The Peugeot 908 HDi DPFS
The Peugeot 908 HDi FAP in its evolution was first showcased at the Paris Motor Show in 2006 as the Peugeot 908 HDi DPFS.
Though some cues were retained the 908 HDi FAP looked a completely different animal.
Peugeot 908
The successor to the 908 HDi FAP was the 908, a prototype that raced for one year before Peugeot shelved its Endurance racing programmes.
The new 908 had a number of changes, including the side gills that were removed and the NACA ducts were used as opposed to the snorkel type on the HDi FAP. The new 908 also lost the diesel 5.5 Litre V12 in favour of a diesel 3.7 Litre V8 that made around 550 bhp.
Peugeot 908 RC
Designed as a luxury limousine with enough power to rip through the time space fabric, the 908 RC is powered by the Peugeot V12 HDi DPFS that does duty in the 908 HDi FAP. The engine is arranged in a rear central transverse position. The compact 6-speed electronically controlled sequential gearbox, has been specially adapted to withstand the phenomenal torque, and is located under the engine.
The position of the power train allows the creation of a large-capacity boot, situated behind the final drive assembly. This design also allows the driving position to be moved forward.
The exterior design of the 908 RC is said to be influenced by the Peugeot Lion. The bonnet is inspired by a lions head and areas on either side of the bonnet create the effect of the cat’s “cheeks” with the bonnet tapering down to a nose, highlighted by the chromed Peugeot badge depicting the Lion. Rear tail lights have a polished aluminium insert that gives the appearance of a big cat’s claws and the surfaces are simple and pure without even the intruding presence of door handles.
The vehicle is built on a pre-impregnated carbon composite and vacuum-polymerised aluminium honeycomb structure. The rear section is a self-supporting shell incorporating a sub-frame consisting of a tubular structure on which the engine and suspension are assembled. Drop link, double wishbone type suspension, derived from the 407 bestow the 908 RC with its handling abilities. Four monobloc ceramic carbon composite discs which reduce weight and improved thermal efficiency and wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s complete the package.
High quality materials and finish stamp the luxury badge on the 908 RC with complete authority.The passenger compartment features dark oak surrounds, integral amethyst-grey leather trim, polished aluminium inserts, touches of chrome, and a Bell&Ross clock.
The Peugeot 908 RC is proud of its excellent drag coefficient of 0.55 Cd. A controllable rear spoiler incorporated into the boot lid can be raised by the driver to improve road holding. The 908 RC was the show stopper for Peugeot at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.
Peugeot 908 HY
In February 2008 Peugeot unveiled a 908 HDi FAP equipped with hybrid power featuring a kinetic energy recovery system. The 908 HY was be shown in a new, specific silver-grey livery and was a teaser of what Peugeot’s next endurance racing challenger could be.
The regenerative braking could be used to either provide an additional boost of 60kW (80hp) using the ‘push to pass’ function when the driver decides he needs the extra acceleration or to simply reduce fuel consumption for the equivalent level of performance.
Peugeot 908 HYbrid4
Underneath the new livery the 908 HYbrid4 was still the 908 HY but for the absence of the ‘push to pass’ function. The system provides a power boost of 60kW (80hp) automatically under acceleration. Recovered energy (500kJ between two braking phases) is stored in lithium-ion batteries before being automatically fed to the rear wheels under acceleration. It was also possible to run in electric mode only along the pit-lane.