Bojan Vrbnjak
At the beginning of the 2000s, car manufacturers saw the diesel engine as the technology of the present and the future. During this period, the brands focused their efforts on the production of increasingly efficient and powerful engines.
Audi and Peugeot also stand out here. The two car manufacturers clash not only in the field of research and development of diesel engines, but also on the race track at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Speaking of Peugeot: the unusual concept was just one step away from becoming the most powerful diesel production model the French marque has ever produced.
A V12 that wants to race
The 908 RC model, which was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, is a real monster. Although you wouldn't guess it from the photos, it's a mega showhorse with a sleek and polished, almost futuristic look for the time.
Under this cover is a 5,5-liter V12 HDi diesel engine with 700 hp and 1.200 newton meters of torque. It is a competition engine that is mounted transversely and centrally at the rear and has many innovations for maximum performance. Between them are two particulate filters, one for each side of the exhaust gas. The engine, mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, is – as is the chassis – from Peugeot, which competed in the 2007 Le Mans race.
Carbon fiber body and sedan interior
Besides the engine, the business card of this Peugeot is really interesting. The front wheels are 20 inches (on 255/35 tires), while the rear wheels are even more massive, 21 inches (on 285/30 tires). The bodywork is a mixture of carbon and polymerized aluminum, and the braking system includes carbon-ceramic brake discs.
One of the most spectacular elements is undoubtedly the huge windshield that extends all the way to the B-pillar. Part of the dashboard is also the large central display, as we know it today from modern models. Unfortunately, this 908 RC model was never realized - unlike the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, one of the "superdiesels" of those years. However, his innovations found their way into Peugeot's motorsport program.
