Peugeot RCZ and RCZ R test drive: Imola track test – Road test

From the point of view sports cars, Peugeot has extensive experience in motorsport what is reflected in serial models.

We had it test testing Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP from 200 hp, la new RCZ R from 270 hp and a unique sample RCZ Racing Cup Replica designed for fans track day.

Not giving up even a couple of circles with the trophy version RCZ R Cup... This is how it was.

Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP 200 HP

С price 31.850 XNUMX euros, Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP 200 HP this is the version of the range with best power-to-price ratioConsidering that the version with a 163 hp turbodiesel. - for those who intend to drive many kilometers - and 1.6 THP with 156 hp. cost 31.450 and 29.050 euros respectively.

With this figurine, you can take your performance home. coupe up to 200 CV capable of speeds up to 235 km / h and accelerate from 0 to 100 in 7,5 seconds.

But how does he behave on the track?

Let's start with the driver's seat, which is almost perfect: low seatholding seats and a reduced diameter steering wheel in a perfectly upright position.

Under the hood Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP Yes 1.6 turbo engine which repels from the lowest rpm and does not reach the red area of ​​the tachometer, in combination with excellent manual transmission with precise couplings and short stroke.

The steering is ready and communicates correctly what is happening under the wheels, braking è powerful, is and reactions to the limit are never violent.

Even with the ESP disconnected, you have to work hard to put the chassis in a quandary, always balanced even in the toughest points of the challenging Imola circuit.

In short, great fun with purchase costs and management in general content.

Peugeot RCZ R 270 HP

This is where we start to get serious about it.

в RCZR have a hand Peugeot Sportthat contributed to the development The most powerful Peugeot in history with all the know-how gained during the competition.

Il engine retains the same 1.6 liter displacement as the other versions, but has been extensively modified with numerous components - monobloc, connecting rods, pistons, turbine, exhaust manifold - that have been strengthened or even completely redesigned to gain reliability from serial engine despite the development of specific activity 170 CV / l, one of the tallest among homologated cars.

On the road RCZR strikes with an abomination with which it picks up speed (here 0-100 km / h it's just covered 5,9 seconds) and for the ease of loading all your own 270 CV on the front wheels.

No problem with thrust, so thanks to mechanical differential Torsen limited slip, which makes a difference when you open the throttle from corners, transferring torque to the wheel, which has more grip at that moment.

17 kg lighter, stiffer and more downforce RCZR it eats up the road with disarming simplicity and, when it comes time to turn off, stops with impressive force.

The difference here is that I four floating discs from 380 mm, which provides a speed of 130-0 km / h at a distance of less than 61 meters, and this even after several hours of stress in lane show signs of fatigue.

The stiffer suspension allows the smartest to disassemble the car and then literally pull it out of the corner with the aforementioned Torsen differential. The driving experience is more enjoyable than ever.

Replica Peugeot RCZ Racing Cup

This unique piece is based on Peugeot RCZ THP 200 HP we said above or amplifiessports soul Lion houses with gorgeous white livery decorated with red / blue / yellow / blue stripes Peugeot Sport, white alloy wheels, adjustable spoiler, Alcantara steering wheel with yellow front sight and sports seats in black leather and red Alcantara.

Lonely feast for the eyesBut not only.

Like a cue racing car deals Trofeo RCZ Racing Cuphas been designed to offer the best on the track: Mount One special control unit which allows for a 30 hp increase in power, a flap valve that controls the turbocharging (increasing the unmistakable puff that occurs with each gas release), and a catalystless exhaust system that improves engine performance and noise.

Shock absorbers Ohlins "Road and track" technology adoption "Two-way valve" and l 'Braking system Brembo Discs with whiskers, 355 mm in diameter.

Roll, this stranger! L 'cornering è surgicalThe rear is glued to the asphalt and is equally impressive in braking.

A real-time lap weapon capable of defeating the more powerful RCZ R.


Peugeot RCZ R Cup

с trophy version it's a completely different music.

Only those who have tried it at least once karting I can understand how this can lead Peugeot RCZ R Cup.

The engine develops approx. 280 CV, but its sharp presentation requires you work a lot with the gearbox keep it in the right mode.

Not bad, considering it's a very fast - and cool - 6-speed Sadev with paddle shifters.

Friction? It only serves to get away. Steering? It is very similar to karting, so much so that on a straight track, even a small stable arm is enough to swing from one side of the track to the other, but this does not get tired, because, unlike karting, it is very light.

As soon as you turn the steering wheel slightly, RCZ R Cup it glides on a curve at a speed unknown to any road car.

Theundercut è granite и smooth tires Avon - with good warming up - tenaciously clings to the asphalt, but you will have to slow down before turning.

And then the donkey falls: think that it is enough to put pressure on brake pedal like any other car? It's okay, you have to press the pedal vigorously so that the pads achieve the friction on the discs necessary to decelerate, and when pressed with force, it causes exciting decelerations.

Recalibrated my own driving style, you start to enjoy driving a racing car on one of the most exciting tracks in Italy.

But after a couple of laps it's time to go back to the pits.