Autoblog

Click above to view the 1,000,000th Peugeot 207 in high resolution

It has only been two years since Peugeot introduced the 207, and already the French automaker has produced over 1 million examples of the new car. The car hit the market in April 2006 with the three- and five-door hatchbacks, and has since rolled out in convertible, wagon and several sport models.

Last year alone Peugeot sold half a million new 207s, which are manufactured at three plants across Europe – in France, Slovakia and Spain – with a combined rate of 2,500 vehicles per day. In a segment crowded with over 70 different models, the 207 has emerged as the market leader. Its "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" success has been driven in part by the double Intercontinental Rally Challenge titles that the 207 Super 2000 took last year, mirroring its big brother 908 HDi's success in Le Mans racing.

[Source: Peugeot]

Peugeot has revealed its new rally car, the 207 Super 2000.

The 207 RCup concept at last March's Geneva Motor Show hinted at what was coming, and now that the initial development phase is complete, Peugeot has decided to show it off and reveal the tech specs. Appearance-wise, it's an aggressive little package, with its wide body, rooftop intake, and top-mounted rear wing.

Underhood, there's some giddyup to back up the looks. Powered by a 1998cc  four-cylinder, the Super 2000 generates 280 horsepower without the use of any forced induction. A six-speed sequential gearbox sends it to all four wheels. The Super 2000 engine is based on the one found in the company's 206 GTi 180 model, but  is tuned to produce an additional 100 ponies.

The car is still under development and additional tweaks will likely be made as they perfect its dynamics. Once finalized, privateer teams will be able to purchase and campaign their own 207 Super 2000s.  This, incidentally, is why the car's engine does not use turbocharging to generate more power. Super 2000 regulations (we're talking about the rally class, now) prohibit the forced induction systems and other electronic trickery found in the WRC.  Doing so makes the cars  less expensive to operate and maintain, making the idea of fielding a team far more palatable to individuals looking to get into the game.

Thanks to Peugeot's Ian Sedgwick for the clarification regarding the nature of the engine.
 
(Release, tech specs after the jump)

[Source: Peugeot]