As the Peugeot 308 edges closer to its release date, Peugeot have released images and details of their 308 RC Z Concept Car. I have to admit, I don't usually like the look of a majority of the Peugeot range, but it looks like the designers are on the money with this one. In terms of the front end, the 308 RC Z shares some design similarities to the 2008 Lancer, with its distinct "nose" punctuated by the massive badge.

The Peugeot 308 RC Z is a 2+2 coupé was designed to be as light as possible. It features a range of aluminum components, carbon fibre body parts and a polycarbonate rear windscreen.

The 308 RC Z concept car is powered by a tweaked 1.6 litre THP engine developed the collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group, the same engine fitted to the 207 GTi. As a result of new engine management software developed especially for the concept, the 1.6 litre THP engine fitted to the 308 RC Z is capable of a maximum power output of 160kW (217bhp). Its maximum torque is listed at 280 Nm (300 Nm in overboost). A Twin-Scroll turbocharger doesn't hurt its performance either. The engine is paired with a 6 speed manual gearbox.

On paper, the Peugeot 308 RC Z concept appears to be relatively fuel efficient, coming in at 6.7 litres/100 km. Proving that efficiency doesn't have to be at the expense of style, the 308 RC Z sits on polished 19" rims.

Peugeot have stated that safety was a priority when designing the concept, and this shows in the range of next generation safety features. The 308 RC Z concept car includes the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) as well at the "Peugeot Emergency" system. This system utilises the RT4 telematics system (think GPS) to trigger and dispatch appropriate assistance should the vehicle be involved in an accident. This obviously decreases the response times in case of a crash, which could mean the difference between life and death.

All in all, the Peugeot 308 RC Z does everything a good concept car should. It highlights the direction that a car could take into the future as well as providing a glimpse of what we can expect to see as standard in coming years. Style wise, the RC Z is a step up from any thing Peugeot have released in the past. If the company keeps moving forward in this direction, they may just be onto a winner.

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