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2009 Peugeot 207 RC Rallye car debuted

THE PEUGEOT 207 RC RALLYE Peugeot Sport has maintained a strong presence in rallying since the late 1970's thanks, in part, to its products. A series of models developed for privateers and future champions alike have competed on asphalt and ...

THE PEUGEOT 207 RC RALLYE

Peugeot Sport has maintained a strong presence in rallying since the late 1970's thanks, in part, to its products. A series of models developed for privateers and future champions alike have competed on asphalt and gravel events over the years, from the 104 ZS, the Samba Rallye, the 205 GTi 1.6, the 205 Rallye, the 309 GTi, different versions of the 106 over a period of 10 years (XSi, Rallye, S16), the 206 XS (seven years) and, from 2009, the 207 RC Rallye.

The 207 RC Rallye will represent the fourth instalment of the Peugeot Sport-developed 207 range. Following on from the Spider THP (track), 207 LW (track) and the 207 Super 2000 (rally), the company's latest compact rally car possesses some serious qualities.

The 207 RC Rallye was developed at Velizy using the expertise of Peugeot Sport and drivers such as Stephane Sarrazin and Bryan Bouffier. The 207 RC Rallye uses the production-based THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine. This 1.6 litre turbocharged unit was co- developed with BMW Group, and has already been used in the Spider and LW track racers. The engine is mated to an all-new, six-speed straight-cut manual gearbox, and equipped with Magneti-Marelli Sport electronics and a wiring loom unique to this model. The brakes feature improved cooling and generous dimensions to ensure good durability. The 207 RC Rallye develops 180bhp, tips the scales at just 1,120kg and has been homologated in the R3 category which calls for a welded roll cage, an important safety feature.

The 207 RC Rallye is one of the few cars in its category to have been designed to compete on both asphalt and gravel; the conversion is quick, simple and inexpensive. To convert from one version to the other, the main areas requiring work are the spring/damper units, the front brakes and guards.

One priority in developing the 207 RC Rallye was to ensure low competing costs. They are in fact lower than on its predecessor, the 206 XS, thanks in part to its robust, and therefore durable initial design. The purchase price is also competitive for an R3 category machine. The performance-for-cost ratio is impressive, meaning the car offers excellent value for money. The pre-tax price of the 207 RC Rallye asphalt kit is 20,500. This includes the body with welded roll cage, the six-speed straight-cut gearbox, specific wiring loom and ECU, Peugeot Sport spring/damper units, specific brakes, wheel rims, etc. The gravel conversion kit includes spring/damper units, brakes, wheel rims and guards. This will be available for a pre-tax price of 5,000.

Michel BARGE (Director, Peugeot Sport):

"Since the late 1970s, Peugeot has forged a solid reputation in rallying, which is certainly thanks in large part to its successes in the Manufacturers' World Rally Championship - but not exclusively so. Peugeot has always sought to consolidate its brand awareness through promotional formulae, which establish relationships between the company, its dealer network and our customers.

"Peugeot has become a benchmark in the world of rallying by running single- make series which are not only highly competitive but also competitively priced.

"In 2009, Peugeot will launch the 207 RC Rallye on the asphalt and gravel rallying scene. This new programme represents a further commitment by Peugeot to the world of grass roots motor sport, while remaining as faithful as possible to the identity of the model range.

"We're convinced that people will enjoy competing with the 207 RC Rallye!"

Stephane SARRAZIN:

"I didn't expect the car to be so competitive on both gravel and asphalt. The torque out of the corners is impressive, and the straight-cut gearbox is very effective. This is a real racing machine, and at a very reasonable price given its overall level of competitiveness. I will have the honour of driving it as zero car on the Var and Cevennes rallies in the French Championship."

Bryan BOUFFIER:

"Before I got behind the wheel of the 207 RC Rallye, I expected it to be competitive given how good the engine and chassis are on the production 207 RC. The car felt good straight out of the box. I think that drivers - both new and experienced - will really enjoy themselves in this car. And importantly for amateur competitors, its reliability should be impeccable, which will help keep running costs low."

207 RC RALLYE TECHNICAL DATA

ENGINE
Type EP6 DTS/1.6 litre THP (Turbo High Pressure)
Installation Front, transverse-mounted
Displacement 1,598cc
Number of cylinders 4
Power 180 bhp
Torque (Nm) 28 m.daN
Max rpm 6,500
Injection Direct
Intake Single butterfly
Number of valves 16
Electronics Magneti Marelli SRD

TRANSMISSION
Type Two-wheel drive
Clutch Hydraulically controlled single plate
Gearbox Six-speed straight cut
Differential Limited slip differential, disc type

CHASSIS
Structure + materials Body + welded roll cage
Front Suspension McPherson-type, Peugeot dampers
Rear Suspension Peugeot dampers

BRAKES/STEERING
Front brake Ventilated discs O290x22mm (gravel), O325x28mm (asphalt) Fixed callipers with four pistons Non-ventilated discs O249x9mm
Rear brakes Floating, single-piston callipers O38mm


Asphalt wheels 17 inches, R17 tyres: 200x50x17
Gravel wheels 15 inches, R15 tyres: 195x65x15
Steering Specifically calibratedn electric power steering

DIMENSIONS
Length 4,030 mm
Width 1,720 mm
Wheelbase 2,540 mm
Weight 1,120 kg

THE VOLANT 207

For more than 30 years, the Coupe Peugeot has provided rallying's promising youngsters with a genuine stepping stone. At the same time, it has been a source of great fun for more experienced competitors. The majority of French drivers have contested this competition, from the likes of Francois Delecour, Gilles Panizzi, Cedric Robert, Nicolas Bernardi and Alexandre Bengue, to Bryan Bouffier, Nicolas Vouilloz, Arnaud Augoyard, Guillaume Canivenq and Sebastien Ogier.

Some Peugeot subsidiaries and importers have also taken advantage of Peugeot Sport's products to organise promotional formulae in their own countries. Spain, Portugal, Italy and Poland have all done so, as did Great Britain several years ago, when a young Richard Burns played a starring role in the championship.

In addition to the car, the Coupe Peugeot is a slickly and seriously organised competition which ensures a level playing field, both technically and on the sporting front. A large number of inspections are conducted throughout the season. In 2009, engines will be sealed meaning no preparation will be possible. This will ensure equal levels of performance and permit each team to control costs.

For 2009, the Volant 207 will include eight rounds: four on asphalt and four on gravel.

2009 - Provisional calendar
April 17-19 Lyon Charbonnières
May 29-31 Limousin
June 29-30 Pila Canale (Corsica)
July 25-26 Terre de Langres
August 28-30 Terre des Causses
October 10-11 Terre des Cardabelles
November 14-15 Terre du Vaucluse
November 28-29 Var

Prize-money will be awarded to the top ten finishers of each rally, with a total prize-fund per round of 28,300 (7000 to the winner), making a total of 226,400 for the season. At the end of the season, the top-three will share a fund of 23,000, with 10,000 going to the champion. A prize will also be awarded to the most promising young driver (under 30 years of age).

-credit: peugeot

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