Spy Shots: Peugeot 308 RC Z Coupe

It's certainly a strange time to be launching a 2-door sports coupe, but Peugeot thinks it's a good idea. The French company is hard at work finishing up development and testing of the upcoming 308 RC Z coupe, which is the production version of the concept which debuted at the 2007  Frankfurt Auto Show.  Carscoop has some new spy photos and details on the upcoming Feline 2-door.

The dramatic-looking 308 Coupe certainly takes some of it's styling inspiration from the Audi TT - but if you're going to copy a design, starting with a good one is... a good start!  It's not quite so exciting underneath, though: the RC Z is basically a regular 308 underneath.  It's rumored that the track has been widened and there have been detail changes like a reworked steering rack and larger brakes to give the RC Z a more nimble feel compared to the regular 308.

The RC Z will apparently be powered by a large variety of engines, both gas and diesel, with the top offering being the JCW version of the Mini Cooper S's 1.6L inline four.  A very high-tech powerplant, this little four features direct injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger with an intercooler, and other goodies to squirt out 218bhp - which should make for a rather rapid Peugeot.  Other options will include the regular 172bhp 1.6L Turbo, as well as a range of turbodiesels and small naturally aspirated gas engines.

The RC Z will have quite the alluring interior, at least if the concept is anything to go by.  This will be a rather appealing product for European consumers, with an estimated base price under £20,000.

Expect to see some better pictures of the RC Z as we approach the Frankfurt show this fall, where the coupe is rumored to make it's official debut.