| Production car announcement | Frankfurt Motor Show 2009 | Peugeot RC Z |

Following in Audi's TT tyre tracks, Peugeot is set to turn a show concept coupe into reality when its RC Z goes on sale in 2010. First seen at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show, the RC Z will be revealed for the first time as a full production car at the 2009 Frankfurt show.

In the meantime, Peugeot is working hard on the production version of the RC Z. It's set to use two versions of the French firm's 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, already seen in the 207 GTi. The RC Z will use the existing 175bhp engine and a new 220bhp version.

Both engine variants will deliver strong performance to the French Audi TT rival and Peugeot is determined that they will have low emissions and good economy. The RC Z will have front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, though Peugeot is thought to be working on a semi-auto transmission for the RC Z.

Based on the 308 hatch platform, the RC Z uses a firmed-up version of the 308's suspension. Peugeot insiders say the RC Z will be a dynamic rival to the Audi TT, though the French car will cost less.

Alisdair Suttie - 25 Apr 2008