Peugeot has built a hardcore racing 308

At the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot will showcase the brand new, much anticipated 308 GTI road car. But there’ll also be this bewinged monster sitting next to it. It’s the 308 Racing Cup, and it’s gunning for a racetrack near you.

So, it’s a racing version of that new 308 GTI developed by Peugeot Sport, and promises an ability to satisfy “even the most exacting and discerning of customers.”

As such, it comes with the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as that GTI, here supported by the same turbocharger used on the monster 208 T16. So it produces more power, to the tune of 308 metric horses, or a hearty 304bhp. Indeed, Peugeot Sport promises that ongoing development work will yield yet more power from the 1.6.

This engine is mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox (with steering-wheel mounted paddles) and allied to the same underpinnings as the road-going 308 GTI, though with a proper FIA roll-cage and beefier, six-pot brakes too. There are also 18in wheels and adjustable suspension, naturally.

No doubt you’ll be drawn to its swollen physique. It’s 106mm wider overall than the standard 308 GTI, packing flared arches, and new front and rear bumpers and a new front splitter for better aero.

Then of course, we swing around to that rear wing, which has apparently taken inspiration directly from the WTCC regulations. It’s also huge. Huge is good.

All in, the 308 Racing Cup weighs between 1,000kg and 1,050kg, and will be available for customer racers from the end of 2016. Peugeot wants it to succeed the RCZ Racing Cup in single-make championships, and series like the VLN, CER in Spain, CITE in Italy, and BGDC in Belgium. Oh, and 24 hour races…

As mentioned, it’ll appear at Frankfurt next month.