Peugeot 207 Spider Concept (2006)

Peugeot 207 Spider Concept

The Spider 207, which received its world première in Paris, is developed from the 20Cup concept car but features a more conventional 4-wheel architecture and a rear transverse engine. This car, intended to be driven in a single class category, will provide intense and genuine driving pleasure, combined with the use of a production engine offering a high level of torque and reliability.

This category will be the curtain raiser to all five rounds of the Le Mans Series (LMS) and an extra event will also take place in France as part of the Rencontres Peugeot Sport.

It is a racing car embodying the attributes of both LMP1 and LMP2 cars and complying with ACO regulations, particularly as regards rollover protection.

Its rear design is reminiscent of the Sport Prototype cars of the 1970s, with its short engine cowling with no rear spoiler.

The chassis

The chassis is tubular and consists of three main parts for reasons of repairability and the engine-gearbox assembly occupies a central rear transverse position.

For driver safety, the car's structure (chassis, front and rear rollover bars, crash box, and steering column) meets the requirements of IAF regulations governing Sports Cars (LMP1 and LMP2).

Suspension, steering, brakes

Double wishbone and spring-damper units - front and rear. A large number of components have been derived from Peugeot's current vehicles range.
They are, however, assembled according to "racing" criteria (special ball joints and fixtures):

• Front and rear hub carriers from the 407, modified.
• Discs and brake calipers from the 407.
• Radiator and intercooler from the 207.
• Steering column from the 206.
• Steering from the 407.

An attempt has also been made to standardise as many parts as possible for the four suspension units.

The engine

The 1.6 litre THP 16v EP6 DTS engine is the same as that of the future 207RC, developed as part of the co-operation with the BMW Group. It is a standard engine except for the intake and exhaust systems which are modified for the Spider 207.

The power output is 128 kW, or 175bhp, at 5800 rpm.

The gearbox

Sadev 6-speed dog ring sequential gearbox with selection controlled by "paddles" on the steering wheel.

Body and aerodynamics

The Spider 207 has two diffusers, one located under the bonnet forward of the front wheels, the other at the extreme rear. They are separated by a wide, flat under floor covering practically the entire underside of the car.

These diffusers and extractors help improve road holding. Rear down force is also aided by the design of the imposing rear cowling, giving the car a specific style, but also making it possible to dispense with a rear spoiler, which can be very prone to accidental damage.

The bodywork consists of 9 individual parts in order to reduce repair costs.

Electronics

The car features the standard Bosch electronic control unit (ECU), adapted, however, to the requirements of the Spider 207, but "locked" to prevent any reprogramming or modifications.

A "black box" fitted to the car will continuously record the engine's operating parameters. This data will be used for technical evaluation during events, but will not be accessible by competitors.

Engine

• 1.6 litre THP 16v EP6 DTS
• Engine capacity: 1598 cm3
• Bore: 77mm
• Stroke: 85.8mm
• Compression ratio: 10,5
• 16 v cylinder head with two overhead camshafts
• Twin Scroll turbocharger
• Variable valve timing (VVT) on intake camshaft
• Direct petrol injection
• Ignition: one coil per cylinder
• Power: 128 kW or 175bhp
• Torque of 240 Nm at 1600 rpm (constant up to 4500 rpm)
• Maximum engine speed: 6500 rpm

Gearbox

• Sadev ST 74-14 6-speed dog ring gearbox
• Sequential gear selection actuated by paddles on the steering wheel
• Clutch: 207RC mechanism. Sintered metal disc.

Dimensions

• Length: 4,131 mm
• Width: 1,854 mm
• Front track: 1,505 mm
• Rear track: 1,615 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
• Wheels: 8"x 18" aluminium monobloc
• Tyres: Michelin 21/65-18
• Kerb weight: 720 kg