On the heels of making its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show->ke235, Peugeot's ->ke68 fantastic 308 R Concept appears to be set to lose its designation as just a concept, an exciting development that could lead to a production version for the sports hatchback.

Talking to Top Gear UK, Peugeot's managing director, Maxime Picat, laid out part of the French automaker's production plans in the future and apparently, that includes what he described as "specific high-line versions" of its vehicle lineup.

Then Picat dropped the tidbit that should ring music to the ears of Peugeot lovers everywhere.

"There is room for a 308 R that uses the same engine as the concept car at Frankfurt."

And "boom!" goes the dynamite.

It's still a little short of an emphatic confirmation, but it does give a lot of people clamoring for the 308 R Concept's production future hope that such a scenario would bear fruit sooner than later.

"The potential 308 R will be developed by Peugeot Sport to use sport technologies," Picat added.

Needless to say, we, just like a whole lot of other people, are getting excited about the prospect of seeing a production model for the 308 R Concept. Here's to hoping that Picat's endorsement of the car is more than just lip service.

Click past the jump to read about the Peugeot 308 R Concept

2013 Peugeot 308 R Concept

The Peugeot 308 R Concept wasn't necessarily designed as one of those out-of-this-world concepts. There are no gaudy lines or futuristic technologies, only a sharply-dressed and lowered red-and-black 308 that comes with a large body kit, comprising of new bumpers, side skirts, a rear-mounted spoiler and a set of massive alloy wheels.

The concept also came with a 1.6-liter THP engine that produced 270 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque while mated to a six-speed manual transmission and produced an estimated 0-to-60 mph time of six seconds to go with a top speed of 155 mph.