We’ve written about it before, but here are some pics and extra info on Peugeot’s new 208 R5 rally car that was shown in Paris. Designed and assembled in the workshops of Peugeot Sport in Vélizy, this “competition wildcat” will supersede the 207 Super 2000 and will take part in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, European Rally Championship and national championships.
“Body built” for asphalt (tarmac) and loose-surfaces (gravel), the Peugeot 208 R5 will compete in its first rallies and go on sale in the second half of 2013 in order to be able to “conquer” national and international championships the following season. The test programme starts at the end of this year.
The old naturally aspirated 2.0 litre engine has been replaced by a 1.6 litre EP6 CDT four-cylinder turbo that produces 280 hp at 6,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm.
The R5 category consists of group A vehicles derived from a production model, of which at least 25,000 must have been produced. Launched for 2013 by the FIA, among its objectives is a noticeable reduction in costs, including operating expenditure. FIA has also set the maximum price for R5 cars at €180,000 excluding taxes.
Technical regulations closely follow the S2000 category: 4WD, five-speed sequential gearbox, no central differential and long travel suspension. This is also the case externally with widened tracks, a spoiler and the increase in the wheel arches to fit 18-inch items. Minimum weight is set at 1,200 kg.
The R5 has pretty big shoes to fill. The 207 Super 2000 has been highly successful, accumulating six IRC titles and numerous victories worldwide including at San Remo, Tour de Corse and Monte Carlo. 107 of the rally Pugs have been sold, run by private customers, importers or on behalf of Peugeot subsidiaries. Drivers like Thierry Neuville and Kris Meeke were discovered and defined their skills behind the 207 S2000’s wheel.
Peugeot sells a junior rally car, the €57,500 208 R2, for privateers with smaller budgets.
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Nasim Plz bring 208 in Malaysia!!
Handsome rally car
it sure is!
Peugeot 208 R5, Ford Fiesta S2000 & RRC; MINI S2000, Subaru R4, Skoda Fabia S2000 and Proton Satria Neo will be under WRC-2 category.
will be very interesting to see them all in action. rally coverage here is still not very strong. even touring car race information is pretty weak. if only our tv stations can do it on free tv.
yup, sad situation indeed…those two splendid races definitely taken a back seat compared to that fluffy, sissy race called F1.
long ago, we even got a chance to watch dtm and btcc races. these days… you want, you pay for it seems to be the norm already. wonder if rtm or media prima is going to give us back some of the motorsport events instead of making us pay for astro.
its just amazing and i would like to try one, here in kenya iam rallying with a 206 g.t.i with ew10 engine front wheel drive,i would like it at whatever cost bye.