Peugeot 208 R5 at the Paris Motor Show

P eugeot 208 R5 is the name of the first A new generation of rally cars. The little lion was presented to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show. Above all, the price is new: the world federation FIA has set an upper price limit of 180,000 euros for the racing cars according to the new R5 classification.

The Peugeot 208 R5 should offer affordable rallying

This means that it stands the field of activity for the Peugeot 208 R5. In the field of customer sports, well-heeled hobby racers and ambitious young talents should compete against each other at regional and national events. With the Fiesta R5, Ford has also announced a racing car based on the new regulations. However, it will probably take until 2014 before the first copies are delivered.

The Peugeot 208 R5 was developed on the basis of the 207 S2000, but the technology should be much simpler. The costs for racing, maintenance and repairs should remain significantly cheaper. A 1.6 liter turbo engine is supposed to produce around 280 hp, which is distributed to the four wheels via a sequential five-speed gearbox without a center differential.

Peugeot 208 R5 builds on the production model

Part of the new R5 regulations is that the cars must be based on a base model that has been produced at least 25,000 times. The minimum weight is 1,200 kilograms. In addition to the drive train, the conversion to a rally car also includes a widened track with flared fenders, 18-inch wheels and a large rear spoiler.

The Peugeot 208 R5 will take on a successful legacy in 2014. Rally fans still think sadly of the old Group B mid-engine monster 205 Turbo 16, which won two world championship titles in the mid-1980s. The Peugeot 206 WRC also won two WRC championships (2000, 2002) with Marcus Grönholm at the wheel.