The RC concept was designed at the Peugeot Style Centre. Intended as a true enthusiasts car, the real innovation lay in the fact that the car was designed as an "affordable" sports car. The Peugeot RC was the concept car that paved the way for the 2008 Peugeot RC HYmotion4 concept.
Peugeot used the 2002 RC concept to compare performance and economy differences between comparable petrol and diesel engines.
As an affordable sports car the RC had to deliver not only in terms of price, but there was the engine, the size and running costs, as well as driver comforts to consider.
A wide panoramic windscreen and the cab forward seating helps the driver see all around the car and compensates for the effect caused by the length of the car.
In the Petrol vs. Diesel experiment, Peugeot aimed to prove that an HDi engine could match the performance levels achieved from a petrol engine. And to demonstrate that it was not unreasonable to put an HDi engine in a sports car.
The 2 resulting Peugeot RC's, one diesel and one petrol, have very different driving characteristics, both of which have advantages and disadvantages.
The RC petrol is a lighter car more compliant during acceleration and up shifts, it is more fun to drive, like a sports car.
The RC Diesel is more comfortable and easier to drive. It is also a quieter car on the road because the vibrations are limited by the balancing shaft.
