|
Price |
|
-- |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
5.5
liter diesel V12 |
Weight |
3968
lbs |
|
Aspiration |
turbochargers |
Torque |
over
885 lb-ft |
|
HP |
691
hp |
HP/Weight |
5.7
lbs per hp |
|
HP/Liter |
125.6 hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
-- |
Top Speed |
over
186 mph |
(Press release by
Peugeot) The raison d’être of a concept car is to explore
new ideas and to test the ideas in an attempt to create the ultimate
solution. Know-how and passion, combined with imagination, then
become the motive force that turns the dream into reality. A dream
that can be shared through the creation of a unique vehicle such as
the Peugeot 908 RC.
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, 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 515 kW and, above all, an exceptional
torque in excess of 1,200 Nm. 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 3 m2, 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 by 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
creates 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. 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
improved 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 has 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 at the request of 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.
