Peugeot brings two iconic vehicles at the first-ever Targa Manila Rally
CELEBRITIES, influencers, car enthusiasts, members of the automotive media, and loyal Peugeot customers competed last September 24 for the coveted title of Champion in the firstever Targa Manila Rally powered by Peugeot Philippines. Organized by Tuason Racing, the 2016 Targa Manila is Peugeot Philippines’ first venture into the local motorsports scene. “Peugeot is synonymous with motorsports excellence, that is why we have decided to showcase our rallying and racing heritage through this event,” said Glen Dasig, president of Peugeot Philippines. “Tuason Racing gave us the perfect opportunity to get this message across,” he added.
Following a Time- SpeedDistance format, the Targa Manila Rally put 24 teams in a battle of wits, performance, and strategy. There were also three special activities the teams needed to complete in order for them to proceed to the finish line. Two categories were made for the competition: seven Peugeot 208 GTi’s and two Peugeot RCZ’s made up the Peugeot division while the remaining teams made up the Supercar division. “The Peugeot 208 GTi and RCZ are the models that best showcase our motorsports ambition and flair for cuttingedge design, which is why we have selected these two for the event,” said Karen Carvajal, Marketing Director of Peugeot Philippines.
THE SPIRIT OF MOTORSPORTS – THE PEUGEOT 208 GTI
Sporty, stylish, and equipped with the latest technology, the Peugeot 208 GTi succeeds the legendary 205 GTi and revives the GTi badge for a new generation of passionate car enthusiasts. Designed to evoke the passion for motorsports, the Peugeot 208 GTi boasts of a unique version of the iCockpit, intuitive controls, and a powerful engine, ensuring an intense performance and a deeper connection to the road.
At the heart of the Peugeot 208 GTi is a 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine delivering 200hp and 275Nm of torque with a reworked exhaust line. This makes the Peugeot 208 GTi truly designed for performance. Combined with a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox, the engine makes optimal use of the chassis’ capacities and takes full advantage of the sporting character that made the GTi badge such a success. The Peugeot 208 GTi also weighs at just 1,160kg, resulting to an excellent power-to-weight ratio of 5.8hp/kg.
“With its striking appearance and powerful performance, the Peugeot 208 GTi continues the legacy of the 205 GTi,” Carvajal said. “It truly defines the hot hatch for the new generation,” she added.
TAKING DESIGN TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL – THE PEUGEOT RCZ
Sharing the spotlight with the Peugeot 208 GTi is the Peugeot RCZ – a unique model that redefined sporty coupe design. Starting as a concept vehicle, the production model Peugeot RCZ retained much of its features during its conceptualization. A famous example of this is the ‘double-bubble’ roof design. “The distinctive ‘double-bubble’ roof is unlike anything the automotive industry has seen before,” Carvajal said. “Which is why the Peugeot RCZ has been lauded numerous times during its lifetime and has been regarded as one of the most iconic Peugeot vehicles ever produced,” she added.