Petrol and diesel power point to the future

Peugeot is exhibiting two striking ‘RC’ concept cars at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. These low, lean 2 + 2 coupés both feature vast, long and steeply raked windscreens, and have a distinctly feline look with a clear family resemblance to the current generation of Peugeot road cars.

The ‘RCs’ have been built from materials more commonly used in F1 racing cars. Carbon fibre is pre-impregnated directly onto honeycomb panels to form the body shell, with a roll-over bar manufactured from high-tensile steel.

Distinctive red and black colour schemes enhance the external appeal of these potent-looking machines. The gleaming black RCª (RC Spades) features a bright red leather trim and upholstery, while the brilliant, pillar-box red RC¨ (RC Diamonds) boasts rich black leather.

Echoing the futuristic and sporting characteristics of the cars’ exterior, stainless steel, aluminium and leather have been used throughout the interior, with the leather-upholstered carbon fibre bucket seats featuring motor racing-style harness seatbelts.

The RC Spades is powered by a 16-valve 2.0-litre, 180 bhp petrol engine, and the RC Diamonds is equipped with a 16-valve 2.2-litre, 175 bhp HDi diesel unit, with a particulate emission filter. Each has a theoretical 0-62 mph time of just six seconds, and a top speed of 143 mph.

Both cars are equipped with a 6-speed electro-hydraulic manual gearbox with hydraulically controlled gear selection and gear change operated via a sequential control lever on the central transmission tunnel, and up and down shift buttons on the steering wheel.