Peugeot’s RCZ Vision concept brings back the coupé’s name with a 500hp solid-state electric drivetrain, steer-by-wire and an early look at the brand’s next design language.
Peugeot has brought back the RCZ name, though not yet as a car you can buy. The RCZ Vision is a concept, which the brand calls a manifesto. It previews the design, cabin and electric hardware Peugeot plans for future models.
The original RCZ coupé ran from 2009 to 2015. According to Peugeot, it has since become a collector’s item. The Vision keeps its low stance and double-bubble roof, but the technology underneath is all new.
Solid-State Promise, With Caveats
Peugeot quotes 500hp and up to 600km of range. Factorial Energy helped develop the solid-state cells. The pack is only 110mm thick, which helps the body sit so low.
Peugeot says the 1,000V architecture allows a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 10 minutes. Its target of 11.5kWh/100km on the WLTP combined cycle is still to be confirmed. These are claims for a concept, not tested production figures.
The car uses an architecture based on Stellantis’ STLA One platform, which was designed with by-wire systems in mind.
No Mechanical Link to the Wheels
The RCZ Vision pairs Peugeot’s Hypersquare steering control with steer-by-wire, so nothing mechanical connects it to the wheels. The steering ratio changes with speed. As a result, the control turns slightly less than one full turn at most, compared with about three for a normal steering wheel.
It is also the first Peugeot with brake-by-wire, which replaces the hydraulic link with electronic control. Peugeot claims this gives finer control and smoother regenerative braking. Hands-free Level 2++ driving is available on demand.
Notably, this car uses the production version of Hypersquare that will go into the next-generation E-208. That part of the concept, at least, is very real.
A Screen Designed to Disappear
The i-Cockpit gets transparent Micro LED displays. One sits above Hypersquare and shows driving information. A floating vertical screen handles infotainment and navigation. You can switch the central display off completely, and then it all but vanishes. In an industry hooked on ever-bigger panels, that’s refreshing.
Elsewhere, the air vents retract into the dashboard when not in use. Physical aluminium controls sit on a frosted-glass console, and French watchmaker Serica supplies the dashboard clock. The four seats are trimmed in Alcantara and Pelinova, a material made from recycled leather offcuts. Peugeot says two adults fit in the back.
Feline Future Takes Shape
Outside, the concept introduces the “Feline Future” design language that will shape upcoming Peugeots. The brand’s three-claw lights become ultra-slim horizontal bars. Like the original RCZ, it has an active rear spoiler that stays hidden until the car moves.
The glass bubble now runs from bonnet to tail. The forged wheels measure 21 inches at the front and 22 at the rear, with small triangular details borrowed from the first RCZ.
Where the Real News Sits
Set the manifesto language aside and two things stand out. The design hints at Peugeot’s next look, and the hardware shows what it plans to build. Hypersquare is already confirmed for the next E-208, so the new steering will reach showrooms well before any coupé does.
