Peugeot 908 RC

Following the 907 coupe concept shown in Paris two years ago comes the stylistically similar sedan concept, the 908 RC. Despite a three-box profile, the 5.5-liter V12 diesel engine is located behind passengers, putting out 700PS. Transversely mounted with a wide V angle, the engine still allows space for four occupants, while a trunk accessed via a motorised opening. Functions are controlled via a large touch-screen up front, while rear passengers have a similar interface in the back.Outside, the design borrows sinister themes from the 907, the feline look taken a stage further with slit pupils in the headlamps. As on other RC concepts, the car has a generous glasshouse aided by broken A-pillars that support a windshield stretching back to the B/C pillars. Like the diesel-powered Audi R10, Peugeot will hoping to succeed at Le Mans when the engine is used next year. The luxurious 2+2 Peugeot 908 RC is powered by a 5.5 litre twin turbo V12 developing 700 horsepower and 885 lb/ft of torque. The same engine due to be run in Peugeot's 908 race car for the le Mans 24 hour race in 2007.

Styling of the 908 RC concept is not dissimilar to the Peugeot 907 supercar concept of late 2004. Although the new car has a more brutal looking front end when compared to the 907's leering grin.
The 20" front wheels and 21" rear wheels help accentuate the designers goal to immitate the shape of a big cat, from the nose at the front, to the tip of the rear lights. Inside the Peugeot 908 RC concept all comfort systems including radio, MP3 player, satellite navigation, four-zone air conditioning, etc can be controlled via a large touch screen, or MMI (Man/Machine Interface) as Peugeot calls it. The MMI is also accessible to the 908 RC's rear passengers, thanks to a multimedia screen positioned on the centre console separating the two rear seats.

Peugeot 908 RC
Base Price	?
Power	700 BHP
Zero to 60 mph	N/A
Zero to 100 mph	N/A
Top speed	168 mph | 270.3 km/h

The 908 RC is powered by Peugeot's V12 HDi DPFS (diesel particulate fi lter system) diesel engine designed to take part in the "Le Mans Race Series" programme in 2007. The engine has a capacity of 5.5 litres and offers a level of performance unprecedented for a diesel engine, with a maximum power output greater than 515 kW and, above all, an exceptional torque in excess of 1,200 Nm. With a 100° V angle architecture, the engine's centre of gravity is as low as possible. Two particulate fi lters are located at the end of each exhaust system ensuring the car's environmentally-friendly credentials.

The originality of the 908 RC resides in its compact design, with the engine arranged in a rear central transverse position. Similarly the compact 6-speed electronically controlled sequential gearbox, has been specially adapted to withstand the phenomenal torque, and is located under the engine. More than ever, the Marque's emblem has played a part in fashioning the power of expression of the 908 RC. At the front, the lion's character seems to emanate from each detail, starting with the design of the headlights. Lighting is provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with their dazzling appearance the result of a special fi nish given to the internal components. The exterior appearance of the lights looks like a crystal cut like a precious stone, creating a faint outline like the pupil of an eye. The bonnet draws its inspiration directly from the head of a big cat. The areas either side of the bonnet create the effect of the cat's "cheeks" with the bonnet tapering down to a nose, highlighted by the large chromed emblem of the Marque.

A lot of attention has been paid to the design of the exterior body, with its lack of door handles creating surfaces of great simplicity and purity, and highlighting to maximum effect the refl ections that accentuate every facet of the body. The position of the power train allows the creation of a large-capacity boot, situated behind the fi nal drive assembly and therefore not encroaching on the generous interior space of the passenger compartment. This design also allows the driving position to be moved forward, maximising the driving experience for both the driver and the passengers. The design of the 908 RC creates a particularly low-lying exterior body with a stylish tapered design at the front of the vehicle. Its proportions create an elegant and dynamic statement. Sitting on large diameter 20 spoke alloy wheels (20'' at the front, 21'' at the rear); the overall effect is that of a big cat, from the nose at the front, to the tip of the rear lights. Aligned with the curves of the car's pronounced "hindquarters", the rear lights, equipped with LEDs, incorporate a polished aluminium insert evoking the shape of a powerful claw. The dynamic rear profi le is characterised by the shape of the rear air diffuser, accentuated by chrome detailing and supported visually on each side by twin exhaust pipes.

Peugeot Official Site