This is Mercedes’...
This is Mercedes’ answer to the successful BMW 1-Series. Set to be called the BLK, the new model is expected to attract younger buyers to the brand by offering sharp looks and a more affordable price than other models in the range. And there will be hatch and convertible versions, as well as the coupé revealed here.
French company Peugeot...
French company Peugeot this week revealed it will put its 308 RC Z coupé into production. The Audi TT rival is based on the same platform as the 308 hatch, but has a wider track.
The showroom version will retain the twin bubbles on the carbon fibre top and the curvy rear screen seen on the concept. It will also keep the clamshell bonnet and milled aluminium hoops which support the roof.
Under the bonnet, the RC Z will be powered by the same 1.6-litre turbo engine as the MINI Cooper S – that means an output of around 170bhp. It will also be offered with a less pow-er-ful normally aspirated 1.6-litre unit.
Top brass at Peugeot are hoping that introducing the 308 RC Z will help improve the firm’s image among young buyers, just as the 205 GTi did in the early Eighties.
The coupé concept was seen for the first time at last autumn’s Frankfurt Motor Show. A roadgoing model is likely to be unveiled at the same event next year, with an on-sale date in the UK of summer 2010. Prices are expected to start at around ?17,500 – putting the Peugeot head-to-head with Volkswagen’s all-new Scirocco.