Peugeot's Special Editions of RCZ and 3008 Hybrid4

Unless Peugeot is hiding a surprise in its pouch, the French carmaker's presence at the upcoming Geneva Salon will most likely go under the radar. Aside from the subtly facelifted 308 family which includes the hatchback models, an estate and the coupe-cabriolet, Peugeot's stand will also host the premiere of two limited edition models.

The first is the RCZ Asphalt which is based on the most potent variant of the coupe model with the 200-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, and is set to go on sale in Europe this spring. Exclusive features include a matt grey body colour, two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels and numerous other interior and exterior appointments.

The second model is a limited edition of the 3008 HYbrid4 crossover, which features a 163HP turbo diesel driving the front wheels and an 37HP electric motor at the rear for a maximum power output of 200-horses, a “zero emission” mode and an average fuel consumption of 74.4 mpg UK, equal to 3.8lt/100km and 61.9 mpg US. Production will be limited to 300 numbered cars, all of which get a Pearlescent White exterior finish and two-tone full leather trim.

The 308 facelift and the two special edition models will be joined by two older concept studies, the HR1 and EX1, plus the new 908 Le Mans race car which was unveiled by Peugeot Sport in February.

Peugeot Releases Official Photos of RCZ Sports Coupe

These are the first official photos of the Peugeot RCZ sports coupe that will be unveiled for the first time to the public in its final form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Though the 2+2 seater coupe is not fully reveled in any of the photos, there's no doubt that the final production model keeps the original concept's styling right up to the double-bubble rear windshield and roof panel. The French automaker had shown the 308 RCZ concept model in 2007 at the Frankfurt motorshow.

The RCZ that will be the first model in Peugeot's range not to use the usual 'zero' or 'double-zero' numbering system is slated to enter production in Spring 2010.

Details on the engine-lineup are still sketchy but it is expected that the 'French TT' will make use of the BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroen co-developed, twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine which will be offered with various outputs, including a version with 218HP.

We also expect to see Pug's diesel engines including the new 2.0-liter four pot with 163HP and 340Nm of torque that recently made its way in the 407 Coupe.

Peugeot 308 RC Z Coupe: French TT Spied Ahead of Frankfurt Show Debut

Remember Peugeot's funky-looking 308 RC Z concept from the 2007 Frankfurt motor show? Well, the French carmaker is putting the final touches to the production version of the Audi TT-rivaling 2+2 coupe that is slated to make its world premiere at this year's Frankfurt show in mid-September and will then go on sale throughout Europe in the spring of 2010. Our spy photographers have captured evidence that with the exception of a few details like the design of the rear apron, the production model's looks remain all but identical to the concept.

Much to our surprise, this also includes the 308 RC Z concept's double-bubble rear screen and roof panel, albeit less curvaliscious. Overall, and even though the RC Z retains some of the family traits of the Peugeot 308 range like the huge, sweptback headlights and the xtra-large front grille, the 2+2 coupe has a distinct character all of its own.

Sure some will find traces of the original Audi TT, maybe even of the 1990's Audi Avus Concept with its toned wheel arches and the forward-cabin design, but few will disagree that the 308 RC Z is one of the most interesting concept designs to pass into production.

As with the concept car, the 308 RC Z's fascia panel will be taken directly from the 308 hatchback, though expect to see a sportier trim with more chrome details and higher quality leather surfaces to create a more upmarket impression (the pictures of the interior are from the concept car).

Underneath the fancy-pansy metal and glass work, the RC Z is more or less a 308. However, changes are expected to include wider tracks and a reworked suspension and steering system as well as beefier brakes to further improve the coupe's handling.

The concept version of the RC Z was motivated by the BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroen co-developed, twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that cranked out 218 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Derivatives of the same powerplant are found under the hood of various Peugeot, Citroen and of course, MINI models.

It is certain that the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot will make its way in the production version of the RC Z, where it will be offered with various outputs. Other options are said to include a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 120HP as well as a range of turbo diesels.

Peugeot 308 RC Z Coupe: French TT Spied Ahead of Frankfurt Show Debut

Remember Peugeot's funky-looking 308 RC Z concept from the 2007 Frankfurt motor show? Well, the French carmaker is putting the final touches to the production version of the Audi TT-rivaling 2+2 coupe that is slated to make its world premiere at this year's Frankfurt show in mid-September and will then go on sale throughout Europe in the spring of 2010. Our spy photographers have captured evidence that with the exception of a few details like the design of the rear apron, the production model's looks remain all but identical to the concept.

Much to our surprise, this also includes the 308 RC Z concept's double-bubble rear screen and roof panel, albeit less curvaliscious. Overall, and even though the RC Z retains some of the family traits of the Peugeot 308 range like the huge, sweptback headlights and the xtra-large front grille, the 2+2 coupe has a distinct character all of its own.

Sure some will find traces of the original Audi TT, maybe even of the 1990's Audi Avus Concept with its toned wheel arches and the forward-cabin design, but few will disagree that the 308 RC Z is one of the most interesting concept designs to pass into production.

As with the concept car, the 308 RC Z's fascia panel will be taken directly from the 308 hatchback, though expect to see a sportier trim with more chrome details and higher quality leather surfaces to create a more upmarket impression (the pictures of the interior are from the concept car).

Underneath the fancy-pansy metal and glass work, the RC Z is more or less a 308. However, changes are expected to include wider tracks and a reworked suspension and steering system as well as beefier brakes to further improve the coupe's handling.

The concept version of the RC Z was motivated by the BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroen co-developed, twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that cranked out 218 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Derivatives of the same powerplant are found under the hood of various Peugeot, Citroen and of course, MINI models.

It is certain that the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot will make its way in the production version of the RC Z, where it will be offered with various outputs. Other options are said to include a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 120HP as well as a range of turbo diesels.