Team Peugeot RCZ has confirmed it will enter two RCZs in the upcoming Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 hour race in February, 2013.

Peugeot is no stranger to the mountain having raced there in the 1992 along with other large factory teams.

The weekend of February 8-10, 2013 will be the home of Australia’s international endurance race and Peugeot Sport will be the only factory-based team taking part on the mountain.

The lead car will be driven by three French drivers Stephane Caillet, Bruce Jouanny, Julien Rueflin.

The second car will be piloted by a team of local drivers with confirmation on names to be revealed shortly.

``Peugeot has a long history of involvement in motorsport and we are keen to rebuild that DNA in the brand,’’ said Peugeot Automobiles Australia General Manager Bill Gillespie.

``An event like the Bathurst 12-hour is a great toe in the water in Australia as it shows off the racing capability of the RCZ but also reinforces the reliability of the cars as well.’’

The two cars will be powered by the RCZ’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 190kW @ 6500rpm, 290Nm @ 3500-5500rpm.

The suspension has been modified, an additional fuel tank allows 100 litres of fuel to be carried and a modification has been made to the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

This choice of technology allows among other things an overall weight reduction of 120kg and so a more even weight distribution.

This new RCZ has been developed over the past two years for circuit racing and more particularly sprint racing such as the RCZ Racing Cup which started in September this year.

The RCZs will compete in the new Invitational Class (I1) for cars up to 1600cc.

The opening round of the 2013 Australian GT Championship will also be incorporated into the Bathurst 12 Hour.

Australian GT will conduct a one-hour race within the Bathurst 12 Hour race itself, commencing at the beginning of the enduro and ending at the end of the first hour.
...

Automobiles Peugeot has launched an all-new model and with it cemented a naming structure that all future models will follow.
The central 0 will continue but in its internationalisation strategy, Peugeot has chosen a final digit of "1" for its new conquest models and permanently fixes the names of the models with a final digit "8" for future renewals.
This means that from now on, Peugeot models will no longer change their number when they are renewed. Permanently fixing the numbers will simplify the understanding of the range and assist in establishing it.
The current naming structure was introduced into the Peugeot brand in 1929 with the 201*. This started Peugeot’s three-digit numbering based around the central zero.
The naming system used by Peugeot, going back through history, is structured as follows:

- the central zero corresponds to the identity of the Peugeot marque,
- the first digit represents the size of the vehicle,
- the final digit indicates the generation of the vehicle.

This system evolved at the end of the ‘90s, incorporating double letters to qualify the derived body types (CC and SW). Since 2005, it has been supplemented with the central double zero which qualifies the models which have a high structure, such as the 3008, 4008 or 5008.
International development has led the marque to now reinvent its naming policy again.
The "0" indicates the genetic code
The central "0" represents the genetic code of the marque. This numbering represents our history and will be retained.
The first digit: symbol of the segment
The first digit indicates the vehicle's segment (or size), regardless of the market in which it is sold.
The final digit is a response to new challenges, new ambitions
The wider coverage of the markets at international level calls for the launch of conquest models in the large volume segments at the heart of the market.
These models take their place in the Peugeot range and will bear new names: numbers with a final digit "1".
Designed specifically to fulfil new customer expectations, these conquest models, affordable and offering status, will supplement the range of models with a final digit "8".
Following the example of the new Peugeot 301, these models, bearing the contemporary stylistic codes of our marque, will distinguish themselves in their segment through the dynamic handling and driving pleasure qualities unique to Peugeot, to which are added more marked strength and practicality of use.
The construction of the names with a final digit "1" will be exactly the same as for the models with a final digit "8". Numbering with 3 or 4 digits, depending on the design of the vehicle, with:

- the first digit which indicates the vehicle's segment,
- the 0 or double 0 which identifies Peugeot in the centre,
- the final digit will be "1" or "8".

...

Peugeot will present two expressions of the Marque's upmarket trend in the supermini segment. These concept cars interpret the generation leap already defined by the 208 but in different contexts. The XY Concept is intended for city dwellers who love distinction and refinement, whereas the GTi Concept re-generates an iconic legend.
The LED headlamp design gives these concept cars the impression of having an iris. The rectangular headlamp units, when used on main beam, appear to have a ‘feline pupil’ … a technological and precise expression that is fully identifiable with the lion Marque.

This precision continues with the integrated style components adorning the bodywork. Wheel arches have wing extensions, and bodywork with sills enhance the stance.


GTi Concept: The re-generation of a legendary icon
Instantly characterised by being the performance icon of the 208, the 208 GTi concept features chequered-flag motifs that embellish the metal mesh of the grille, and the lower bar proudly affirms its origin by displaying the French ‘Le Tricolour’ flag or the Union Jack when in the UK.


Other distinctive exterior features include: double chromed exhaust tailpipes, aero lower bodywork spoilers and lower sill skirt extensions that all capture the signature badging. Placed within the grille is the brushed aluminium GTi Concept logo that can also be found on the rear quarter panels, as a salute to its illustrious predecessor - the legendary 205 GTi.


On the inside, the passenger compartment is a true GTi environment, with a characteristic sports leather stitched steering wheel, the treatment of which is replicated on the sides of the gear lever, double stitching in the seats and enhanced with LED backlighting to the surrounds of the high-tech instruments. The sports seats are trimmed with Nappa leather on the outer section, and cloth in the centre with an embossed tartan motif, and a leather head restraint.


The red perforated leather steering wheel continues the check motif, and has a pronounced lower flat section, which carries the GTi Concept logo set in an aluminium ring. To complete the sports interior, the fascia capping is dressed in Alcantara with grey stitching, the roof lining is entirely black and the pedals are aluminium. The centre console architecture and ventilation vents all feature a graduated red to black effect, and the chequered-flag theme is also present on the aluminium door crossbars.

...

Peugeot Automobiles Australia has given its baby 207 CC a refresh for 2012 adding more equipment and cosmetic changes to see in the New Year.


The MY12 207 CC will now come with Bluetooth phone and a USB port, leather seat trim and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment for no extra cost.


Also part of the 2012 refresh is a few cosmetic tweaks. The 207 CC now comes with the new corporate identification – the Lion badging – as well as black meter dials, a black interior roof colour and "Boyington" dashboard trim accents.

Despite the extra equipment and styling changes, the 207 CC’s price remains unchanged from $33,490* for the 1.6L man and $35, 490* for the automatic.


The 1.6-litre four cylinder engine produces 88kW of power at 6000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4250rpm. The engine meets the strict Euro 5 emissions standards. The 1.6-litre turbo automatic is no longer available for 207 CC.
The new features are in addition to the already comprehensive level of equipment on the207 CC which includes automatically folding steel roof, cruise control with speed limiter, dual zone climate control air conditioning, electronic stability program, four airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist which applies more braking force in the event of sudden braking to increase the efficiency of your braking.

Another safety feature is the automatic activation of the hazard lights in the event of heaving braking to warn the cars behind.


Despite its small exterior dimensions the 207 CC has plenty of room inside with a generous 187L of boot space with the seats up or 449L with the seats down.
...

Complementing the existing Peugeot range in Australia by fitting neatly between the 308 model range and the 4007 model ranges, the new 3008 is due to go on sale locally in July 2010.

Peugeot dealerships around Australia are in preparation for its launch, each one having a single display unit available for customers wishing to preview this remarkable new model. Pricing has been made public by Peugeot Automobiles Australia and dealers have already taken a number of orders from keen customers who desire to be among the first to drive this internationally acclaimed new model.

Launched in Europe in the Spring of 2009, the 3008 quickly became a hit for Peugeot and demand has exceeded supply virtually from day one. In overall terms, sales have exceeded Peugeot’s targets by a massive 30%.

Aimed squarely at the booming compact SUV market, the new 3008 will present an attractive proposition for those wanting a more sophisticated alternative in the segment. In particular, its array of fuel efficient, EURO 5 emissions compliant engines and advanced features such as Head Up Display – will set it apart from its competitors.

Innovative engineering enhances the appeal of the 3008 as it features breakthrough developments to improve safety, enhance performance and driveability and reduce the vehicle’s impact on the environment. In addition, its construction involves cutting edge technology such as laser welding and materials to reduce the weight of the vehicle without compromising safety.

Peugeot Innovations
Dynamic Roll Control: Thanks to the expertise achieved over 200 years of engineering innovation, the 3008 features exemplary roadholding technology, with handling worthy of a sporting saloon car. Depending on the version the Dynamic Roll Control optimises handling precision by minimising body roll in corners – a distinct advantage for a vehicle with typical SUV high architecture.
...

THE eagerly-awaited Peugeot RCZ sports coupe has won the 'red dot: best of the best 2010' award for outstanding design quality in the automotive category. This red dot award follows the Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2009 award, given to the Peugeot RCZ at the prestigious 25th International Automobile Festival earlier this year. The Peugeot RCZ was selected from votes cast by over 100,000 internet users in 62 different countries around the world. It is the fourth time Peugeot has won this prestigious award.

The “red dot: best of the best” is awarded for pioneering design and the highest award in the “red dot award: product design” category. Only the best products receive this prize. Every year thousands of applicants bid for the sought after quality seal which is the red dot as by winning this, levels the focus squarely on the product on an international scale.

The red dot label is a worldwide recognised quality seal for outstanding design and the red dot design award’s jury (consisting of thirty international experts) guarantee an objective and fair comparison of all entered products.

The submissions are evaluated according to the highest standards. The adjudication process follows a canon of strict criteria, which is constantly adapted to the latest findings in formal, technical, manufacturing, societal, industrial and ecological requirements. These criteria provide a guiding framework, which is filled in individually by each juror and include:

• Degree of innovation; is the product new in itself or does it supplement an existing product with a new, desirable quality?
• Functionality; does the product fulfil all requirements of handling, usability, safety, and maintenance, and does the manual explain its use in a comprehensible way?
• Ergonomics; is the product adapted appropriately to the physical and, if necessary, psychic conditions of the user?
• Self-explanatory quality; what does the product convey about its purpose and use without knowing the manual?
• Formal quality; how is the form related to the function? Ecological compatibility; are materials, material costs, manufacturing technology and energy consumption in an appropriate proportion to the product utility? To what extent have disposal problems and recycling issues been considered?
• Durability; have the product’s material, formal, and non-material value been designed for a long life-span?
• Symbolic and emotional content; what does the product offer the user beyond its immediate practical purpose in terms of sensual quality, possibilities of a playful use or emotional attachment?
• Product periphery; how is the product as part of a system integrated into the system environment?

...