Press release:
THE NEW 307 WRC – A NEW ERA OF SPORTING SUCCESS
The 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show will mark an important moment for Peugeot Sport, as it announces the arrival of its 2004 World Rally Championship contender: the 307 WRC.
Based on the 307 CC, the 307 WRC is Peugeot’s new weapon in the highly competitive, premier rally class. The 307 WRC’s challenge is to replace the ultra-successful 206 WRC car – a motorsport legend that has dominated the scene in recent years and taken Peugeot to three consecutive titles.
The new 307 WRC car has been designed and built in the greatest secrecy at the Vélizy motorsport plant. From design sketches to initial development tests, nearly 400 working days were needed by a dedicated team to bring the project to life.
A rally car boasting a number of innovations
The Peugeot 307 WRC features a number of technical innovations. The gearbox – a Hewland 5-speed – sits transversely coupled to the rear of the engine, unlike the longitudinal mounting on the 206 WRC. Another new feature is the use of the ‘XU7JP4’ engine block. This all-aluminium unit 2.0-litre engine – which is the basis of the 406 1.8 litre production engine – replaces the XU9J4 that powers the 206 WRC car. It develops a maximum power of around 300 bhp at 5,250 rpm with torque of 530 Nm at 3,500 rpm.
Total commitment from Peugeot and all its partners
The new 307 WRC programme represents an exciting challenge. Peugeot can rely on total commitment from its partners who, by associating their image with the marque’s already legendary competitive record, are working with the Marlboro Peugeot Total Team to accept the ultimate challenge – winning new titles to add to those obtained in 1984, 1985, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
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Comparative dimensions of the 206 WRC and 307 WRC
Dimensions Length Width Wheelbase Weight
206 WRC 4.005 m 1.770 m 2.468 m 1230 kg
307 WRC 4.344 m 1.770 m 2.610 m 1230 kg