turbo co-developed by BMW and PSA, with at least 200bhp-plus to trouble the front wheels, while there should also be a lower-power version and a potent diesel.
We’ll see the new car at the Frankfurt motor show in September, where Peugeot will also officially confirm the car’s name. UK sales start in May 2010, and the new coupe should be priced from £20,000.
>> Click ‘Add your comment’ and let us know your thoughts on Peugeot’s new RC Z