Peugeot has benefited from the 2012 Paris Motor Show this week to take the wraps off its latest R5-spec rally challenger, the 208 R5, which complies with the new R5 category rules.
The 208 R5 will replace the highly-successful 207 S2000 which helped Kris Meeke win his 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge title, and will compete for the first time during the second half of 2013.
Ford will be following in Peugeot’s footsteps after announcing that they will be developing their own Fiesta-based R5 car as well. Power on the 208 will be transferred to all four wheels via a five-speed sequential gearbox mated to a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine developing 280 horserpower.
The R5 category will inaugurate next year, with the FIA placing a price ceiling of $235,000 for all R5 cars.
