At a time when all brands are turning to their sportiest models to captivate future buyers, it is in the GTi’s versions of these same models that dreams begin to take on more radical forms.
Many brands decided to go for even more spicy versions of their familiar models and turn them into authentic “Hot Hatches” with an even more sporty base, Peugeot is one of those brands. Almost all of them with initials to the taste of the taste buds of consumers, such as RS, ST and R.
Well after the "whisper" that was the arrival and presentation of the Peugeot 208 GTi and the famous criticism that Peugeot received, it decided to give, once again, an air of its grace and show that it is capable of doing more than a good GTi . That's why we bring you first hand here at RA the most recent prototype of the Gallic brand, the Peugeot 308 R.
The base model is obviously a 308, but the surprise starts here, instead of a typical 3-door bodywork in the brand's models, Peugeot followed a different orientation and comes up with this prototype in a 5-door configuration. Compared to the common 308, this R version has many changes compared to the base model. The Peugeot 308 R was subjected to a diet rich in carbon and for this very reason a large part of the bodywork is made of this material, with the exception of the roof and trunk lid which are made of common high-strength steels.
The bumpers are entirely in carbon fiber and feature much wider functional air intakes, according to Peugeot, the 308R is 30mm wider and 26mm lower than the common 308. As on the Peugeot 308, the LED taillights are optional, here on the 308R the case is different, LED technology is standard and turn signals are included in the rearview mirrors, which have a different design from the conventional model and give it a sportier crease.
Under the bonnet we find the well-known 1.6THP engine, which delivers instead of 200hp as usual, this time it has an «upgrade» to an expressive 270hp, the same configuration presented in the RCZ R. To ensure reliability is assured, Peugeot resorted to to a heat treatment of the block in order to strengthen it. The turbo was not forgotten, and now it becomes a «Twin scroll» double entry with a larger diameter, and the exhaust manifolds are also specific for this new engine. Another of the great mechanical innovations are the exclusive MAHLE Motorsport forged aluminum pistons, developed especially for this model, to deal with this brute force, the connecting rods were revised in their support points and were reinforced along with a polymer treatment to give them greater resistance.
Contrary to the direction that the vast majority of manufacturers are opting with regard to gearboxes, Peugeot did not want to “follow the current”, the 308R is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox aided by a self-locking differential. The uniquely designed wheels are 19 inches and come chocked with majestic 235/35R19 tires.
The braking system has not been forgotten and comes from a partnership with Alcon, translating into 4 ventilated discs of 380mm at the front and 330mm at the rear, the jaws have a bite made by 4 pistons. The lower part of the body is painted in 2 tones, recalling the mythical prototype model of the brand, the Onix.
