With the 208 replacing the 207 in Peugeot’s European line-up, it was natural that the French automaker would introduce a racing version of the new model to succeed the highly successful 207 S2000 International Rally Championship car.
Peugeot's new competitor in international rallying is the 208 R5, which made its world premiere at the ongoing Paris Auto Show. Due to FIA’s new rules that were introduced to reduce costs and will come in effect next year, the 208 R5 is quite different to the car it replaces.
The R5 class consists of Group A cars that are based on a production model of which at least 25,000 units must have been built.
Under the new R5 regulations, racing cars retain many parts of the S2000 class such as the all-wheel-drive system with no center differential, a five speed sequential gearbox, widened tracks, aerodynamic aids and a minimum weight of 1,200 kg (2,645 pounds).
The main change is that forced-induction 1.6-liter units have replaced the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engines. The 208 R5 will utilize the brand's 1.6-liter THP unit, which has already been tested in competition in the RCZ Racing Cup.
Bertrand Vallat, who was previously responsible for the 207 S2000 and has subsequently become the project leader of the 208 Type R5 project, says that the turbocharged engine, which in the RCZ endurance racing version produced 260 PS (256HP), will have an output of 280 PS (276 HP) in the 208 without sacrificing reliability.
“We are aiming for performance which is slightly higher than that of the S2000”, said Vallat. “We have serious foundations with this engine and we are aiming for a very high level of durability and reliability between 3,000 and 5,000 km (1,800-3,100 miles), which will also reduce the operating costs.”
FIA regulations also stipulate that the maximum price for R5 class racers must not exceed €180,000 (US$231,400).
The 208 R5, which will be assembled at Peugeot Sport facilities in Velizy, will begin its testing program at the end of the year and will become available to customers during the second half of 2013.
By Andrew Tsaousis
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