Peugeot Sport has maintained a strong presence in rallying since the late 1970s thanks, in part, to its products.

A series of models developed for privateers and future champions alike have competed on asphalt and gravel events over the years, from the 104 ZS, the Samba Rallye, the 205 GTi 1.6, the 205 Rallye, the 309 GTi, different versions of the 106 over a period of ten years (XSi, Rallye, S16), the 206 XS (seven years) and, from 2009, the 207 RC Rallye.

The 207 RC Rallye will represent the fourth instalment of the Peugeot Sport-developed 207 range. Following on from the Spider THP (track), 207 LW (track) and the 207 Super 2000 (rally), the company's latest compact rally car possesses some serious qualities.

The 207 RC Rallye was developed by using the expertise of Peugeot Sport and drivers such as Stéphane Sarrazin and Bryan Bouffier. The 207 RC Rallye uses the production-based THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine. This 1.6-litre turbocharged unit was co-developed with the BMW Group, and has already been used in the Spider and LW track racers.

The engine is mated to an all-new, six-speed straight-cut manual gearbox, and equipped with Magneti Marelli Sport electronics and a wiring loom unique to this model. The brakes feature improved cooling and generous dimensions to ensure good durability.

The 207 RC Rallye develops 180bhp, tips the scales at just 1,120kg and has been homologated in the R3 category which calls for a welded roll cage, an important safety feature.

The 207 RC Rallye is one of the few cars in its category to have been designed to compete on both asphalt and gravel; the conversion is quick, simple and inexpensive. To convert from one version to the other, the main areas requiring work are the spring/damper units, the front brakes and guards.

One priority in developing the 207 RC Rallye was to ensure low competing costs. They are in fact lower than its predecessor, the 206 XS, thanks in part to its robust, and therefore durable initial design. The purchase price is also competitive for an R3 category machine. The performance-for-cost ratio is impressive, meaning the car offers excellent value for money.

The pre-tax price of the 207 RC Rallye asphalt kit is €20,500. This includes the body with welded roll cage, the six-speed straight-cut gearbox, specific wiring loom and ECU, Peugeot Sport spring/damper units, specific brakes, wheel rims, etc. The gravel conversion kit includes spring/damper units, brakes, wheel rims and guards. This will be available for a pre-tax price of €5,000.

Michel Barge, Director, Peugeot Sport:

"Since the late 1970s, Peugeot has forged a solid reputation in rallying, which is certainly thanks in large part to its successes in the Manufacturers' World Rally Championship - but not exclusively so. Peugeot has always sought to consolidate its brand awareness through promotional formulae, which establish relationships between the company, its dealer network and our customers. Peugeot has become a benchmark in the world of rallying by running single-make series which are not only highly competitive but also competitively priced."

"In 2009, Peugeot will launch the 207 RC Rallye on the asphalt and gravel rallying scene. This new programme represents a further commitment by Peugeot to the world of grass roots motorsport, while remaining as faithful as possible to the identity of the model range. We're convinced that people will enjoy competing with the 207 RC Rallye!"

Stephane Sarrazin:

"I didn't expect the car to be so competitive on both gravel and asphalt. The torque out of the corners is impressive, and the straight-cut gearbox is very effective. This is a real racing machine, and at a very reasonable price given its overall level of competitiveness."

Bryan Bouffier:

"Before I got behind the wheel of the 207 RC Rallye, I expected it to be competitive given how good the engine and chassis are on the production 207 RC. The car felt good straight out of the box. I think that drivers - both new and experienced - will really enjoy themselves in this car. And importantly for amateur competitors, its reliability should be impeccable, which will help keep running costs low."