Peugeot is aiming high with the RCZ

A more powerful, Porsche 911-like 'Targa' version of the RCZ may be in the offering in the future.

The French volume car maker is reported to be considering a faster version of the RCZ, one that makes it more competitive vis-a-vis the Audi TT, as well as a hybrid and cabriolet variants to round out the range.


Peugeot has decided customers for the RCZ – predicted to be 80 per cent male – will be different to those for the convertible 308CC, and it recognises the market for a drop-top.


The RCZ could come with a 'Targa'-type model, along the lines of the Porsche 911, says the RCZ's production chief Marjorie Lhullier. "If we could do a targa similar to the Porsche 911 with the RCZ double-bubble roof it would be fantastic," she is quoted in the Autocar story.


The flagship RCZ will have a 200bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine closely related to that fitted to the Mini Cooper S. However, despite its larger size, the RCZ will weigh just 100kg more than the Mini at 1275kg, hitting 60mph in 7.6sec.


Peugeot will be going after a different consumer demographic with the RCZ model, expecting a customer-base that is 80 percent male, as opposed to its other cabriolet/coupe models. Both the 207CC and the 308CC are heavily aimed at female drivers.


The UK is expected to be the RCZ’s second largest market, and is likely to account for around 3000 of the projected 20,000 sales in the first year of sale from spring 2010.
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