Peugeot 908 RC, the racing flagship with a 700 HP diesel V12

We are at the beginning of the 2000s and the engine diesel it is seen as the present and the future by car manufacturers. In this period, brands are concentrating their efforts on producing increasingly efficient, but also increasingly powerful, engines.

On this last front, Audi e stands out Peugeotwhich battle not only at a research and development level, but also on the track during the various editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Speaking of Peugeot, a strange one concept it was one step away from becoming the most powerful diesel production model ever produced by the French brand.

A V12 that wants to race

Presented at Paris Motor Show 2006the 908 RC is a real monster. Even if you wouldn’t think so by looking at it in the photo, given that it is a mega flagship with an elegant and streamlined look, almost futuristic for its time.

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Peugeot 908 RC Concept (2006)

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Peugeot 908 RC Concept, rear view

Under this guise, however, lies something 5.5 V12 da 700 CV e 1.200 Nm of couple. In short, a racing engine, mounted transversally and in a rear-central position, with a series of innovations for maximum performance. Among these, it is worth mentioning the presence of two particulate filters, one for each exhaust duct.

Paired with a six-speed automatic transmissionthis engine – together with the chassis – was equipped by the Peugeot which raced at Le Mans in 2007.

Carbon body and limousine interior

In addition to the engine, the identity card of this Peugeot is really interesting. THE circles the front ones are 20″ (on 255/35 tyres), while the rear ones are 21″ (on 285/30 tyres). The body is a mix of carbon and polymerized aluminum and the braking system is made up of carbon-ceramic discs.

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Peugeot 908 RC Concept, the interior

Among the most spectacular elements is undoubtedly the enormous windscreen which extends up to the central pillar. And there is also a large central display, as in more modern models.

Unfortunately, this 908 RC (unlike the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, one of the “super diesels” of those years) never became a reality, but its innovations actually became part of Peugeot’s racing program.