Peugeot's pumped 308 R Concept

Having slammed the opposition at this year’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb, courtesy of its radical 208 T16 racer (and ace wheel man Sebastien Loeb), Peugeot continues to wind up the performance wick, with a dramatic 308 R Concept set to debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (Sept. 12-22).

Wider, lower (by 26mm) and boasting 201kW/330Nm from its direct-injection 1.6-litre, four cylinder turbo engine (shared with the RCZ R), this muscular hatch is hopefully a taste of future production.

Carbonfibre doors, front wings, body sides, sills, bonnet and bumpers reduce weight and toughen up the car’s stance, with fat 19 inch rims shod with high-performance 235/35 rubber the finishing touch.

Drive goes to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, and a Torsen differential is in place to optimise drive and power down. Upgraded brakes (380mm f / 330mm r) complete the package.