Lurking close but unable to bite into the neck prey. But it has come hand Peugeot Sport to take the RCZ which should be by a large product development leading to limit the engine changes, behavior and above all feelings.

A flurry of work is what has put Peugeot RCZ coupe on his very special to get several things at once. On one hand, the fastest production car of all who had the mark to date. Other, sports more radical and effective in the entire history of the brand. And finally, power and have a real alternative to the OPC, RS, Cupra R and Opel, Renault, Seat and VW equivalent, although the Peugeot itself aims shoot the smallest of the Porsche reference in behavior … who, by the way, promises to match on track and even higher.

Radical R

This is not a twist no more about the existing version so far, with 200 hp. 70 horses more blow not assimilated, especially when the aim is to make a car that dynamically rubbing the radical. Many changes, starting with the motor. Places of honor for him too because the 1.6-liter is hidden, after two liters of Mercedes AMG with 360 hp, the highest specific power market. Malhle Motorsport is behind this propeller is jealous now BMW, the original manufacturer. heat treatment in the block for greater robustness, special pistons, connecting rod bearings with polymer coating and turbo dual specific input with terrifying blow pressure: 1.5 barg which will bring you extra dose of emotion from the moment you leave the garage to listen to her relief valve opens to let air out reflux and excess pressure to lift the foot throttle … which pressure cooker.

But not only that, because that great little turbo achicharrará you probably hand the first day to open the lightened bonnet -queda right in front of the latch that makes liberation 1.6 THP engine with lots of character, something that also has to do change, their development and weight so that from first to sixth, you have the feeling that this RCZ pushes like a real devil. If for being so "little" and its specific power you think is an engine with little bass you’re wrong, because the last thing missing is the engine elasticity. Much less stuck or one of these stretched end to something beyond 6,500 rpm to cut the hiccups.

Compared with other good engines two liters, the 1.6 THP does nothing to demonstrate that the work done by and for this release is global, without leaving any variable random. Take the Opel OPC engine as an example, a real beast has also come to bear on bench over 280 hp advertising. In its yield curve, the Opel passes 1,500 rpm with 20 hp and 6 mkg torque engine on the curve Peugeot, Opel difference that manages virtually from start to finish … When it comes to the truth RCZ-R accelerates to reach kilometers standing start nothing less than a second! before reaching 7 km / h faster than the very Astra OPC.

Teamwork

As you drive it becomes clear that this is the key to success. Because being good engine performance, what makes a sporting sports are the horses that moves every kilo, and that favorable equation is what gives this feline agility no longer a lion, but panther. But

more to reach the final fireworks, its chassis. The change is not only perfect for touch and precision, also the clutch seems to hold what you throw at it and They add immediacy developments in acceleration for each jump gears without the slightest mechanical relapse.

Its top speed is electronically interrupted at 250 km / h … when you would just 50 extra rpm to reach the electronically limited. Definitely, there is no better formula to properly explore every horse, every acceleration, although the trip "to dry" It can be converted into a torture … but surely the true aficionado will find in the mechanical sound, exhaust and said discharge valve turbo for a reason, after the session of curves, continue delighting even relaxed pace of highway .

structurally, the chassis of this RCZ-R is a rock and he has assimilated good degree springs 14 and 44 percent less elastic than the version 200 CV-in city make it really uncomfortable, also combined with specific damping and highest quality, with dimensions of convergences, falls and progress defined under the secret formula of Peugeot Sport, who are clear that taming 270 hp traction only two points need to resort to classical mechanics. Said and done, Torsen limited slip one becomes striker RC-Z train in one of the most incisive and effective few front-wheel drive on the market, perhaps with the exception of Renault RS.

I understand you know what means this element secured traction, ability to change references to lead the attack to open throttle before reaching the apex, so that when you come to it can properly do its function. Those who entrust their front wheel electronic traction controls on leave at the end immense traces of rubber on the asphalt, lost "weather" Y "Feeling" driving, while the chains RCZ-R with a huge efficiency. Clearly the presence of the Torsen as an intermediary between wheels and steering, RCZ-R also tends to go "nosing" asphalt opening gas line, or between curves, but it’s really subtle and requires less effort and concentration which already compels you a car that, in seeking its limits, asks hiero hands, very sensibly and very clear ideas.

Reactive and very direct orders, its participatory hindquarter shows that after operational testing, people who develop cars and racing. But as low and close to the ground, with great and very good wheel, high damping firmness and a permissive stability control, exceed certain limits could mean meeting a violent whiplash only suitable for experienced hands.

Toca stop

It is a really fast car, and if you’re not at the level you can make it very clear. In closing, firm Alcon brakes with floating impressive four-piston front caliper stop doing this sport at distances of genuine Porsche, although its resistance does not do justice to the RCZ-R: very, very harsh treatment no longer involves a dramatic loss of efficiency, but a tremor steering force you momentarily stop driving the RCZ to pass driving … Time to taste other curves, their own through the exterior mirrors and remember that besides excellent sport, the RCZ-R is also a beautiful and exclusive coupé with what it represents in terms of equipment or functional level

In a nutshell

Acceleration: Power, strength, good change and low weight, all variables in your favor to achieve excellent records in this field.

Change: Short distances, short lever and short exchange developments. Perfect.

Frenada: After his outstanding figures there are quality components, but not the icing for a predator port: at the end, blame lack of resistance.

consumptions: Small great engine capable of delivering a moderate consumption, but made running really requires a lot of fuel

Overtaking: There is harmony between the main elements that make this sport very sporty. Small displacement, but far short drive and developments to gain speed very spontaneously.