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Peugeot prepares for Paris debut

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It 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..

Peugeot's

latest concept car, the 5.5 litre 908 RC will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.

The four-door 908 RC is powered by Peugeot's V12 HDi DPFS (diesel particulate filter system) diesel engine, which has been designed to take part in the Le Mans Race Series programme in 2007 and can take the car to speeds in excess of 186mph (300kph).

The engine has a maximum power output greater than 700bhp and torque in excess of 1200Nm. The six-speed electronically-controlled sequential gearbox has been adapted to withstand the torque, and is placed under the engine. The two particulate filters at the end of each exhaust system are said to help ensure the car's environmentally-friendly credentials.

The vehicle is built around a pre-impregnated carbon composite and vacuum-polymerised aluminium 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 improve thermal efficiency. The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 255/35 R20 tyres at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.

Peugeot says the car's aerodynamics have been fine-tuned to attain a drag coefficient of 0.556. The air ducts were designed in a wind tunnel to optimise performance and fuel consumption, while ensuring the 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 anodised aluminium vents located upstream of the front wheels.

Air is provided to the engine by means of vents located in the rear quarter panels.

It 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.