Designed and developed in Peugeot Sport’s Vélizy workshops, near Paris, the RCZ Peugeot Sport has met with considerable success ahead of its maiden season of racing. Cars of different specifications will be seen in action in several European countries this year.
France: RCZ Racing Cup (six rounds, 12 races)
Some 20 ‘sprint’-spec RCZ Peugeot Sports are expected at Ledenon for the year’s first RCZ Racing Cup France clash which will be held within the framework of the 2012 GT Tour on April 28-29. The championship’s calendar features six rounds: four as part of the GT Tour programme, plus one at Pau and another at Le Mans. Each round will comprise two races in addition to the free practice and qualifying sessions.
Lédenon: April 28-29 / Pau Ville: May 12-13 / Val de Vienne: June 23-
24 / Magny-Cours: July 14-15 / Le Mans: September 29-30 / Le
Castellet: October 28-29.
Italy: the RCZ Racing Cup incorporated in the touring car series
Around 10 RCZ Peugeot Sports are expected to contest their first season of racing in Italy as part of the country’s touring car endurance championship. The format of these meetings features two 38-minute ‘plus 1 lap runs’ which will certainly bring out the best in the ‘sprint’ version of the RCZ Peugeot Sport. The calendar is currently based on six rounds.
Imola: April 14-15 / Vallelunga: May 5-6 / Misano: July 7-8 / Magione:
July 21-22 / Mugello: September 21-23 / Monza: October 21-22.
Germany: the VLN series and the Nürburgring 24 Hours
Team Peugeot RCZ Nokia has entered two RCZ Peugeot Sports in the SP2T class (petrol turbocharged engines of less than 1,600cc). The objective of the programme is to attempt to win the VLN title, as well as the discipline’s star race: the Nürburgring 24 Hours. To adapt the car to this type of long race, Peugeot Sport has developed an ‘endurance’ kit which can be fitted to the ‘sprint’ version as required. The year’s action kicks off on Saturday, March 31.
Round 1: March 31 / Round 2: April 14 / Round 3: April 28 / Nürburgring 24 Hours: May 19-20 / Round 4: June 23 /
Round 5: July 7 / Round 6: July 21 / Round 7: August 4 / Round 8: August 25 / Round 9: September 29 / Round 10: October 27.
Denmark: a RCZ Peugeot Sport converted for rallying
Although it was primarily designed and developed for circuit racing, the RCZ Peugeot Sport has sparked interest in Denmark where two cars have been acquired for rallying purposes. The modifications which are in the process of being homologated are being carried out directly by Team DK and involve the chassis, the fitment of the co-driver’s equipment and additional protection. The team will contest the Danish Championship.
The strengths of the RCZ Peugeot Sport
The RCZ has benefited from the vast motorsport expertise that Peugeot Sport has acquired over a period of more than three decades in order to deliver an unrivalled quality and performance package for its price. Like the production version, the race version comes under the ‘premium’ heading, as suggested by its expressive styling, carefully finished interior, pedigree mechanicals and advanced technologies.
The RCZ Peugeot Sport targets all types of driver, from the most battle-hardened competitors, who will be able to fine-tune their set-ups thanks to the data logging system, to gentlemen drivers will enjoy the pleasure ensured by the generous torque of its 250-horsepower 1.6 THP engine.
Its other chief strengths include its rigorously engineered chassis, braking performance and, above all, its paddle-shift sequential gearbox. Gear shift times are minimal and it is possible to move up and down the box without using the clutch. This means drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel to remain in total control at all times. For a price of €54,900 (exclusive of VAT), the RCZ Peugeot Sport is delivered ready to race after being tested.
RCZ Peugeot Sport – technical data
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Engine Type: 1.6 litres, EP6CDTm
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Power: 260hp at 6,500rpm
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Torque: 290Nm between 3,500 and 5,500rpm
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Turbo: Borg Warner P154 (restrictor diameter: 38mm)
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Exhaust: Diameter: 70mm
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Fuel tank: Additional fuel tank (total capacity: 100 litres)
Transmission
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Gearbox: Sadev ST82-14
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Six forward speeds, paddle shift sequential gearbox
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Differential: Limited slip differential
Electronics
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ECU: SRT MM + data logging
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Display: Colour
Dimensions
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Length / width: 4,290mm (excluding rear wing) / 1,840mm
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Wheelbase: 2,590mm
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Front / rear track: 1,770mm / 1,740mm
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Minimum weight: Approximately 1,080kg
Chassis
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Type: Body shell with welded roll cage
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Front suspension: MacPherson-type with anti-roll bar
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Rear suspension: Trailing arms and flexible beam
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Front/rear dampers: Three-way adjustable dampers (low- and high-speed compression, rebound) and adjustable hydraulic stops
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Adjustability: Camber / toe / ride height / rear wing angle (five positions)
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Jack: Three integrated pneumatic hoists
Brakes/steering
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Front brakes: 355mmx 28mm ventilated discs and six-piston callipers
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Rear brakes: 290mmx12mm solid discs with single piston callipers
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Rear brakeforce limiter: Proportioning valve
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Steering: Rack and pinion with hydraulic power steering
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‘Endurance’ aerodynamic kit for the RCZ
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Flexible front chin spoiler
Front wings
Rear wing positioned further back (1,447mm wing in compliance with VLN regulations), making the overall length of the car approximately 4,500mm.
