With Peugeot's new diesel race engine making its debut beneath the show-stopping exterior of the
908 RC concept car, it was only natural that the actual race car would be shown at the
Paris Show, along with the announcement that the car is to be called the 908.
The 908's closed body style is more about aerodynamics and engine cooling than it is about style, but it still manages to capture your attention, thanks in no small part to the fantastic eye-like shape of the headlights
Of course, the
raison d'être for Peugeot's re-entry to sportscar racing is to publicise its HDi diesel technology. Behind the 908's driver sits a 5.5-litre V12 diesel engine. Peugeot's disclosed figures are 700bhp and 885lb.ft of torque, which should be enough to keep it on a level playing field with Audi's all-conquering R10 diesel racecar. It will be a fascinating battle in Le Mans next year.
Shane O' Donoghue - 6 Oct 2006