Peugeot Releases Official Photos of RCZ Sports Coupe

These are the first official photos of the Peugeot RCZ sports coupe that will be unveiled for the first time to the public in its final form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Though the 2+2 seater coupe is not fully reveled in any of the photos, there's no doubt that the final production model keeps the original concept's styling right up to the double-bubble rear windshield and roof panel. The French automaker had shown the 308 RCZ concept model in 2007 at the Frankfurt motorshow.

The RCZ that will be the first model in Peugeot's range not to use the usual 'zero' or 'double-zero' numbering system is slated to enter production in Spring 2010.

Details on the engine-lineup are still sketchy but it is expected that the 'French TT' will make use of the BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroen co-developed, twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine which will be offered with various outputs, including a version with 218HP.

We also expect to see Pug's diesel engines including the new 2.0-liter four pot with 163HP and 340Nm of torque that recently made its way in the 407 Coupe.

Peugeot 308 RC Z Coupe: French TT Spied Ahead of Frankfurt Show Debut

Remember Peugeot's funky-looking 308 RC Z concept from the 2007 Frankfurt motor show? Well, the French carmaker is putting the final touches to the production version of the Audi TT-rivaling 2+2 coupe that is slated to make its world premiere at this year's Frankfurt show in mid-September and will then go on sale throughout Europe in the spring of 2010. Our spy photographers have captured evidence that with the exception of a few details like the design of the rear apron, the production model's looks remain all but identical to the concept.

Much to our surprise, this also includes the 308 RC Z concept's double-bubble rear screen and roof panel, albeit less curvaliscious. Overall, and even though the RC Z retains some of the family traits of the Peugeot 308 range like the huge, sweptback headlights and the xtra-large front grille, the 2+2 coupe has a distinct character all of its own.

Sure some will find traces of the original Audi TT, maybe even of the 1990's Audi Avus Concept with its toned wheel arches and the forward-cabin design, but few will disagree that the 308 RC Z is one of the most interesting concept designs to pass into production.

As with the concept car, the 308 RC Z's fascia panel will be taken directly from the 308 hatchback, though expect to see a sportier trim with more chrome details and higher quality leather surfaces to create a more upmarket impression (the pictures of the interior are from the concept car).

Underneath the fancy-pansy metal and glass work, the RC Z is more or less a 308. However, changes are expected to include wider tracks and a reworked suspension and steering system as well as beefier brakes to further improve the coupe's handling.

The concept version of the RC Z was motivated by the BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroen co-developed, twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that cranked out 218 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Derivatives of the same powerplant are found under the hood of various Peugeot, Citroen and of course, MINI models.

It is certain that the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot will make its way in the production version of the RC Z, where it will be offered with various outputs. Other options are said to include a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 120HP as well as a range of turbo diesels.

Limited Edition Peugeot 308 CC GT100 Sold Out

French carmaker Peugeot said today that all 100 examples of the special edition 308 CC GT100 have been spoken for ahead of the car's UK launch that's set for the end of May. The limited edition model that precedes the standard series' June 1st debut is exclusive to the British market and comes equipped with Peugeot's 150HP 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. Offered in either Nera Black or Pearl White finish, the special edition model features a standard "Electric Package" that includes electric seat adjustment, along with specific 'GT100' carpet mats, chrome door sills and GT100 badging.

VIDEO: Peugeot's Funky Nude Parade Surprises Londoners

The things marketers and advertisers come up with to capture the attention of consumers, never cease to amaze us. To celebrate the launch of the new 308CC coupe-convertible in the U.K., Peugeot decided to offer Londoners a 'rude' wake-up call in the morning rush hour with a team of 308 seemingly naked people wearing only a blue scarf. However, to the dismay of many, Peugeot's commuters weren't actually naked as they were wearing specially made bodysuits mimicking the color of the human skin. Check out Peugeot's "naked" commuters in action in the video after the jump.

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Peugeot Reveals UK Pricing on 308 CC, Announces Special Edition GT100

The all-new Peugeot 308 CC will go on sale in the UK on the 1st of June with prices starting from £19,495 for the entry-level 1.6-liter VTi 120 Sport model. However, Peugeot announced that it will precede the coupe-convertible's main launch by offering a total of 100 special edition models from May. The 308 CC GT100s are exclusive to the UK and come with equipped with Peugeot's 150HP-strong 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.

Priced at £23,595, the 308 CC GT100 will be available with a choice of Nera Black or Pearl White (50 units each). On top of the GT trim, the special edition model comes equipped with the "Electric Package" that includes electric seat adjustment, 'GT100' carpet mats, 'GT100' chrome door sills and GT100 badging.

The main range of the 308 CC consists of three different trims, Sport, SE and GT. The Sport model is available with the 120HP 1.6-litre petrol and the 110HP 1.6-liter HDi diesel engines, priced at £19,495 and £20,495 respectively. The standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, black / grey Sports cloth trim, a radio-CD player with 6 speakers & audio remote control, air-condition, leather steering wheel, six-airbags and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme that includes ABS, EBFD & EBA).

The 308 CC SE model can be specified with all petrol (VTi 120HP, THP 150HP or THP 140HP with automatic gearbox) and diesel engines (HDi 110HP, HDi 140HP or HDi 136HP with automatic transmission).

Additional specification over the Sport model includes larger 17-inch alloy wheels, the Visibility Pack (automatic rain sensing front wipers, automatic headlamps and an electrochrome rear view mirror), ambient lighting, rear parking aid, cruise control with speed limiter, climate control air conditioning, alarm and an upgrade stereo. Prices for the SE start from £20,395 for the 1.6 VTi 120HP.

Finally, the range-topping GT model can be specified with the petrol THP 150HP or HDi 140HP diesel engine. Extra features over the SE include leather trim, a windstop, Airwave neck heating system, 18-inch alloys, tire pressure sensor, front and rear parking aid and Peugeot's Connect HiFi (JBL HiFi pack). Prices for the 308 CC GT are set at £23,495 for the petrol version and at £24,295 for the diesel.

Peugeot’s Paris Show Prologue Hybrid Concept Previews 3008 Crossover

Described by Peugeot as a model that is ‘derived from the fusion of different worlds’, the Prologue concept is essentially the pre-production version of the French carmaker’s long awaited 3008 crossover. And by crossover Peugeot means that the Prologue concept borrows features from both SUV and minivan (MPV) vehicles. The end result is a rather weird blend that looks vaguer than a cornered politician’s speech and a far cry from the elegant and stylish propositions we’re used to seeing from Peugeot. -Continued

Other than its styling, the French automaker said that the Prologue concept car will boast a modular interior design and high-tech equipment along with a new generation hybrid powetrain that mates an internal combustion engine with an electric motor developing a total output of 200 HP. Crucially, the concept car can be powered entirely by electricity or petrol or a combination of both.

Peugeot UK offering Fuel Incentives on 308 Range

If they’re doing it here in the States where gasoline is still relatively cheap, it’s only logical that companies will offer fuel incentives to car buyers in Europe and especially in the UK where gas costs a pocket pinching £1.197 for a liter of petrol and £1.3325 for diesel. Peugeot UK on its behalf is offering £308 of free fuel for those who buy any model in the 308 range in August and September. According to the French carmaker, if the chosen version is a diesel HDi 90 model then it could mean that more than the first 3,000 miles are free while petrol versions would travel up to 2,500 miles.