28-09-2006
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.
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.
Text and photos courtesy of Automobiles Peugeot
