The New Peugeot RCZ - A New Chapter For Peugeot

The launch of the Peugeot RCZ will mark the start of a dynamic new chapter in the history of Peugeot. This stunning coupe has been designed to be a special vehicle within the Peugeot range, aimed directly at customers who see their cars as a source of driving enjoyment as well as daily transport.

The name, RCZ, symbolises this special positioning as it will be the first Peugeot passenger car not to use the traditional numbering system with a central 'zero' or 'double zero'.

Designed to enhance the sheer enjoyment of driving, the Peugeot RCZ is both dynamic (the top of the range model features an all new 1.6 litre THP 200 bhp engine) and responsible, offering an innovative blend of performance and environmental-friendliness. With its reduced weight, fine-tuned aerodynamics and modern engine technology, the entry-level model has CO2 emissions of only 139 g/km.

At launch in 2010, three engines will find their place under the large aluminium bonnet of the Peugeot RCZ. All high-performance engines in every sense of the word with high torque and power outputs, low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and all meeting the Euro 5 emission standard. The reduction of the environmental impact of the vehicle was one of the project's key priorities.

The 1.6 litre THP 200 bhp engine with six speed manual gearbox allows the car's chassis to fulfil its true potential. With its maximum torque of 188 lb ft at 1700rpm (or 203 lb ft with overboost) and a maximum power of 200bhp at 5800rpm, it enables the Peugeot RCZ to accelerate from 50 to 75mph in 6.5 seconds in fifth gear and 0 to 62mph in 7.6 seconds. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 39.8mpg with CO2 emission of less than 165g/km.

A turbocharged direct-injection petrol 1.6 litre THP 156 bhp engine with six speed manual gearbox or six speed automatic gearbox achieves a remarkable balance between performance (177 lb ft at 1400 rpm and 156 bhp at 5800 rpm) and fuel consumption (40.9 mpg and 159 g/km of CO2 with a manual gearbox). It will also be available from the summer of 2010, with an all new 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox.

The 2.0 litre HDi FAP 163 bhp engine with six speed manual gearbox, this engine develops a maximum power of 163 bhp at 3750 rpm and a generous maximum torque of 251 lb ft at 2000 rpm. To obtain this level of performance it has a new generation ECCS (Extreme Conventional Combustion System) combustion chamber design, a variable-geometry low-inertia turbocharger, a high-pressure diesel injection pump with a maximum pressure of 2000 bars and electronic solenoid injectors with eight apertures.

This engine optimises the Peugeot RCZ's potential in terms of road holding while limiting its fuel consumption to only 52.3 mpg in the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.

On versions of the Peugeot RCZ fitted with the petrol turbocharged 200 bhp THP engine, the front suspension benefits from a special lower anti-roll bar to make the car even more responsive and agile.

In addition to the high levels of primary safety, a direct result of the excellent road holding. The secondary safety levels are further boosted by the optimised structural design, efficient means of occupant restraint and the fitment of an active bonnet which 'pops-up' due to a pyrotechnic triggering system and, therefore, limits the degree of injury a pedestrian is likely to suffer in the event of a collision.

The Peugeot RCZ goes on sale in Spring 2010.