Peugeot teases us with shadowy photos of stunning, green RCZ Coupe

Sources: Art Michalik

At the last Frankfurt Motor Show (in 2007, as they hold them only once every two years) Peugeot unveiled a stunning concept car: the 308 RCZ. Two years have passed and Peugeot is ready to unveil the production version of the show car at Frankfurt '09.

Now called RCZ, this will be the first Peugeot to not use the usual zero or double zero numbering system. Peugeot has elected to drop the 308 designation as part of the car's name (perhaps because the 308 is a very mid-market sedan). It does share a platform with the 308 although the RCZ is 13 mm lower in height.


There is a dazzling array of engines in the Peugeot stable, of which any or all could potentially be offered in the RCZ.

The powerplant most likely to be fitted is a 2.0 liter, twin-cam, four cylinder light alloy engine. The design utilizes a twin-scroll turbocharger and gasoline direct injection to produce 175 HP. This engine which powers not only the Peugeot 308 but also the Mini Cooper S was selected International Engine of the Year (1.4 – 1.8 liter capacity) in 2007, 2008, and in 2009.

Peugeot also have a version of the 308 with an E85 compatible 1.6 liter engine, which has a modified injection and fuel system. This engine can, however, be run on gasoline, ethanol or any mixture of the two.


The Peugeot 308 RCZ concept as shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor ShowIt was also reported that Peugeot wants to launch a Bosch diesel-hybrid powered version of the 308 by 2010. This drivetrain could also potentially be fitted to the RCZ.

So a stunning little sports coupe with the potential of three very different, but efficient and low polluting, engine packages. It's what's come to be expect from Peugeot's in its position as a European leader in cars with low fuel consumption and low emissions (one in every six cars sold with emissions less than or equal to 120 g/km of CO2 is a Peugeot).

More details will be revealed when the car debuts at September's Frankfurt Motor Show. The RCZ will be available in early 2010 (at least in markets where you can actually purchase a Peugeot).