Peugeot RCZ to be launched in Europe early 2010, Australia late 2010
August 18, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Peugeot has today announced its exciting RCZ will go on sale in Europe within the first quarter of 2010.
The launch of the Peugeot RCZ will mark the start of a dynamic new chapter in the history of Peugeot with the stunning coupé being the first in the brand’s history not to use a name featuring the traditional numbering system with a central ‘zero’ or ‘double zero’.
Designed to enhance the sheer enjoyment of driving, the 2+2 RCZ will retain a number of key styling features as seen in the original concept car, including the double bubble roof.
The aluminium “roof arches”, another feature of the concept car, are also retained and help highlight the front windscreen, black roof panel and dark-tinted rear windscreen. At the front the RCZ retains the marque’s characteristic feline look.
At 1360mm high the RCZ will offer superb aerodynamics and, at the rear, include an active boot spoiler that will contribute to the car’s overall aerodynamic efficiency.
The RCZ’s cabin is also designed with driver immersion in mind and will offer an ergonomic driving position, ideal for enjoying the RCZ’s high levels of road-holding.
The instrument panel dials are contained in metal cases, with photo-etched, back-lit markings, a feature which is also continued in the stylish centrally mounted clock.
European specification RCZ’s will be available with three power-train options:
- 1.6-litre (149kW/275Nm) four-cylinder turbo-petrol with six-speed manual gearbox. 0-100km/h: 7.6 seconds.
- 1.6-litre (116kW/239Nm) four-cylinder turbo-petrol with six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. 0-100km/h: TBC.
- 2.0-litre (121kW/340Nm) four-cylinder turbo-diesel with six-speed manual gearbox. 0-100km/h: TBC.
Suspension arrangement features a strut front/torsion beam rear set-up from Peugeot’s platform two vehicles with a lowered ride height and wider front and rear track.
Shock absorber calibration has also been revised to ensure the best possible levels of road holding. The RCZ will be available with both 18 and 19-inch wheels and tyres.
The top of the line model will also feature a special lower anti-roll bar to make the car even more responsive and agile. All models will have hydraulic power steering.
Braking sees generously dimensioned 302mm ventilated discs up front (340mm on the top spec model) with rear brakes measuring 290mm on all models.
To assist manoeuvring on steep gradients, all versions of the RCZ come with Hill Assist. This function is coupled as standard with ESP which, except on versions with an automatic gearbox, includes an intelligent traction control system (a sophisticated ASR which automatically adapts the traction of both front wheels according to the available grip levels), and of course dynamic stability control (DSC), electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) and emergency brake assist (EBA).
The DSC, ASR and EBA functions can be disconnected simultaneously (ESP off) so that experienced and demanding drivers can fully exploit the car’s capabilities.
CarAdvice spoke exclusively with Peugeot’s Events and Promotions Manager, Mark McCartney this morning who revealed;
“The RCZ will be released in Australia some time in the third-quarter of next year.”
Mr McCartney went on to say that the Australian specification for the vehicle will be announced later today.
CarAdvice will keep you posted.
Print it: 
If only it had the engine to match the looks.
What a stunner! Love that two tone interior
Audi TT much?
If the RCZ handles as well as my long term Peugeot 308 HDi Touring does, then it should be a very good thing indeed.
hey that looks better than the concept. now if only they put that new uprated 1.6 turbo into the 207GTi. the current one is really quick but who wouldnt want an extra 20% or so ;)
So two pictures of the rear but none of the front? Anyway lovely car by Peugeot and I hope it drives as good as it looks. It probably will considering the excessive amount of testing it had at the Nurburgring.
I think it looks great. It does have a lot of first generation Audi TT in it, but that’s no bad thing; the TT is a great looking car and it’s hardly a direct rip off because there is still an awful lot of Peugeot in that design.
It’s just nice that Peugeot are making a properly desirable car for once. They have a very strong model range, but it’s made up of superminis, family hatches and wagons. A coupe is exactly what they need and I think they’ve done a great job. Lets just hope it drives well.
I reckon that’s the best-looking Peugeot ever made – its stunning. I actually think this looks better than a TT, mainly because its less mainstream more out-there and in-your-face. And the rear-end! WHOA!!!!!
But yes, I’d like more than 149kW. That amount of power is fine in cars like my Skoda, but for something costing at least $55,000, you would definitely expect more power for your money. But I would buy it just for the looks! :D
MUCH MUCH better than the 308CC!!!!
Beautiful !
Looks nice but completely misses the point. If it was RWD it could get away with being a two-seater. But it’s FWD so it can’t. And it’s got those solid roof buttresses, so it won’t become available as a folding hardtop so it’s of no use to hairdressers.
Not a success story in my book.
Captain, it’s not a two seater. I imagine the rear seats are useless but they’re still there. And being front wheel drive doesn’t make it bad or a hairdressers car. A lot of the best cars on the market are front wheel drive such as the Audi TT, the Golf GTI, any of the Minis, Megane RenaultSport etc.
It’s meant to be a sport coupe, not a super car. It doesn’t miss the point at all.
Aside from the really nice design, I’m more astounded at the fact that Peugeot have now fitted a (gasp) six speed manual to its other (than diesel) engines.
And I thought the PSA/BMW Prince engine was meant to be “difficult” to tune? Both PSA and BMW seem to be doing fine at uprating the engine bit by bit =P
Can’t wait for it to arrive here for a look-see.
love it! sad to say, but the wallpaper on my PC may soon be this instead of the Ferrari Italia *shocked face* – i think it’s beautiful!
Bavarian, why will you soon no longer be ‘Bavarian Missile’ ?
Alex Peugeot actually have a Coupe.. The 407 and then there’s the 308CC – which I think are two of the coolest compact coupe-cabriolets on the road…. in fact [in some ways] the RCZ looks like a combination of the two
IMHO Peugeots are better looking than their French rivals
Jazzy, I think Bavarian Cheesecake has either got a terminal disease ( no comment ) or she is changing her name to try out a new personality seeing that lots of people detest BM.
Maybe she is selling the beemer and cant understand that the car doesn’t actually give her an identity, and she could still use that name if she wished, at the end of the day who really gives a crap !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!