Looking like an illegitimate child of the
facelifted 307 and the bonkers Grinnall Scorpion, the 20Cup is the latest mad concept car from Peugeot shown at this year's
Frankfurt Motor Show.
There may be more than meets the eye with the 20Cup. Peugeot says that the concept car will inspire the forthcoming racecar the French company will campaign in the Le Mans Endurance Series, though that car is highly unlikely to be a three-wheeler! Indeed, the 3-wheel layout is thought to be a bit of a red herring, designed to attract attention at the Frankfurt Show rather than have any dynamic or aesthetic advantages over a more conventional four-wheel vehicle.
Ignore the layout though and you will see subtle hints at the Peugeot 206 replacement, probably to be called the 207. The concept car's 20Cup name is the first clue, and under the low bonnet is another: the 20Cup houses an all-new engine developed in partnership with BMW. The new powerplant pushes out 170bhp and peak power of 177lb.ft. In the concept car it is allied to a six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle-shift under the steering wheel. We think this engine will see service in the next generation of Mini as well as the 207.
Though quite exaggerated, it is probable that the 207 will feature the sculpted, low bonnet of the 20Cup concept car, including the protruding leading edge, inspired by the shape of endurance racers no doubt. The full-width grille is a certainty for the 207, though if it follows the lead of the concept it should look more cohesive than the new 307. The 20Cup is shown at Frankfurt in two colours alongside the outrageous V12-engined 907 concept.
Shane O' Donoghue - 26 Aug 2005