Engine: 5.5 liter diesel V12
Weight: 3968 lbs
Aspiration: turbochargers
Torque: over 885 lb-ft
HP: 691 hp
HP/Weight: 5.7 lbs per hp
HP/Liter: 125.6 hp per liter
Top Speed: over 186 mph

The 908 RC owes its name to its engine: the Peugeot V12 HDi DPFS, which will power the racing version of the 908 in 2007. The abbreviation «RC», used to designate sports models in the Peugeot range, also refers to the RC and RC concept cars which made their appearance in 2002 and whose architecture served as an inspiration during the design of this innovative project.

The original idea was to create a limousine with an imposing style that offered its four occupants a new driving sensation. The final design, however, is an uncompromising car that combines dynamic performance, comfort, luxury and environmental protection. In short, it is an exclusive four-door vehicle that will capture the imagination of both occupants and onlookers.

Engine and architecture

The 908 RC is powered by Peugeot's V12 HDi DPFS (diesel particulate filter system) diesel engine designed to take part in the "Le Mans Race Series" program in 2007. The engine has a capacity of 5.5 liters and offers a level of performance unprecedented for a diesel engine, with a maximum power output greater than 515 kW and, above all, an exceptional torque in excess of 1,200 Nm. With a 100° V angle architecture, the engine's center of gravity is as low as possible. Two particulate filters are located at the end of each exhaust system ensuring the car's environmentally-friendly credentials.

The originality of the 908 RC resides in its compact design, with the engine arranged in a rear central transverse position. Similarly the compact 6-speed electronically controlled sequential gearbox, has been specially adapted to withstand the phenomenal torque, and is located under the engine.

The position of the power train allows the creation of a large-capacity boot, situated behind the final drive assembly and therefore not encroaching on the generous interior space of the passenger compartment. This design also allows the driving position to be moved forward, maximizing the driving experience for both the driver and the passengers.

Structure and Suspension

In the great tradition of Peugeot concept cars, the 908 RC is a unique model conceived in the inner sanctum of the Peugeot Design Centre. The vehicle is built around a pre-impregnated carbon composite and vacuum-polymerized aluminum honeycomb structure. The rear section is a self-supporting shell incorporating a sub-frame consisting of a tubular structure on which the engine and suspension are assembled.

Both at the front and the rear, the car features a drop link, double wishbone type suspension, derived from the 407.

Braking is by means of four monobloc ceramic carbon composite discs which reduce weight and improved thermal efficiency. The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 255/35 R20 tires at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.

Aerodynamics

The car's aerodynamics has been particularly fine-tuned to attain an excellent drag coefficient of only 0.556. The air ducts were designed in a wind tunnel to optimize the car's performance and fuel consumption, while ensuring the necessary cooling of the power train. A two-part front air intake directs air to cool both of the engine's radiators and also improve the car's aerodynamic performance by controlling the internal and external flow by means of the black anodized aluminum vents located upstream of the front wheels.

Air is provided to the engine by means of vents located in the rear quarter panels.
Air is also directed from the rear wheel arches, through the two intercoolers for the turbochargers and then out through the visible vents behind the wheel arch.

A controllable rear spoiler incorporated into the boot lid can be raised at the request of the driver to improve road holding.

The flat under floor and diffuser enhance further the aerodynamic efficiency of the 908 RC.

Finally, the 908 RC, is a luxurious touring interpretation of the racing car of the future, through its engineering it creates the spirit of the «gentleman driver», It is targeted at a very upmarket virtual customer, naturally accustomed to a very high level of luxury but above all passionate about their motoring and its history, but also in search of innovation coupled with assertive styling and uncompromized driving pleasure.