At the 2012 Paris Auto Show, Peugeot->ke68 unveiled the 2012 RCZ R Concept - a preview of the most powerful road-going car in Peugeot's extensive history. Now, one year later, the production version will make its world debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The model will also be displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013 and will be put on sale early in 2014.

With its new turbo engine, the new RCZ->ke3470 R is the most powerful road-going car in Peugeot's extensive history. It comes equipped with lots of elements developed by Peugeot Sport and with an interior inspired by the aviation.

The new RCZ R is not only the most powerful model in the RCZ lineup, but also when compared to the current range-topping model - the RCZ THP - it is about 37 pounds lighter and will deliver one of the best fuel economy ratings in the segment.

Click past the jump to read more about the new Peugeot RCZ R.

2013 Peugeot RCZ R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Peugeot RCZ R
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 270 @ 6000
  • Torque: 243 @ 1900
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new RCZ R version features a more aggressive design language, thanks to a perfectly integrated large fixed rear spoiler and a specific rear diffuser that hides the two chromed pipes of the exhaust systems.

Buyers can order the model in four exterior colors: Moroccan Red, Nera Black, Mercury Grey and Opal White combined with a matte black roof and black mirror shells. A special "R" letter in red graces the the grille and the trunk lid to alert other drivers that this RCZ means business.

Interior

The new RCZ R is equipped with new bucket seats in sports design and wrapped in a mix of full-grain Nappa leather and black Alcantara. The seats also feature an "R" monogram to distinguish the model from other RCZs. The driver's seat offers ergonomic driving and the driver also gets a smaller steering wheel than on the standard RCZ, allowing for better road feedback. Also included is a short shift gear stick with an exclusive aluminum knob and red highlights.

Peugeot Sport also installed embossed door sills, red stitching on the dashboard, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever gaiter, door panels and armrests.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, Peugeot placed a 1.6-liter THP turbo engine that delivers a total of 270 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 243 pound-feet delivered from 1,900 to 5,500 rpm. The new engine hooks up to a steel exhaust manifold with unique architecture that takes its inspiration from racing systems to ensure a sweet exhaust note sound.

The RCZ R sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 155 mph; all these while delivering a fuel economy of 37.3 mpg the combined cycle.

Suspension and Brakes

The RCZ R features a new sport suspension system that lowers the ride by about 10 mm (0.39 inches). It sits on 19-inch alloy rollers painted in a combination of diamond and black matte and with a very cool "R" monogram milled directly onto a visible part of the alloy wheel.

Peugeot also installed a new braking system, featuring large, red calipers.

Prices

The Peugeot RCZ R will go on sale in early 2014. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

2013 Audi TTS

The TTS is one of the most successful model in its segment, as it combines a great look with a pretty powerful engine.

Under the hood, it gets a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces a total of 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. This output is enough to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds and up a top speed of 155 mph.

2013 Nissan 370Z

The 370Z is one of our favorite sports cars for many reasons. First of all, it's one of the cheapest alternatives on the market and secondly, because even though it is not stuffed with German engineering, it surely performs like a German sports car.

The model is powered by a 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine that delivers a total of 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph.

Conclusion

The new RCZ R is the most powerful road-going car in Peugeot’s extensive history and that should say something about it, right? It combines a great look, with a powerful engine and for sure will become a real success on the market.