Peugeot Sport has launched the Peugeot 308 TCR, a vehicle turn key ready for the global TCR series.
The vehicle is a significant evolution of the 308 Racing Cup, which itself derives from the Peugeot 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport.
The new vehicle is destined for the exciting TCR category, which is now rolling out across the globe, including Australia.
The chassis, engine, gearbox and aerodynamics of this sporting version of the Peugeot 308 are specific to the TCR and international touring car competition ssuch as the VLN (in Germany), CER (in Spain) CITE (in Italy), BGDC (in Belgium) and other endurance racing championships like the 24H Series.
Competitor deliveries commenced April 2018, with the vehicles going on to win numerous TCR rounds globally.
OBJECTIVE PERFORMANCE
The Peugeot 308 TCR is born out of the Peugeot 308 Racing Cup, the showcase circuit racing model when it comes to customer competition at Peugeot Sport since 2016.
However, the two cars are distinct with different philosophies; the Peugeot 308 TCR deliberately targeting absolute performance.
The THP engine benefits from a proven base that has demonstrated its ability to withstand high levels of specific output in fact, the road going Peugeot 308 GTi develops 125kW per litre – a figure only bested by supercars.
Plenty of work has been done on the induction, the exhaust, and turbocharging – allowing the turbocharged 4-cylinder block to develop 260 kilowatts of power and 420 Nm of torque from 3000rpm, while maintaining the potential to cover 5000 kilometres: nearly double the amount needed for an entire European WTCR season!
In terms of transmission, the Peugeot 308 TCR benefits from a specifically-designed 6-speed sequential gearbox controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Thanks to a significant widening of the track and a specific suspension layout, as well as adjustable anti-roll bars at the front and back, and ball joint suspension all-round, the Peugeot 308 TCR benefits from a strong turn-in to corners and a perfectly compliant rear end.
The numerous set-up options available for the car (ride height, track, and camber – both front and rear) allows the chassis set-up to be adjusted for all circuits, to suit every driver.
When it comes to braking, the Peugeot 308 TCR is also well-equipped, making use of 378x34 mm ventilated disks at the front with 6-piston callipers, and 270x12 mm disks with twin-piston callipers at the rear.
A new pedal box – completely designed with racing in mind! – finishes everything off, giving the driver all the tools needed to master the car perfectly.
A 100% TCR LOOK
The bodywork of the new Peugeot 308 TCR has been jointly created by Peugeot Sport and the designers from the 'CENTRE DE STYLE PEUGEOT', achieving optimal aerodynamics within an athletic silhouette, thanks especially to plenty of development work using CFD, and an impressive design.
The front bodywork allows a perfect flow of air towards the radiator and the intercooler, essential for performance and reliability, while the splitter generates maximum possible downforce to provide directional stability. At the back, the rear bodywork is characterised by a large diffuser, to produce more downforce.
The aesthetics of the car are completed by specific 18-inch wheel rims, equipped with tyres in 27-65/18 size.
COMPETITIVENESS AT ALL LEVELS
The order book for the PEUGEOT 308TCR is now open, with a price fixed in Europe of 109,000€ (before taxes). While optional equipment can also be purchased.
All the cars will be delivered fully assembled, with the first customers taking delivery from April 2018. Running costs were a key consideration when developing the car, and will come in at around 4.50€ per kilometre (excluding tax and consumables)
Its technical characteristics mean that the Peugeot 308 TCR is perfectly suited to take on its strongest rivals and delight all drivers looking for the best performance possible, while running costs will please teams.