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.
The 908 RC 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.
"The raison d'être of any concept car is to explore new ideas and to test those ideas in an attempt to create the ultimate solution. Know-how and passion, combined with imagination then become the motive force that turns dreams into reality. The Peugeot 908 RC evokes passion and imagination to allow us to dream but it will also have a serious side."
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.
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.
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This design also allows the driving position to be moved forward, maximising the driving experience for both the driver and the passengers.
Interior Design
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 3m2, 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 to 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 create 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.
Engine and architecture
The 908 RC owes its name to its engine: the Peugeot V12 HDi DPFS, which will power the racing version of the 908 that is planned 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 700bhp and, above all, an exceptional torque in excess of 1200Nm. 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 abbreviation "RC", used to designate sports models in the Peugeot range in mainland Europe, also refers to the RC and RC concept cars which made their appearance in 2002 and whose architecture served as an inspiration during the design of this innovative project.
Technical Highlights
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 improve 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.
The car's aerodynamics have 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 by the driver to improve road holding.
The flat under floor and diffuser enhance further the aerodynamic efficiency of the 908 RC.
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