Completely new car retains 908 name
New 3.7 litre V8 HDi FAP diesel engine
Same successful driver line up as 2010
Full Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) Campaign for 2011.
Last week in Paris, Peugeot Sport unveiled their new 908 endurance racing car which they will campaign in this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours and the ILMC.

Peugeot Sport has a busy 2011 ahead of it with the launch of its all new Peugeot 908 and a comprehensive endurance racing programme. After a strong season in 2011, which saw it claim the inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) title, Peugeot Sport will be looking to defend its crown, although the highlight of the season will again be the Le Mans 24 Hours (June 11-12). The calendar for this year’s ILMC features seven races, including Le Mans which will carry double points. This year’s visit to Le Mans is also eagerly awaited as the recently introduced new technical regulations have given rise to a new generation of cars.

Peugeot’s all new car, built to the new technical regulations introduced for 2011, was originally given the code name 90X. However, with the 908 HDi FAP helping Peugeot build up an enviable record of world class successes, including the title in the 2007 Le Mans Series, a one-two finish at Le Mans in 2009 and the inaugural ILMC crown in 2010 it was decided to keep the same name for the new car.

“We have chosen 908 as the name of the new car in order to build on the wave of success with which it is associated,” says Peugeot’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Xavier Peugeot. “At the same time, the new car fits perfectly with the brands new modern image. It mirrors the modernity that is clearly visible in the new 508 and the recently announced new 308. At Peugeot, we have always sought to associate our commitment to motor sport with the real world and with our model range. The name 908 consequently stood out as the obvious choice.”

Following in the wake of the legendary Peugeot 905 and the 908 HDi FAP, the 908 is the third car to have been developed by Peugeot Sport for endurance racing. Like the previous cars, its mission will be to extend Peugeot’s winning record at Le Mans which already stands at three wins, in 1992, 1993 and 2009.

The 908 complies with all the latest technical regulations and the new for 2011, “shark fin engine cover”. It is a closed-cockpit car, with the same size front and rear wheels, and is powered by a new 3.7 litre V8 HDi FAP 550 bhp diesel engine. It means Peugeot Sport will be competing in endurance racing for the fifth year running with a diesel engine equipped with a particulate filter (FAP). Since 1998, more than seven million HDi diesel engines have been sold worldwide, helping Peugeot to earn a reputation as one of the largest producers of clean diesel power.

The 908 shares the same technology as is used in all Peugeot’s HDi diesel road cars. There is a very close collaboration between the group’s engineers and specialists and their counterparts at Peugeot Sport, to ensure that expertise in areas such as fuel consumption, respect for the environment and performance is shared between road cars and motor sport.

Immediately after the 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours, Peugeot Sport’s engineers started to put pen to paper to design a new car destined to comply with the new, upcoming technical regulations. They also drew on all their experience and knowledge learned from the 908 HDi FAP: “The regulations have evolved a great deal but we didn’t start with a clean sheet of paper,” notes Bruno Famin, Peugeot Sport’s Technical Director. “The experience we have gained over the past four years helped to steer the decision-making process and our technical choices, although the only component which has been carried over at the end of the day is the windscreen wiper! One of the principal challenges we faced was to design an all-new car while continuing to race another at the same time. We also needed to set ourselves sound objectives with a view to obtaining the best possible package with regards to engine performance, aerodynamics and weight distribution.”

908 Overview

A closed-cockpit car: “we knew from previous testing work that there is little significant difference between open and closed cockpit cars in terms of their aerodynamic performance. At the same time, despite the added constraints they bring when working on them at races, closed-cockpit cars provide additional safety for the drivers. We therefore decided to stay with the same solution.”

Engine: “We have also made full use of our experience with the 908 HDi FAP’s V12 diesel engine. We decided to opt for a turbocharged V8 diesel engine for the 908 but, with characteristics which are very similar to those of the V12. The angle of the “vee” is 90 degrees (compared with 100 degrees in the case of the V12) to improve the engine balance. The cubic capacity is 3.7 litres and the new V8 HDi FAP engine produces a peak power of 550 bhp. We ran the engine for the first time on the dyno on January 25, 2010.”

Four identical wheels: “Today’s LMP cars have a shortcoming with regards to ultimate grip of the front wheels. The logical way to cure this was to increase the size of the contact patch between the tyres and the track, which entailed running bigger front wheels, within the limits specified by the regulations. This aspect of the car’s development was carried out in close collaboration with our partner Michelin.”

Aerodynamics: “Given the big reduction in engine power resulting from the 2011 regulations (a reduction of approximately 150 bhp), we had to take a fresh look at the trade-off between aerodynamics, drag and down force. The latter has been significantly reduced in order to maintain a reasonably high top speed.”

The new car made its track made its track debut on 27th July 2010. “This was the deadline we set ourselves, although we knew we would almost certainly run into teething trouble given that this was an all-new car. We did indeed have problems but we succeeded in resolving them one by one as we got more and more kilometres on the clock. One of the very positive points we found was that the car’s handling lived up to our expectations straight out of the box. Between the car’s track debut in 2010 and the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours, we will have completed twelve tests in all, at a number of different circuits,” concludes Bruno Famin.

Full 2011 Championship

The Intercontinental Le Mans Cup has expanded from three rounds in 2010 to a seven-round championship in 2011, including two races in the USA (Sebring and Petit Le Mans Road Alanta), three in Europe (Spa-Francorchamps, Imola and Silverstone) and one in China, plus the Le Mans 24 Hours.

“We clearly want to defend our ILMC title,” underlines Oliver Quesnel, Director of Peugeot Sport. “We won all three rounds of the series in 2010, but there is one round we are especially targeting this year, and that is Le Mans. This legendary event has now been incorporated into the championship, a move we believed was necessary. Including Le Mans will be very beneficial for the championship and will put an even bigger spotlight on endurance racing which is a discipline that permits car makers like Peugeot to showcase their know-how and technology in extreme conditions. We have, therefore, submitted entries for two cars to the ACO for every round, with the exception of Spa-Francorchamps where we will take three cars to use it as a full-scale dress rehearsal ahead of the Le Mans 24 Hours.”

Driver Line-up Le Mans 24 Hours 2011

The driver line-up for the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours will be as follows:

Car No7 – Alexander Wurz / Anthony Davidson / Marc Gené
Car No8 – Franck Montagny / Nicolas Minassian / Stéphane Sarrazin
Car No9 – Sébastien Bourdais / Pedro Lamy / Simon Pagenaud

New micro-hybrid e-HDi reduces CO2 emissions to 98 g/km*
Latest generation Euro 5 VTi, THP petrol and HDi diesel engines
Four model range – Access, SR, Active and Allure – all with high-level specification
Two range topping GT THP 200 models – Hatchback & CC
Range starts at £15,245 O.T.R
On sale in May
The New Peugeot 308 will be launched in the UK in May with a new look, a range of innovative technology and CO2 emissions from just 98 g/km.

Since launch in September 2007 over 900,000 308 models have been sold worldwide. In the UK over 84,000 vehicles have been sold, making it the second most popular Peugeot model.

The New Peugeot 308 is being launched onto the UK market integrating all the latest Peugeot styling elements already seen on the Peugeot 508 and the SR1 Concept Car. The new Peugeot 308 will be available in three body styles; Hatchback, CC and SW, and four multi-model trim levels; Access, SR, Active and Allure. A range topping hatchback and CC THP 200 model will also be available in a single GT trim level.

A new look at the front with the latest LED headlamps and running lights gives the New Peugeot 308 an elegant and modern look. All the dynamic and emotional strengths of the original Peugeot 308 have been retained and strengthened further with the introduction of more efficient engines and Peugeot’s innovative micro-hybrid e-HDi Stop & Start technology.

Peugeot’s micro-hybrid e-HDi Stop & Start technology is the latest generation technology and combined with Peugeot’s class leading 1.6 litre HDi FAP 112 Euro 5 diesel engine reduces CO2emissions to 98 g/km. This engine option will also be available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox (EGC). This will give the New Peugeot 308 the lowest emissions in its segment.

All models feature air conditioning, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), ABS, EBFD, EBA, front and rear electric windows with child security, remote control central door locking with deadlocks and six SMART safety airbags.

To ensure the New Peugeot 308 is as environmentally efficient as possible all factors affecting CO2emissions have been optimised;

Overall weight reduced by 25 kg on average on all models
Fitment of new 16” ultra low rolling resistance tyres
Optimisation of all engine options (VTi, THP petrol and HDi diesel engines to Euro5)
Cx of 0.28 for the low consumption models – Record for this segment
This also enables the New Peugeot 308 HDi FAP 92 model, fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, to emit CO2 emissions of only 110 g/km.

The Peugeot 3008 has done it again! – winning the What Car? ‘Best Crossover of the Year 2011’ at the What Car? Awards last night.

Introduced in October 2009, the 3008 has proved a compelling all round desirable vehicle and already 15,000 customers have chosen one to enjoy its clever blend of quality, practicality, comfort and interior space. With a host of useful driving aids including available features, like Grip Control, Dynamic Roll Control, Head-up Display, Distance Alert and automatic electric parking brake with Hill Assist, it continues to deliver a thoroughly modern driving experience.

Commenting on the 3008’s award, Steve Fowler, Editor in Chief of What Car?, said: “So, last year’s ‘Car of the Year’ rules the roost yet again in the increasingly competitive Crossover category. The 3008 offers levels of class and comfort that rivals can’t match and, with the 1.6 THP engine under the bonnet, it’s great fun to drive, too.”

No wonder 3008 is the envy of the sector, a trait underlined by the introduction of two new models this year, the ‘SR’ and the special edition ‘Envy’ which offer extra levels of standard equipment, making the 3008 even more unbeatable for practicality and comfort.

The 3008 adds respect for the environment to its practical and fun qualities with an efficient range of engines, with emissions starting at just 129g/km of CO2 from its Euro 5 112 HDi diesel engine. The HYbrid4 version coming later this year will push the boundaries of low-emissions family motoring even further with the world’s first diesel hybrid car.

During 2010, Peugeot has introduced a number of enhancements to the 3008 range, with a Euro 5 HDi 163 FAP diesel engine combined with a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic gearbox that helps optimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Peugeot has also added extra standard equipment to the 3008 range, with the Sport and Exclusive models which benefit from Peugeot Connect USB with Bluetooth, enabling a portable MP3 or iPod to be connected to the car, and hands-free communication with a compatible mobile phone.

Its all round practicality has also been enhanced with automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers, plus a flat folding passenger seat to increase the vehicle’s already great flexibility.

And, with road conditions proving particularly treacherous this winter, the 3008’s Grip Control intelligent traction control system with special Mud & Snow tyres helps keep the car pointing in the right direction.

Start the new year with some ‘Positive Power’ – Citroën’s stylish New C4 goes on sale tomorrow (Tuesday 11th January) with prices starting from just £15,595Δ for one of the most spacious, comfortable and well-equipped models in its class.

Customers can also benefit from some powerful New C4 launch offers in January, with the availability of 0% APR finance over 3 years with 30% deposit or low-rate Elect 3 PCP finance with a highly competitive 4.9% APR.

Boasting distinctive good looks and a range of convenient, innovative technologies, the New C4 is designed to meet the requirements of the most demanding mid-size 5-door hatchback retail and business customers.

The car’s compact external dimensions conceal generous internal volumes with a class leading 408-litre boot and spacious room for all occupants. A high quality finish with customisable comfort and the availability of new features, such as a Denon HiFi and massaging front seats, complete the upmarket offering.

The New C4 is available in three generously specified trim levels – VTR, VTR+ and Exclusive. There are four HDi diesel engines and three BMW co-developed petrol units with 5 or 6-speed manual gearboxes and a fuel-saving 6-speed EGS.

All models are fuel and CO2efficient – with up to 67.3mpg economy and emissions as low as 109g/km on e-HDi versions, making New C4 one of the most ecologically conscious models in the segment.

Safe and secure, New C4 carries the maximum 5-star Euro NCAP rating, including a 97% score in the ‘Safety Assist’ category – the highest score for any vehicle of its type.

New C4 prices start at £15,595, rising to £21,495 for the range-topping HDi 150 Exclusive. Thanks to the car’s low emissions, all diesel models qualify for free VED in the first year.

Peugeot’s award winning 3008 Crossover range now includes two new models: the 3008 SR and 3008 ENVY Special Edition.

The Peugeot 3008 is the perfect choice for customers who are looking for something different. Whether these customers currently drive a conventional saloon, MPV, SUV or a hatchback, the 3008 provides a new alternative which spans all these different vehicle types. It has the flexibility and space of an MPV, the rugged looks of an SUV and the vehicle dynamics of a family hatchback.

Now the previous three model line up, Active, Sport and Exclusive, has been extended to include a new SR model with standard fitment of Peugeot’s Grip Control, and the Special Edition 3008 ENVY.

The SR model is based on the Sport model but includes the following extra standard specification: RNEG Colour Satellite Navigation, Bluetooth, Grip Control and 16” Alloy wheels with Mud + Snow tyres. It is available with Peugeot’s latest Euro 5 HDi 112 diesel engine and either a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox (EGC). Aimed mainly at Fleet customers it has CO2 emission levels of between 129 & 135 g/km.

The second new model is the 3008 ENVY Special Edition which again is based on the Sport model but provides customers with ”Exclusive” levels of desirability. It builds on the standard specification of the Sports model with the following extra standard specification: Dark tinted rear windows, Exterior Styling Pack (Aluminium Detailing), Head-up Display and Cielo Panoramic Glass Roof. All this extra specification is included for just £600 more than the equivalent Sport version. It is available with either a 1.6 litre VTi 120 petrol engine or HDi 112 Euro 5 diesel engine. Both models come with a manual gearbox, five-speed for the VTi and six-speed for the HDi 112.

Product line-up and pricing announced

Five-model line-up, with low CO2 engine and powertrain choices
Range starts with the 508 Access VTi 120 from £18,150
Latest micro-hybrid 2nd generation Stop & Start System available
Details of the range, specification, powertrain line-up and pricing are announced today for the stylish new Peugeot 508, due in the UK in April 2011.

Available in the UK from launch in both Saloon and SW body styles, the Peugeot 508 brings to the market a confident, stylish and well-equipped model range. Highlights include an elegant design, powerful, economical and low CO2 engines and the debut of Peugeot’s new e-HDi Stop & Start System technology. A modern interior design that is both practical and comfortable for its occupants is also a strength of the new Peugeot 508 range which will be available in five trim levels: Access, SR, Active, Allure and GT.

Seven powertrain options will be available on the new 508 at launch.

908 HDi Peugeot

Starting on wet tyres, the three 908 HDi FAPs of Team Peugeot Total ventured out on a damp but drying track with the firm intention of taking advantage of every minute available to them. Following a clearly defined programme, the focus was on testing different tyre compounds and aerodynamic set ups. As the session advanced the times dropped, though without threatening to surpass yesterday’s performance; Alexander Wurz (Car No 1) posted the fastest lap of 3’23”238, ahead of Simon Pagenaud (Car No 3) and Stéphane Sarrazin (Car No 2).

With conditions improving during the ultimate qualifying session the times started to fall fast over the last 15 minutes. Comfortably installed in the first three places, the experienced Team Peugeot Total concentrated on validating the fruit of their labours. Sébastien Bourdais nevertheless posted the fastest lap of the day of 3’20”212, to the delight of his many supporters who turned out to cheer on their local hero. Aboard his Peugeot 908 HDi FAP No 3, Sébastien achieved his first pole position thanks to yesterday’s quickest lap of 3’19”711.

The Peugeot 908s have monopolised the first two rows of the grid for tomorrow’s race, with the three factory cars, No 3, the No 1 and then the No 2 ahead of the Peugeot of Team Oreca.

Pedro Lamy, Marc Gené and Franck Montagny are the nominated drivers who will start Saturday’s race.

Olivier Quesnel (Peugeot Sport Team Director). “We worked hard and we couldn’t have done better, but we haven’t won anything yet. We are ready but that doesn’t mean we are going to have an easy weekend. Taking the pole is one thing, taking the victory is quite another.”

908 HDi FAP No 3: Sébastien Bourdais (FRA) – Pedro Lamy (POR) – Simon Pagenaud (FRA)
Sébastien Bourdais : “This pole proves that we are strong, now we have to turn that strength intovictory. We worked well today and the goal of the last 15 minutes was to confirm the car’s balance, not to chase after another pole. Now I want the race to start, time is going to drag until Saturday. We have the equipment, the speed and the people to win, but we need to stay humble and hope for a little luck.”

908 HDi FAP No 1: Anthony Davidson (GBR) – Marc Gené (ESP) – Alexander Wurz (AUT)
Anthony Davidson: “Until that last run I didn’t feel all that prepared and it took me a while to get up to speed. But then I got comfortable and my lap times started to come down. Now I can’t wait for race day to come.”

908 HDi FAP No 2: Nicolas Minassian (FRA) – Franck Montagny (FRA) – Stéphane Sarrazin (FRA) Nicolas Minassian : We have gone well over these last two days. Yesterday Franck worked on the tyres and then Stéphane went after a time. He could have got the pole, but was unlucky with the traffic. The weather was changeable which was both challenging and useful. Now our mechanics are going to have a lot of work, while we rest and prepare for the race.”

Qualifying results

1 – PEUGEOT 908 HDi FAP n°3 (Bourdais) : 3’19’’711

2 – PEUGEOT 908 HDi FAP n°1 (Wurz) : 3’20’’317

3 – PEUGEOT 908 HDi FAP n°2 (Sarrazin) : 3’20’’325

4 – PEUGEOT 908 HDi FAP n°4 (Lapierre) : 3’21’’192

5 – AUDI R15 TDI n°9 (Rockenfeller) : 3’21’’981

6 – AUDI R15 TDI n°7 (McNish) : 3’22’’176

Powered by a 2.0 litre HDi diesel engine producing 200 bhp
First and third in category
Peugeot RCZ priced from £20,450.00 on-the-road
On sale in the UK on 22nd May
Peugeot’s stylish new RCZ is not just a success on the streets of the UK, it is also a star on the race track.

Last weekend saw two Peugeot RCZ diesel cars take first and third place in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race. Powered by Peugeot’s 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine producing 200 bhp, the cars ran in the D1T category, for diesel cars between 1700 and 2000 cc. Both cars were mainly standard except for a few specific racing and safety parts sourced via Peugeot Sport.

The two cars raced under numbers 200 and 201, in recognition of Peugeot’s 200 year anniversary celebrated this year, and were driven by an all French and German team. It was the German crew, driving car No201, which at the end of the 24 hours was victorious with first place in its category and a very creditable 50th overall out of the 197 cars which started the race. The second RCZ, only six laps behind, finished third and 82nd overall.

This fantastic win comes just days before the Peugeot RCZ goes on sale in the UK and confirms the car does not just have supercar good looks but also the dynamic performance to achieve success in one of the most demanding 24 hour races.

Team Peugeot Total’s final full-scale dress rehearsal ahead of the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours ended in the squad’s fourth straight one-two finish, with Spa-Francorchamps providing the backdrop to a race that was particularly rich in valuable lessons, dramatic turnarounds and heart-stopping thrills.

The weekend got off to a great start for Team Peugeot Total with Sébastien Bourdais putting the No3 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP onto pole position with a time of 1m 57.884s and the No2 car taking third position.

Race day started, however, with drama at the first corner when Pedro Lamy starting from pole-position made a small mistake and spun on the damp track at the first corner dropping him down to ninth position overall. The race was then interrupted by a number of safety car interventions. Working to the latest safety car-related regulations – which were not applied with the greatest of precision – proved a complex exercise! As a result, although the three Peugeot 908 HDi FAPs had topped the leader board, the No7 Audi suddenly found itself in front after pitting with an advantage of almost a minute because the red light at the pit-lane exit had not been switched on!

When the race resumed Team Peugeot Total upped its pace, both in the pits and on the racetrack and chased down the lead Audi, only for the race to be interrupted again when an electricity power-cut affected the region and forced the organisers to suspend the race for safety reasons.

With power restored the race got underway again and the spectators were able to watch a thrilling fight as the Peugeot drivers lap by lap chased down the leading Audi. Sébastien Bourdais, then second overall in the No3 car, managed to bridge the gap to Capello on Lap 64. That sparked off a breathtaking fight between the two drivers which led to some exceptional passing manoeuvres before the Peugeot took the lead on Lap 71. Sébastien then handed over to Simon Pagenaud who valiantly defended his advantage, despite a rain shower an hour before the finish. He took the risk of staying out on medium-compound tyres in the tricky conditions, unlike his Audi rivals who opted for “intermediates”. This gamble paid off handsomely due to the superior performance of the Peugeot compared to the Audi, and the No3 car went on to win by more than a minute. It was Bourdais’ first victory with Peugeot which has now gone unbeaten at Spa since 2007.

Stéphane Sarrazin also stayed out on slicks in the No2 Peugeot, although he did switch to softer tyres as he called on every bit of his talent to chase down the Audi. He passed the Audi just two laps from the end to secure Team Peugeot Total’s fourth consecutive one-two finish after Le Mans and Petit Le Mans in 2009, and the win in Sebring in March.

The No1 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP nearly made it a clean sweep for Peugeot but for an off track excursion whilst being driven by Marc Gené just 30 minutes from the end of the race.

Final Positions

1 – Peugeot 908 HDi FAP (Bourdais / Pagenaud / Lamy), 139 Laps

2 – Peugeot 908 HDi FAP (Montagny / Sarrazin), +1m 8.308s

3 – Audi R15 (McNish / Kristensen / Capello), +1m 26.215s

4- Peugeot 908 HDi FAP (Gene / Wurz / Davidson), +1 lap

5 – Audi R15 (Rockenfeller / Dumas / Bernhard), +2 laps

Fastest race lap: Franck Montagny (1m 59.797s)

OVERALL WINNER – 5008
SPORTS CAR OF THE YEAR – RCZ
BEST MPV – 5008
BEST CROSSOVER – 3008
Peugeot has won yet another accolade to add to its impressive awards list, winning the prestigious overall award for Car of the Year in the Diesel Car Magazine awards 2010.

Not content with winning Best MPV and Car of the Year for 2010, Peugeot also grabbed titles in two of the newest categories – Best Crossover with the 3008, and stormed the Sports Car class with the stylish new RCZ Sports Coupé.

More than 275 new cars have been put through their paces by Diesel Car’s expert testers to choose the winners in ten categories, introducing three new categories – Best Crossover, Best Sports Car and Best Eco Car which recognises the best in the hybrid world of motoring. This year’s awards are sponsored by Evolution Chips, one of the leaders in diesel tuning in the UK.

In revealing this year’s winners, Ian Robertson, Editor of Diesel Car magazine said: “We have seen a lot of talented contenders this year, despite the turmoil the motor industry has faced. I am really pleased to announce Peugeot taking the top spot with the spectacular 5008 winning Diesel Car – Car of the Year 2010. It truly is the right car for the right times, with competitive pricing, generous equipment levels and a good all-round driving experience, wrapped up in a package that seats seven; what more could a family buyer want from a car!”