Peugeot seem to be on a bit of a roll at the moment. In recent times we’ve had the hot 208 GTI, a 208 T16 smashing the Pikes Peak record and the exciting RCZ R almost ready for production. That success is breeding confidence and that’s proved by this hot new concept – the Peugeot 308 R.
Peugeot 308 R Concept
This is the first official glimpse of what Peugeot are calling a concept but it could be very close to a production-ready model. The new 308 is undergoing final development before its imminent arrival but this R concept could be a reality very soon after the new model hits the streets.
Why so? Because it’s using the same powerplant that’s been developed for the RCZ R, a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol tuned to 270bhp. That just leaves the chassis tuning to sort out but with the new 308 weighing less than the current model it should make for a more entertaining drive than the 308 GT.
The concept features enormous grilles and carbon-fibre bodywork, although the chances of the carbon-fibre bits making it into production are about as high as anyone choosing the concept’s two-tone paint job. Hopefully the grilles will be tidied up too before the 308 R becomes a reality but they do perform an important function. The 1,598cc engine has to work hard to produce almost 170bhp per litre and that requires plenty of cool air.
It’s going to be fascinating to see what happens with the 308 R. Will it make production? Looking at Peugeot’s current form I’d say it’s extremely likely, and I can’t wait to try it.