Alongside the all-new 308 compact hatch, Peugeot will also debut the 308 RC Z Concept at the upcoming Frankfurt Show. Deemed to be of one the show’s most intriguing premiers, the 308 RC Z previews a compact size 2+2 coupe based on the 308 hatch that will quite possibly go into production as a cheaper alternative to the Audi TT Coupe. Design-wise, the 308 RC Z actually reminds us more of the early 90's Audi Avus Concept with its bulgy wheel arches and the forward-cabin design. In all, we like it a lot, as what the 308 RC Z’s exterior design lacks in elegance it more than compensates with its aggressive stance. Inside, the RC Z features a production ready fascia derived from the 308 hatch with minor differentiations like the clock in the place of the center vent and the higher, lower part of the center console. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below (high-res image gallery & specs included)

Unfortunately Peugeot has yet to release an English press release on the 308 RC Z, but we managed to get our hands on the German version which also includes detailed information on the French coupe’s specs. Sharing the same wheelbase as the 308 hatch, the 308 RC Z is 4.3 m long and just 1.32 m high. Thanks to the extensive use of aluminum and carbofibre bodyparts along with the back window made of polycarbonate, the 308 RC Z weighs in at just 1.200 kg (2.650 lbs). The 308 RC Z is equipped with a revised version of the PSA – BMW Group co-developed, twin-turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol unit that produces 218Hp.

Matted to a 6speed manual gearbox the lightweight 308 RC Z sprints from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7,0 sec and from 0 to 1.000m (62,3 miles) in 27,0 sec with a maximum top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). According to Peugeot, the 308 RC Z features an avg. consumption of just 6,7lt per 100 km which translates to 35,1mpg.