Peugeot 308 R Concept. All go for Frankfurt

Peugeot unveils the new 308 R Concept ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show debut.

It’s not often that we find ourselves getting wildly excited about new models from Peugeot, unless it’s the über gorgeous Onyx that debuted at last year’s Paris Motor Show or being driven at high speed at Pikes Peak by Sébastien Loeb (in record-breaking time too). This though is the new 308 R Concept. Be honest. It’s got you intrigued, hasn’t it…

It’s not due to make its debut until the Frankfurt Motor Show (just a couple of weeks away and for which crankandpiston may have wangled a ticket) but Peugeot has already revealed a few cheeky details. Powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit – a derivation of which also powers the Citroen DS3 Racing – the 308 R kicks out an impressive 270bhp and 243lb ft of torque.

Performance figures are being kept on the down low for the time being, but power is transferred through a six-speed manual gearbox. Given the newly lightened aluminium hub and four-piston Alcon brakes also on display, what you essentially have here is a rival to the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Ford Focus ST. And let’s not forget that with its myriad sharp bodylines, gaping front air intakes and sleek as you like roofline, the 308 R Concept also looks the absolute business. Cabron fibre makes its customary appearance with the doors, front wings and sills.