Page 1 of 1 To build on the successful careers of the emblematic 205, 206, 207, Peugeot did not hesitate to explore new ground and regenerate the latters' respective strengths when designing the Peugeot 208. Peugeot Sport's three takes on the new model have been timed to correspond with the sales launch of the series production car. The first competition version to break cover is the 208 R2 which will serve as 'zero' car on this month's Tour de Corse in the hands of Stéphane Sarrazin/Benjamin Veillas.
In the wake of the car's announcement at the end of 2011, development of the competition versions of the Peugeot 208 has picked up speed. The first version to be released will be the R2 which will provide a glimpse of its potential at next week's Tour de Corse (May 10-12) in France. The two other motorsport derivatives of the 208 will see the light of day before the end of 2012, beginning with the circuit version which features a specification very similar to that of the R2. This car will facilitate access to the world of motor racing thanks notably to Peugeot Sport's 'Rencontres' events. The circuit version will be followed by the eagerly-awaited 208 which complies with the FIA's R5 regulations and which will go on to take over from the current 207 Super 2000 rally car at national and international level. It is due to be unveiled in September.
"With the 208, Peugeot has given itself the means to create a new motoring icon," noted Peugeot's Range Director Laurent Blanchet at the model's launch. "The 208 carries over the spirit of the 205 and the 206, plus the functionality of the 207 in a thoroughly modern package," added Xavier Peugeot, the brand's Product Director. Through the livery of the R2 version's livery, Peugeot's stylists have sought to mark the launch of the 208's competition line-up by highlighting the model's emotional appeal and resolutely modern lines. The 208 R2 will appear in this livery when it serves as 'zero' car for next week's Tour de Corse (May 10-12), the fourth round of the 2012 Intercontinental Rallye Challenge. Regular Peugeot Sport driver Stéphane Sarrazin and co-driver Benjamin Veillas, will drive the hot hatch ahead of the field at the French event before staying on in Corsica for a week of testing after the rally.
The R2 is an indispensable part of the model line-up it is destined to spearhead. Affordable and competitive, it stands out as the ideal choice for those who want to get their first taste of rallying or simply enjoy their passion. The 208 R2 ran for the first time at the end of 2011 and is destined to replace the existing 207 RC Rallye not only as star of the brand's 'Volant' single make series but also as a challenger for class success at national and international level. Ford, Renault and Citroën all have R2 cars, but Peugeot Sport has set itself the target of becoming the class's new benchmark in terms of both performance and low competing costs. Careful attention was also paid to reliability, notably with regard to its transmission, electrics and electronics. Another aim was to make life easier for owners by minimising the number of parts required to convert the car from gravel- to asphalt-spec, and vice-versa. This was made possible by using as many shared parts and assemblies as possible for the two versions and by benefiting from the PSA group's customer competition catalogue.
Through its compact forms, short overhangs and flowing transition between the bonnet and windscreen pillars, the 208 is a fresh interpretation of the Brand's styling cues, both in terms of their underlying principles and in the details. The new signature front end is particularly charismatic, while its feline looks are more modern, status-enhancing and refined. It comes across as assertive yet lively, warm yet racy, hi-tech yet friendly, and natural yet sophisticated. Page 1 of 1
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To build on the successful careers of the emblematic 205, 206, 207, Peugeot did not hesitate to explore new ground and regenerate the latters' respective strengths when designing the Peugeot 208. Peugeot Sport's three takes on the new model have been timed to correspond with the sales launch of the series production car. The first competition version to break cover is the 208 R2 which will serve as 'zero' car on this month's Tour de Corse in the hands of Stéphane Sarrazin/Benjamin Veillas.