As it prepared to launch its new 308 compact range across Europe, Peugeot lifted the covers on a 308-based concept for the Frankfurt auto show that suggests the French automaker may be considering a potential competitor to the Audi TT.
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Called '308RC Z', the 2+2 coupe shares many of its mechanical underpinnings with the new 308 hatchbacks that were distributed to European dealers in August.
The coupe design appears to be nearly production-ready, although it is not clear if Peugeot would build the vehicle as a fixed-roof coupe or a coupe/convertible with retractable hardtop.
Image courtesy of PSA Peugeot Citroen Automobiles |
Continuing the developing trend for lighter weight vehicles and the increasing use of ACG composites in the market place, Peugeot has developed a carbon fibre roof for the vehicle, significantly reducing the vehicle weight and improving the vehicle dynamics by lowering the vehicle roll centre.
The roof, which is manufactured by Application Composites (Monereau-sur-le-Jard, France), is moulded using ACG's MTM®57 resin system, which is renowned for its clarity and technical performance on cosmetic finished components. The MTM®50 resin series offers superb drape and pre-forming tack levels with short cure cycles, which combine to make it suitable for matched die press moulding processing and, therefore, high volume automotive production. The flexible cure cycles also allow this resin series to be used for autoclaved or oven-cured low volume or prototype parts.
ACG's MTM®50 series resin systems are becoming the automotive standard for cosmetic and structural automotive applications, with the series already being used on many European OEM vehicles.
Powering the 308RC Z is a high-output version of the twin-cam, direct-injection, four-cylinder petrol engine that was jointly developed with PSA and BMW. The turbocharged 1.6 litre engine provides 218 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, and is complemented by a newly designed, six-speed manual gearbox. | 
