The raison d’être of a concept car is to explore new ideas and to test the ideas in an attempt to create the ultimate solution. Know-how and passion, combined with imagination, then become the motive force that turns the dream into reality. A dream that can be shared through the creation of a unique vehicle such as the Peugeot 908 RC.

The 908 RC owes its name to its engine: the Peugeot V12 HDi DPFS, which will power the racing version of the 908 in 2007. The abbreviation «RC», used to designate sports models in the Peugeot range, also refers to the RC concept cars which made their appearance in 2002 and whose architecture served as an inspiration during the design of this innovative project.

The original idea was to create a limousine with an imposing style that offered its four occupants a new driving sensation. The final design, however, is an uncompromising car that combines dynamic performance, comfort, luxury and environmental protection. In short, it is an exclusive four-door vehicle that will capture the imagination of both occupants and onlookers.

Engine and architecture

The 908 RC is powered by Peugeot’s V12 HDi DPFS (diesel particulate filter system) diesel engine designed to take part in the “Le Mans Race Series” programme in 2007. The engine has a capacity of 5.5 litres and offers a level of performance unprecedented for a diesel engine, with a maximum power output greater than 515 kW and, above all, an exceptional torque in excess of 1,200 Nm. With a 100° V angle architecture, the engine’s centre of gravity is as low as possible. Two particulate filters are located at the end of each exhaust system ensuring the car’s environmentally-friendly credentials.

The originality of the 908 RC resides in its compact design, with the engine arranged in a rear central transverse position. Similarly the compact 6-speed electronically controlled sequential gearbox, has been specially adapted to withstand the phenomenal torque, and is located under the engine.

The position of the power train allows the creation of a large-capacity boot, situated behind the final drive assembly and therefore not encroaching on the generous interior space of the passenger compartment. This design also allows the driving position to be moved forward, maximising the driving experience for both the driver and the passengers.

Exterior style

The design of the 908 RC creates a particularly low-lying exterior body with a stylish tapered design at the front of the vehicle. Its proportions create an elegant and dynamic statement. Sitting on large diameter 20 spoke alloy wheels (20’’ at the front, 21’’ at the rear); the overall effect is that of a big cat, from the nose at the front, to the tip of the rear lights.

More than ever, the Marque’s emblem has played a part in fashioning the power of expression of the 908 RC.

At the front, the lion’s character seems to emanate from each detail, starting with the design of the headlights. Lighting is provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with their dazzling appearance the result of a special finish given to the internal components. The exterior appearance of the lights looks like a crystal cut like a precious stone, creating a faint outline like the pupil of an eye. The bonnet draws its inspiration directly from the head of a big cat. The areas either side of the bonnet create the effect of the cat’s “cheeks” with the bonnet tapering down to a nose, highlighted by the large chromed emblem of the Marque.

A lot of attention has been paid to the design of the exterior body, with its lack of door handles creating surfaces of great simplicity and purity, and highlighting to maximum effect the reflections that accentuate every facet of the body.

Aligned with the curves of the car’s pronounced “hindquarters”, the rear lights, equipped with LEDs, incorporate a polished aluminium insert evoking the shape of a powerful claw. The dynamic rear profile is characterised by the shape of the rear air diffuser, accentuated by chrome detailing and supported visually on each side by twin exhaust pipes.

The metallic black body colour with its bluish reflections further enhances the impression of status, dynamism and purity portrayed by this car.

Inside the 908 RC

The ambience inside the 908 RC is the result of meticulous attention to detail on the part of the car’s designers.

Thanks to a forward-positioned passenger compartment made possible by the car’s architecture, and a large glazed surface area of 3 m2, occupants are truly at one with the road and the passing landscape. The special shape of the huge front windscreen allows a completely unimpeded field of vision (as on the RC concept cars). The front windscreen stretches back behind the driver’s head, as far as the B/C post where the glazed roof begins. This gives both front and rear passengers a sense of being at one with the outside environment. Unequalled brightness and visibility combine with a generous interior space, complete with four independent seats, helping to create a truly exceptional ambience.

The light and flowing style of the interior, combined with the latest technology ensures purity of the design and a comfortable interior. For example, all vehicle functions (radio, MP3 player, satellite navigation, four-zone air conditioning, etc) can be easily controlled by means of a large touch screen, the Man/Machine Interface (MMI). The MMI is also accessible by the rear passengers, thanks to a multimedia screen positioned on the centre console separating the two rear seats. The high-quality materials and interior finish of the 908 RC creates an atmosphere that is both luxurious and timeless. The passenger compartment features dark oak surrounds, integral amethyst-grey leather trim, polished aluminium inserts, touches of chrome, and a Bell&Ross clock: everything stimulates the senses of touch, sight and smell. Practical aspects have not been overlooked either. Numerous storage spaces, in addition to the large air conditioned glove box, are located in the door panels and also in the front and rear consoles.

Structure and Suspension

In the great tradition of Peugeot concept cars, the 908 RC is a unique model conceived in the inner sanctum of the Peugeot Design Centre. The vehicle is built around a pre-impregnated carbon composite and vacuum-polymerised aluminium honeycomb structure. The rear section is a self-supporting shell incorporating a sub-frame consisting of a tubular structure on which the engine and suspension are assembled.

Both at the front and the rear, the car features a drop link, double wishbone type suspension, derived from the 407.

Braking is by means of four monobloc ceramic carbon composite discs which reduce weight and improved thermal efficiency. The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 255/35 R20 tyres at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.

Aerodynamics

The car’s aerodynamics has been particularly fine-tuned to attain an excellent drag coefficient of only 0.556. The air ducts were designed in a wind tunnel to optimise the car’s performance and fuel consumption, while ensuring the necessary cooling of the power train. A two-part front air intake directs air to cool both of the engine’s radiators and also improve the car’s aerodynamic performance by controlling the internal and external flow by means of the black anodised aluminium vents located upstream of the front wheels.

Air is provided to the engine by means of vents located in the rear quarter panels.
Air is also directed from the rear wheel arches, through the two intercoolers for the turbochargers and then out through the visible vents behind the wheel arch.

A controllable rear spoiler incorporated into the boot lid can be raised at the request of the driver to improve road holding.

The flat under floor and diffuser enhance further the aerodynamic efficiency of the 908 RC.

Finally, the 908 RC, is a luxurious touring interpretation of the racing car of the future, through its engineering it creates the spirit of the «gentleman driver», It is targeted at a very upmarket virtual customer, naturally accustomed to a very high level of luxury but above all passionate about their motoring and its history, but also in search of innovation coupled with assertive styling and uncompromised driving pleasure.

—-  Specifications  —-

Price           –
Production           –
Engine     5.5 liter diesel V12
Weight     3968 lbs
Aspiration     turbochargers
Torque     over 885 lb-ft
HP     691 hp
HP/Weight     5.7 lbs per hp
HP/Liter     125.6 hp per liter
1/4 mile –
0-62 mph –
Top Speed     over 186 mph

The 908 RC is a luxury four-door limousine concept car equipped with the 5.5L V12 HDi diesel from the 908 sportscar installed centrally and transversally. The car is seen as a preview of the design for the upcoming Peugeot 608 luxury sedan.

French automaker Peugeot has released the first images of the 908 RC — a new concept car it plans to exhibit at the Paris auto show in September. Powered by a V12 engine, the car will put down around around 700 horsepower 885 pound feet of torque. Further details remain sparse, but have a look at our gallery after the jump…

Peugeot says the sinister jelly-bean styling for this touring race car of the future is inspired by a big cat. Looks to us more like a spacey diesel/electric locomotive; you can’t tell if it’s coming or going. Actually a locomotive would do well with the 908 RC powertrain.

Designed for competition in the 2007 Le Mans Race Series, the 5.5-liter diesel V-12 churns out over 690 hp and 885 lb-ft of torque, both of which are within spitting distance of estimates for Audi’s Le Mans-winning diesel R10.

The Peugeot’s diesel perches between the passenger compartment and the trunk, atop a six-speed electronically-controlled sequential gearbox sending power the only place it would go on a proper race car, aft.

Peugeot announced they would build the 908 chassis themselves instead of relying on another manufacturer to build it for them. Confirming the speculation that the 908 chassis has a closed top because a larger air restrictor is allowed for cars using air conditioning to make up for the horsepower lost in running air conditioning, the 908 is a closed-top car.


LMP1s will also be forced to all become closed cockpit designs by 2010 due to new ACO regulations announced on 16 June 2006, meaning that Peugeot may be ahead of the competition in their awareness of this rule change and thus designed their car accordingly.

Peugeot also felt that weight, centre of gravity height and operational problems drawbacks were overweighted by better chassis rigidity and aerodynamics. The body is a carbon fiber monocoque instead of a conventional open structure to offer better rigidity and lower weight. Front and rear suspension are linked, steering is electrically powered, magnesium wheels come from BBS.

The decision by Peugeot to build the chassis themselves has left Henri Pescarolo, who was looking for involvement in the Peugeot project, feeling that his future at Le Mans will be in doubt. The Pescarolo team has been strapped for cash since Peugeot initially dropped their engine program in 2003, and Pescarolo was looking to possibly run the factory squad, similar to the way Reinhold Joest runs the factory Audi effort. The car measures 4.65 — 2 m and weights 925 kg minimum

The Peugeot 908 will be powered by an HDi diesel engine of 5.5-liter, the maximum permitted by the regulations. Its configuration is a 100° V12, the angle having been chosen to lower the center of gravity. Its output has been revealed to be over 515 kW (700PS) and 1200 N/m (885 lb/ft) of torque, nearly 10% more than Audi’s victorious R10.

The use of the particulate filter is one of over a million particulate filters that have been used on Peugeot vehicles since the introduction of the 2.7 L HDi V6 in the Peugeot 607. 60 % of the cars sold by Peugeot in Europe are diesels, and even 70% in France.

Technical partners in the development of the 908 include Bosch, who will cover engine management systems and fuel injection components, Total, who will provided fuel and oil, and Michelin, the official tire supplier. The electro-pneumatic controlled gearbox is longitudinal with a maximum of 6 gear ratios, and the differential is self-locking.