THP-PSC: Peugeot THP Spider cup 2008 preview

EVOLUTIONS TO THE SPIDER FOR 2008

With the lessons of the inaugural season behind it, Peugeot Sport has introduced a certain number of changes on both the technical and sporting fronts concerning the Spiders that will race in 2008.

To begin with, the Spider 207 and the 207 Spider Cup will be known respectively as the Spider THP and the THP Spider Cup. The acronym THP stands for Turbo High Pressure which refers to the powerplant that powers both the Spider and the 207 LW (which races at the Rencontres Peugeot Sport meetings), as well as many of the brand's road cars. The 1.6-litre THP engine is the fruit of collaboration between the PSA and BMW Groups.

TECHINCAL EVOLUTIONS

Under the control of Peugeot Sport's technical department, the Spider THP will feature several evolutions aimed at giving it extra power and enhanced pleasure at the wheel. The development drivers for this work were Stephane Sarrazin and Dino Lunardi.

Compared with the power output of the Spider 207 (175hp), the Spider THP will deliver 220bhp thanks to work on the mapping, turbo settings and intake air cooling. One consequence is an improved power-to-weight ratio Braking performance has been uprated to match the characteristics of the new engine.

Steering - for enhanced feedback of information to the driver More liberal regulations. Previously, it was only possible to adjust the tracking. From 2008, teams will be able to profit from their experience to assist the drivers by working on settings such as camber and ride-height which is now permitted. It is now possible to consult data Extra rear downforce for enhanced aerodynamic balance Enhanced reliability

Specification update kits are available free to 2007 competitors who register for the 2008 THP Spider Cup.

Nothing else changes Tubular chassis. Complies with the requirements of the ACO regulations, especially concerning the roll-cage (LMP1 and LMP2 cars). The rear of the car is redolent of Sport Prototype cars of the 1970s, with a short engine cowling and no rear spoiler.

Engine: 1.6-litre THP (1,598cc), transverse mid-rear Gearbox: six-speed sequential dog engagement gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift controls.

Tyres: Michelin 21/65/18 (Slicks: S8B. Rain tyres: P2C)

REGULATIONS Several classifications will be produced:
Overall Nations Cup
Network Challenge
Team Challenge
European Classification (Monza, Silverstone, Nurburgring, Spa, Pau)
French classification (Dijon, Pau, Val de Vienne, Magny-Cours, Spa)
Ladies Classification

Prize-money: a prize-fund of 13,600 will be distributed after each race (including 2,800 for the Ladies Classification) All results to count towards the end-of-year points total. The champion will win a 207 CC road car plus a test drive in the 908 HDi FAP. The second-placed driver will win a 207 SW and the third-placed driver a 207 RC. The next seven drivers in the overall classification will share the sum of 48,000.

THE 2008 THP SPIDER CUP CALENDAR The 2008 calendar is based on eight meetings featuring two races each. These meetings form part of the programmes of selected rounds of the Le Mans Series, the FIA GT Championship, the WTCC, the Rencontres Peugeot Sport series and the Super Serie FFSA series.

<pre> April 26-27 MONZA I (Le Mans Series) May 31-June 1 PAU F (WTCC) June 28-29 VAL DE VIENNE F (Super Serie FFSA) July 19-20 SPA B (Rencontres Peugeot Sport) August 16-17 NURBURGRING D (Le Mans Series) September 13-14 SILVERSTONE GB (Le Mans Series) October 4-5 NOGARO F (FIA GT) October 11-12 MAGNY-COURS F (Super Serie FFSA)

-credit: peugeot.com