Peugeot RCZ R Concept Previews Powerful New Flagship

When it hit the market in 2010, the RCZ coupe was lauded as Peugeot's rival to the Audi TT. But while it offers buyers a stylish alternative, the RCZ's 147kW flagship is bested by top-spec TT variants.

Now, the French carmaker has revealed a new hero in the range: the RCZ R 'concept', set to become the most powerful production Peugeot ever offered. 

Driven by the same newly-enhanced Peugeot and BMW-developed 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine driving the Citroen DS4 Racing, the RCZ R offers a showstopping 193kW of power.

Power is still sent to the front wheels (rather than the all-wheel layout of the TT S and TT RS) through a six-speed manual transmission. 

The boost in output does however see the RCZ pick up a Torsen limited-slip differential, and Peugeot promises a number of chassis tweaks for improved handling.

The RCZ R concept shown here also gets subtly pumped guards and wider wheels - along with an Onyx-inspired black and copper finish - although it remains to be seen if these features will cross to production.

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