Peugeot may not be the most famous name in motorsports and high-performance cars but the company has a long history in both categories and the French brand is looking to expand its presence in the latter with the new RCZ coupe.
Set to go head-to-head against Audi's similarly-shaped TT coupe, the RCZ is built on a stretched version of Peugeot's "Platform Two" and comes out swinging with three four-cylinder engines -- two gas, one diesel. Of the gasoline-powered models, buyers can chose from a 1.6L mill with 156 hp and 177 lb-ft or a turbocharged variant with the same displacement but packing 200 hp and 188 lb-ft with 203 lb-ft available thanks to an overboost feature. Those who prefer to burn oil will get a 2.0L HDi diesel making 163 hp and 251 lb-ft.
All three engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine mated to the manual box will be good for 0 to 62 mph sprints of 7.6 secs and achieve 33 mpg, according to Peugeot. The naturally aspirated mill picks up one more mpg for a total of 34 and the diesel will return over 43 mpg.
To help keep weight down and performance and fuel economy up, the RCZ's body panels are made from aluminum, and a carbon-fiber roof is available. The car's 18-in. front and 19-in. rear wheels and optional off-color wheel arches will help the RCZ stand out in a crowd and high-grade leather will coddle passengers inside.
Peugeot RCZs will be built by contractor Magna Steyr in Austria. Deliveries are expected to begin next spring.

2010 Peugeot RCZ