Peugeot 908 RC Concept

100.54KB1600x1200	90.33KB1600x1200	116.84KB1600x1200	161.68KB1600x1200	121.81KB1600x1200
145.44KB1600x1200	80.45KB1600x1200	304.45KB1600x1200	236.02KB1600x1200	263.74KB1600x1200
314.25KB1600x1200	278.00KB1600x1200	275.25KB1600x1200	177.59KB1600x1200	151.99KB1600x1200
202.13KB1600x1200	204.62KB1600x1200	216.54KB1600x1200	161.47KB1600x1200	165.31KB1600x1200
207.75KB1600x1200	173.24KB1600x1200	137.76KB1600x1200	103.29KB1600x1200	105.99KB1600x1200
89.63KB1600x1200	197.18KB1600x1200	117.35KB1600x1200	181.67KB1600x1200	230.79KB1600x1200
164.59KB1600x1200	138.57KB1600x1200	133.31KB1600x1200	195.29KB1600x1200	196.84KB1600x1200
174.96KB1600x1200	199.77KB1600x1200	177.20KB1600x1200	261.71KB1600x1200	190.10KB1600x1200
271.83KB1600x1200	122.21KB1920x1200	110.49KB1920x1200	142.03KB1920x1200	195.31KB1920x1200
149.01KB1920x1200	176.70KB1920x1200	96.59KB1920x1200	400.79KB1920x1200	297.11KB1920x1200
335.11KB1920x1200	414.37KB1920x1200	366.25KB1920x1200	291.55KB1920x1200	200.53KB1920x1200
182.36KB1920x1200	242.54KB1920x1200	251.38KB1920x1200	267.63KB1920x1200	199.85KB1920x1200
197.43KB1920x1200	284.80KB1920x1200	191.90KB1920x1200	175.13KB1920x1200	123.71KB1920x1200
126.50KB1920x1200	110.92KB1920x1200	233.69KB1920x1200	147.21KB1920x1200	227.90KB1920x1200
300.45KB1920x1200	216.33KB1920x1200	174.99KB1920x1200	167.16KB1920x1200	249.78KB1920x1200
252.90KB1920x1200	230.60KB1920x1200	253.87KB1920x1200	223.23KB1920x1200	346.84KB1920x1200
240.25KB1920x1200	348.81KB1920x1200

Peugeot 908 RC : Official Details

PEUGEOT 908 RC SET TO STEAL THE LIMELIGHT AT PARIS SHOW

• Peugeot’s latest concept car to debut at the Paris Motor Show in September
• Stylish four-door limousine combines power, comfort and green performance
• Powered by a 5.5-litre V12 HDi DPFS engine mounted behind passengers

The raison d’être of any concept car is to explore new ideas and to test those ideas in an attempt to create the ultimate solution. Know-how and passion, combined with imagination then become the motive force that turns dreams into reality. The Peugeot 908 RC evokes passion and imagination to allow us to dream but it will also have a serious side.

The 908 RC owes its name to its engine: the Peugeot V12 HDi DPFS, which will power the racing version of the 908 in 2007. The abbreviation "RC", used to designate sports models in the Peugeot range in mainland Europe, also refers to the RC and RC concept cars which made their appearance in 2002 and whose architecture served as an inspiration during the design of this innovative project.

The original idea was to create a limousine with an imposing style that offered its four occupants a new driving sensation. The final design, however, is an uncompromising car that combines dynamic performance, comfort, luxury and environmental protection. In short, it is an exclusive four-door vehicle that will capture the imagination of both occupants and onlookers.

Engine and architecture

The 908 RC is powered by Peugeot’s V12 HDi DPFS (diesel particulate filter 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 700bhp and, above all, an exceptional torque in excess of 1200Nm. With a 100° V angle architecture, the engine’s centre of gravity is as low as possible. Two particulate filters 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.

The position of the power train allows the creation of a large-capacity boot, situated behind the final 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.

Exterior style

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.

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 finish 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 reflections that accentuate every facet of the body.

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 profile is characterised by the shape of the rear air diffuser, accentuated by chrome detailing and supported visually on each side by twin exhaust pipes.

The metallic black body colour with its bluish reflections further enhances the impression of status, dynamism and purity portrayed by this car.

Inside the 908 RC

The ambience inside the 908 RC is the result of meticulous attention to detail on the part of the car’s designers.

Thanks to a forward-positioned passenger compartment made possible by the car’s architecture, and a large glazed surface area of 3m², occupants are truly at one with the road and the passing landscape. The special shape of the huge front windscreen allows a completely unimpeded field of vision (as on the RC concept cars). The front windscreen stretches back behind the driver’s head, as far as the B/C post where the glazed roof begins. This gives both front and rear passengers a sense of being at one with the outside environment. Unequalled brightness and visibility combine with a generous interior space, complete with four independent seats, helping to create a truly exceptional ambience.

The light and flowing style of the interior, combined with the latest technology ensures purity of the design and a comfortable interior. For example, all vehicle functions (radio, MP3 player, satellite navigation, four-zone air conditioning, etc) can be easily controlled by means of a large touch screen - the Man/Machine Interface (MMI). The MMI is also accessible to the rear passengers, thanks to a multimedia screen positioned on the centre console separating the two rear seats.

The high-quality materials and interior finish of the 908 RC create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and timeless. The passenger compartment features dark oak surrounds, integral amethyst-grey leather trim, polished aluminium inserts, touches of chrome, and a Bell&Ross clock: everything stimulates the senses of touch, sight and smell. Practical aspects have not been overlooked either. Numerous storage spaces, in addition to the large air conditioned glove box, are located in the door panels and also in the front and rear consoles.

Structure and Suspension

In the great tradition of Peugeot concept cars, the 908 RC is a unique model conceived in the inner sanctum of the Peugeot Design Centre in Paris. The vehicle is built around a pre-impregnated carbon composite and vacuum-polymerised aluminium honeycomb structure. The rear section is a self-supporting shell incorporating a sub-frame consisting of a tubular structure on which the engine and suspension are assembled.

Both at the front and the rear, the car features a drop link double wishbone type suspension, derived from the 407.

Braking is by means of four monobloc ceramic carbon composite discs which reduce weight and improve thermal efficiency. The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 255/35 R20 tyres at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.

Aerodynamics

The car’s aerodynamics have been particularly fine-tuned to attain an excellent drag coefficient of only 0.556. The air ducts were designed in a wind tunnel to optimise the car’s performance and fuel consumption, while ensuring the necessary cooling of the power train.

A two-part front air intake directs air to cool both of the engine’s radiators and also improve the car’s aerodynamic performance by controlling the internal and external flow by means of the black anodised aluminium vents located upstream of the front wheels.

Air is provided to the engine by means of vents located in the rear quarter panels.

Air is also directed from the rear wheel arches, through the two intercoolers for the turbochargers and then out through the visible vents behind the wheel arch.

A controllable rear spoiler incorporated into the boot lid can be raised by the driver to improve road holding.

The flat under floor and diffuser enhance further the aerodynamic efficiency of the 908 RC.

Finally, the 908 RC, is a luxurious touring interpretation of the racing car of the future, through its engineering, it creates the spirit of the "gentleman driver". It is targeted at a very upmarket virtual customer, naturally accustomed to a very high level of luxury but above all passionate about their motoring and its history, but also in search of innovation coupled with assertive styling and uncompromised driving pleasure.

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.