The new PEUGEOT 308 R is transformed into an ultra-sporty concept car with refined design of the highest quality. Its bodywork bears the hallmarks of sportiness with a two-tone treatment, combining red and black, with a clean line of separation.

Solidly planted on the ground, the 308 R Concept is powered by the engine of the new RCZ R. Developing 270bhp, this 4-cylinder 1.6-litre engine has a record specific power of nearly 170bhp/litre, and CO2 emissions of just 145g/km.

Immediately, the temperament of the 308 R Concept is clear. Its low posture, its wide track, its toned bodywork indicate simply its sports vocation while clearly linked with the new PEUGEOT 308. The special bodywork components that distinguish the 308 R Concept from the new PEUGEOT 308 is not separate but fully integrated. Made of carbonfibre, the doors, front wings, the body sides and sills, bonnet and bumpers are secured to the metal structure which retains only the roof and tailgate of the original.

The new Peugeot 308R. (Photo: Peugeot)

The Full LED headlamps, taken from the new R308, characterize a feline appearance and are positioned within the lower front panel via its 3D ‘teeth’. The six groups of LEDs contribute to the determined attitude of the 308 R Concept. They initiate the muscular movement of the front wings and the shoulder line which connects them to the rear lights. This line extends the bonnet and body waist line in a fluid and dynamic stance.

Fixed in the overhead position, the exterior mirrors are finely shaped in carbonfibre. In spite of their extreme aerodynamic style, they incorporate the direction indicator with LEDs of a lean, distinctive design. The upper part accommodates the shell and the glass, the whole confirming that purity and radicalism go hand in hand.

In profile, the concept’s posture is lowered by 26mm, emphasized by the body sills which have a matt black trim finish. They join the wheel arches curvaceously housing 19” bespoke wheels. On each wheel rim, the Lion is adorned in bluish Dark Chrome while one of the five spokes bears the signature ‘R’ logo in plain red. The light effect produced by the character line running across the doors adds to the dynamism of the vehicle by having the appearance of leaning forward. 

The new 308 rear lights, with the three claws outlined by LEDs, emerge from the quarter lines interrupted cleanly by the widening of the wings. In addition, this leaves visible the pronounced stance of the rear, a promise of stability in this world of performance. Putting the finishing touches to this radical style with beauty, the two symmetrical exhaust tailpipes protrude through black lacquered trims, which frame the air vents. At this particularly furtive angle, a few components stand out. Dressed with a red signature are the lamps, the interior of the tailpipes and the interior surface of the spoiler to enhance its prominence.