First look: Peugeot's hi-tech coupes

PEUGEOT has released images of a hi-tech concept 2+2 coupe called RC it will unveil at next month's Geneva motor show.

And the French manufacturer is doing nothing to dispel speculation about a possible production future for the car - instead it's encouraging it! "At Geneva in 1998, six months before the production of the 206, Peugeot unveiled a stunning concept car the 20-heart," the manufacturer said in a press release.

"Approximately two years later, the 206CC was reality and has since proven hugely successful worldwide. One wonders where the 'RC' concept car may lead Peugeot in the future?" Peugeot has built not one but two RCs. The red "RC Diamonds" version is powered by a 129kW, 2.2-litre HDi engine while the black "RC Spades" is equipped with a 2.0-litre, 133kW petrol engine.

Fundamental to the RC is a light but strong body structure, which is a combination of carbon pre-impregnated directly onto honeycomb panels, incorporating a caged roll-over bar made of high-strength steel.

That keeps weight to an estimated 900-950kg for a vehicle that measures 4300mm long, has a 2800mm wheelbase, a width of 1800mm and a height of 1150mm.

The lightness helps provide outstanding performance from relatively small output engines, Peugeot claiming a theoretical 0-100km/h in just six seconds and a top speed of 100km/h.

But the body structure's strength still allows items such as suspension and the "beetle-wing" doors to be hung from it.

The engine sits centrally within the body and is mounted transversely for optimum weight distribution and to enhance road holding. It mates to a six-speed electro-hydraulic manual gearbox that has steering wheel controls as well as a floor-mounted lever.

Suspension is via double wishbones front and rear, while braking power comes from four monobloc ceramic discs mated to four-piston callipers. The RCs are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels mated to 245/45 R18 tyres.

Inside, there's stainless steel and aluminium trim, cloth and leather-covered bucket seats that maintain the red-and-black theme and have harness-style seatbelts.

The instrument panel combines digital and analogue technology. There's a radio/CD player, telephone and sat-nav, which uses a seven-inch colour screen.