Peugeot Race Cars

1. Peugeot 2008 DKR

Why Is This The Best Peugeot Race Car?

Peugeot took the Dakar Rally challenge in 2015 with the 2008 DKR. Real wheel drive, V6 diesel, twin turbocharged desert specialist monster, it immediately grabbed success by the scruff of the neck.

The Peugeot 2008 DKR marked a significant milestone in Peugeot's storied involvement in motorsport when it debuted in the 2015 Dakar Rally. Designed to conquer the grueling multi-stage rally raid, which traverses some of the toughest terrains on the planet, the 2008 DKR was engineered as a powerhouse capable of extreme endurance and robust performance. This vehicle not only demonstrated Peugeot's engineering prowess but also its commitment to reclaiming its dominance in one of the most challenging motorsport events in the world.

The Peugeot 2008 DKR was a stark departure from the conventional design of Dakar Rally vehicles. Unlike its predecessors and many of its contemporaries, which typically utilized all-wheel drive, the 2008 DKR was designed as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. This design choice was strategic, exploiting the regulations that allowed rear-wheel-drive vehicles to benefit from larger wheels and reduced weight, thus enabling better handling and speed over sandy sections of the rally.

Under its hood, the Peugeot 2008 DKR boasted a twin-turbocharged diesel engine, which was chosen for its torque-rich performance characteristics essential for the steep and varied landscapes of the Dakar Rally. The engine was capable of producing over 340 horsepower and a staggering 800 Nm of torque. Coupled with a sophisticated suspension system and a lightweight chassis, the 2008 DKR was not just about raw power.

The Peugeot 2008 DKR's debut in the 2015 Dakar Rally was met with high expectations. Although it faced challenges and tough competition, the vehicle showcased its capabilities and provided valuable data that Peugeot used to refine its design for subsequent races. By 2016, the improvements were evident, and the 2008 DKR secured a resounding victory at the Dakar Rally, driven by Stéphane Peterhansel, who clinched his 12th win at the event. This success was not a one-off, as the vehicle continued to dominate by winning again in 2017 with Stéphane Peterhansel and in 2018 with Carlos Sainz at the helm, proving the vehicle’s top-tier status in the world of rally raid racing.

2. Peugeot 205 Turbo 16

Why Is This The Best Peugeot Race Car?

The small 205 was the perfect fit for the extreme Group B rally series. Small, agile and fast it shook the rally world in 1984 when it burst onto the scene by winning three of the final four rounds. The T16 ended up winning two drivers titles and two constructors titles.

The Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, introduced in the early 1980s, stands as a legend in the world of rally racing, particularly within the infamous Group B category. This era of rallying is often celebrated for its wild, powerful cars and the almost unrestricted innovations in automotive technology. Peugeot's entry into this competitive field not only changed its fortunes in motorsport but also left an indelible mark on the history of rally racing.

The Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 was developed as part of Peugeot's strategy to enhance its brand image through motorsport success. Launched in 1984, it was based on the compact Peugeot 205 model, which was popular among the general public. However, the Turbo 16 variant was a different beast altogether, designed specifically to comply with the Group B regulations, which required manufacturers to produce at least 200 road-going versions of their competition cars.

Unlike its front-engined, front-wheel-drive base model, the 205 Turbo 16 featured a radical mid-engine, four-wheel-drive layout. The engine was a powerful 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four, later expanded to 1.9 liters, capable of producing up to 450 horsepower in its later evolution stages. This setup provided the car with incredible power and balanced weight distribution, crucial for handling the diverse and challenging rally stages.

The Peugeot 205 Turbo 16's entry into the World Rally Championship (WRC) came at a time when the competition was fierce, with rivals like Audi's Quattro, Lancia's Delta S4, and Ford's RS200. However, it didn't take long for the 205 Turbo 16 to establish its dominance. In 1985, its first full season, Peugeot clinched the Manufacturers' Championship, and Finnish driver Timo Salonen secured the Drivers' Championship.

The success continued in 1986, with Peugeot and its star driver, Juha Kankkunen, repeating the triumph by winning both the Manufacturers' and Drivers' titles again. The car's agility, power, and reliability were unmatched, enabling it to excel on all surfaces, from the gravel roads of the Acropolis Rally to the snow and ice of the Swedish Rally.

3. Peugeot 206 WRC

Why Is This The Best Peugeot Race Car?

In 1999 Peugeot came back to the World Rally Championship with the same formula that made it successful in the early days – small, agile and powerful cars. It worked. The Peugeot 206 WRC turned Marcus Gronholm into a two time champion in 2000 and 2002.

Introduced to the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1999, the Peugeot 206 WRC quickly became one of the most successful rally cars of its era. As the successor to the legendary Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, the 206 WRC had big shoes to fill, and it rose to the challenge spectacularly. Over its competitive years, the car captured multiple championships and solidified Peugeot's reputation as a dominant force in the world of rally racing.

The Peugeot 206 WRC was developed to meet the specifications of the WRC's less extreme post-Group B regulations, focusing on reliability, agility, and efficiency. The car was based on the compact Peugeot 206 street car but was extensively modified for rally performance. It featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing about 300 horsepower, coupled with a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system to handle the diverse and challenging terrains of the WRC circuit.

Significant attention was given to the aerodynamics and weight distribution of the car to optimize performance on both gravel and asphalt stages. Lightweight materials were used extensively throughout the vehicle, and the interior was stripped down to the essentials for competition use, focusing on maximizing speed and maneuverability.

The Peugeot 206 WRC made its debut in the 1999 Tour de Corse, where it showed promising performance. The real breakthrough came in the 2000 season when the 206 WRC won the Manufacturers' Championship, a feat it repeated in 2001 and 2002. This period of dominance was highlighted by several memorable victories across varied and demanding rally stages around the world.

The car's agility and power made it particularly adept at handling tight and twisty rally stages, giving its drivers an edge in the more technical sections of the races. Marcus Grönholm, driving for Peugeot, won the Drivers' Championship in 2000 and 2002, becoming one of the most successful drivers in the history of WRC. His skill, combined with the 206 WRC’s capabilities, created a formidable team that was tough to beat.

4. Peugeot 405 Turbo 16 Pikes Peak

Why Is This The Best Peugeot Race Car?

The most extreme version of the 405 Turbo 16 had 600+ hp, four wheel steering and a massive rear wing – perfect for dominating the Dakar Rally and Pikes Peak. The car won Pike Peak in 1988 and 1989.

One of the most famous hillclimb cars in Pikes Peak history is the Peugeot 405 T16 driven by Ari Vatanen to record-winning time of 10:47:77.

This 405 was unique at the the time because of its four wheel steering a feature never before done in a rally or hillclimb car. It was based off the earlier 1987 Peugeot 205 T16 Pikes Peak which was too short for long, open hillclimbs.

The engineers with Peugeot used a carbon-kevlar version of the 405’s body overtop of a completely new chassis that made of sheet steel and tubular steel. The engine sat very low infront of the right rear wheel with the turbo charger on the opposite side.

The Grand Raid version of the car was originally built for the Paris-Dakar Rally and was modified with a huge rear wing and rear-wheel steering for its mountain-climb duty.

After it’s incredible debut at Pike Peak, Peugeot again returned and won the event outright in 1989 with driver Robby Unser.

5. Peugeot 208 T17 Pikes Peak

Why Is This The Best Peugeot Race Car?

After taking time off from Pikes Peak, the fine folks at Peugeot decided to come back in 2014. They didn’t mess around. With Sebastien Loeb behind the wheel, the 850hp Peugeot 208 T17 destroyed the course record, setting an 8 min 13 sec time that many believe will stay a record for a long time.

The Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak represents one of the most astonishing achievements in the world of motorsport, particularly in the realm of hill climb events. Built specifically for the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, this car not only shattered the existing record but also showcased the pinnacle of engineering and driver skill, spearheaded by nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb.

The Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak was designed with one goal in mind: to conquer the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, one of the most demanding and dangerous racing events in the world. Based on the compact Peugeot 208, the T16 variant was a beast of a different nature, embodying extreme power and aerodynamic efficiency.

The vehicle was equipped with a mid-engine, four-wheel-drive layout, featuring a 3.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that delivered an astonishing 875 horsepower. Weighing just 875 kilograms, the car achieved a perfect power-to-weight ratio of 1:1, a formula for explosive acceleration and agility. Coupled with a six-speed sequential gearbox, the T16 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.8 seconds.

Sébastien Loeb's run at the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was nothing short of historic. On June 30, 2013, Loeb and the 208 T16 ascended the 12.42-mile course, which includes 156 turns and climbs over 4,720 feet, in a record time of 8 minutes and 13.878 seconds. This time smashed the previous record by over a minute and a half, an eternity in motorsport.

The combination of Loeb's exceptional driving skills and the 208 T16's groundbreaking design led to a performance that was both stunning and unprecedented. Loeb's run became an instant legend in motorsport, celebrated for its precision and the sheer audacity of its execution.

The car marked a triumphant return for Peugeot to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, echoing the success of the 405 Turbo 16 driven by Ari Vatanen and Robbie Unser in the late 1980s. The 208 T16's record-breaking run reinvigorated interest in hill climb competitions and established new benchmarks for performance and engineering.

6. Peugeot 905

Why Is This The Best Peugeot Race Car?

After leaving rallying in the late 1980s, Peugeot tried their hand at Le Mans 24 Hours. The Peugeot 905 had a V10 engine and easily won the event in 1992 and 1993. Winning over 50% of the races it entered, this car showed that Peugeot was more than a hot hatch and rally automaker.

The Peugeot 905, introduced to the world of sports car racing in the early 1990s, is one of Peugeot's most celebrated achievements in motorsport. Designed for the World Sportscar Championship and specifically for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 905 showcased Peugeot's commitment to innovation and its prowess in endurance racing. This car not only triumphed in numerous races but also marked Peugeot's dominance in one of the most challenging racing disciplines.

The Peugeot 905 was developed to compete under the new regulations introduced by the FIA for the World Sportscar Championship. It featured a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, which provided a lightweight yet highly durable frame, essential for the rigors of endurance racing. The heart of the 905 was its powerful 3.5-liter V10 engine, capable of producing upwards of 650 horsepower. This engine was designed for both performance and reliability over the extended durations of endurance race conditions.

The Peugeot 905's debut in 1990 showed promise, but it was the 1991 and 1992 seasons that truly defined its legacy. In 1991, the 905 began to show its potential, achieving pole positions and competing strongly in various races throughout the season. However, it was in 1992 that the 905 reached the pinnacle of its performance.

At the 1992 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Peugeot 905 secured a resounding victory, finishing first and third, demonstrating not only speed but also the reliability required in endurance racing. This victory was a result of continuous development and refinement of the car, addressing reliability issues that had plagued its earlier outings.

In 1993, Peugeot continued its dominance in the World Sportscar Championship. The 905 won the team and drivers' championships, culminating in another spectacular performance at Le Mans, where Peugeot took the top three positions, a testament to their mastery in endurance racing.

7. Peugeot 908 HDi FAP

Why Is This The Best Peugeot Race Car?

When Peugeot re-entered the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2007 it had been dominated by Audi for several years. Peugeot entered with a diesel-powered monster called the Peugeot 908. In 2009 it won the Le Mans 24 Hours with a one-two finish.

The Peugeot 908 HDi FAP, introduced in the mid-2000s, marked a significant chapter in the history of endurance racing. Built to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans and other events in the Le Mans Series, the 908 HDi FAP showcased Peugeot's innovative approach to racing with its advanced diesel technology, demonstrating that diesel engines could compete at the highest levels of motorsport.

Launched in 2007, the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP was designed to comply with the new regulations of the Le Mans Prototype (LMP) class, which encouraged the use of diesel engines. This shift was partly driven by the success of Audi's diesel-powered racers, prompting Peugeot to explore the advantages of diesel technology, notably its fuel efficiency and high torque output.

The 908 featured a 5.5-liter V12 twin-turbo diesel engine, capable of producing upwards of 700 horsepower and a massive 1,200 Nm of torque. This engine was not only powerful but also more fuel-efficient, providing a strategic advantage in endurance races where fuel stops could determine the outcome.

The Peugeot 908 HDi FAP's debut season in 2007 was promising, with several wins in the Le Mans Series. However, its most notable performance came at the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it finished second, narrowly missing the top spot in a dramatic and closely contested race.

In 2009, the 908 HDi FAP achieved its greatest triumph by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This victory was a testament to the car's design and Peugeot's strategy, emphasizing the efficiency and reliability of its diesel engine. The win was also significant as it demonstrated the viability of diesel technology in a domain traditionally dominated by gasoline engines.

Peugeot continued to compete with the 908 HDi FAP in the following years, accumulating more victories and podium finishes in the Le Mans Series and at Le Mans, consistently proving itself against fierce competition, particularly from Audi's diesel-powered racers.

8. Peugeot L76 (1913 - 1919)

Why Is This The Best Peugeot Race Car?

The revolutionary L76 series (and its variations) won the 1912–1913 French Grand Prix, and the Indianapolis 500 and the US Grand Prix in 1913, 1916 and 1919.

The 1912 Peugeot L76 Grand Prix stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of automotive history. As one of the earliest examples of advanced engineering in race cars, the L76 not only competed but also set new standards in the burgeoning world of motorsport. Its innovations in engine design and performance characteristics would influence race car development for decades to come.

Developed by Peugeot for the Grand Prix racing scene, the L76 was notable for its technological advancements. The car featured a 7.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which was revolutionary at the time for its use of dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder—a configuration that would not become standard in the automotive industry until many years later. This setup allowed the L76 to achieve higher RPMs and more efficient airflow, increasing both power and performance.

Additionally, the L76 introduced a hemispherical combustion chamber, another forward-thinking feature that improved fuel combustion efficiency, contributing to the engine's overall power output. With these innovations, the Peugeot L76 could produce about 148 horsepower, a remarkable figure for its era.

The Peugeot L76's debut at the 1912 French Grand Prix at Dieppe marked a significant moment in motorsport history. The race was one of the most grueling competitions of the time, featuring a challenging mix of road conditions. The L76, driven by Georges Boillot, showcased its superior design and power by winning the race, beating an array of competitors and proving the effectiveness of its mechanical innovations.

This victory was not just a triumph of speed but also of endurance and reliability, highlighting Peugeot's engineering prowess and the L76's advanced design. Boillot's win was a source of national pride and helped to cement Peugeot's reputation as a leading car manufacturer in the early days of automotive racing.

9. Peugeot 208 WRX

Why Is This The Best Peugeot Race Car?

The Peugeot 208 WRX stands as a formidable contender in the world of rallycross, a motorsport combining rally-style racing with circuit racing. Since its debut, the 208 WRX has become synonymous with speed, agility, and durability, proving itself across various international rallycross circuits, particularly in the FIA World Rallycross Championship.

The Peugeot 208 WRX was developed by Peugeot Sport to meet the demanding specifications of World Rallycross racing. Based on the standard Peugeot 208, the WRX version underwent significant modifications to enhance its performance on the short, mixed-surface tracks typical of rallycross events.

The car features a powerful turbocharged engine capable of producing around 600 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 2 seconds. Such explosive acceleration is critical in rallycross, where quick starts and the ability to sprint short distances are essential for success. Additionally, the 208 WRX is equipped with all-wheel drive, providing excellent traction on varied surfaces, from gravel to tarmac.

The Peugeot 208 WRX made its competitive debut in the World Rallycross Championship in the mid-2010s. Its introduction into the series coincided with the sport's rising popularity, and the car quickly became a fan favorite due to its dynamic performance and the exciting driving style it enabled.

Team Peugeot-Hansen, the team running the 208 WRX, achieved considerable success throughout their campaigns. One of the peak moments was in 2015 when the team clinched the Team's Championship, showcasing the car's capabilities and the expertise of drivers like Timmy Hansen and Davy Jeanney. This victory underscored the 208 WRX's design effectiveness and Peugeot Sport's commitment to excellence in motorsport engineering.