Peugeot 207 Super 2000: A Rally Pedigree
The Peugeot 207 Super 2000 represents a specialized chapter in the history of Peugeot’s motorsport endeavors, specifically designed for the Super 2000 rally category. Introduced in 2006, this high-performance variant of the popular Peugeot 207 hatchback was not a vehicle intended for public roads or mass consumption in markets like the United States. Instead, it was a purpose-built competition machine, engineered to comply with the stringent regulations of the Super 2000 class, which served as a stepping stone to the World Rally Championship (WRC) and a premier category in national and regional rally series across Europe and beyond. Its brief production run in 2006 signifies its role as a homologation model, laying the groundwork for its competitive life.
Developed by Peugeot Sport, the Peugeot 207 Super 2000 embodied the essence of a modern rally car: a compact, lightweight body housing a potent, high-revving naturally aspirated engine, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and a robust chassis designed to withstand the brutal demands of rally stages. While the standard Peugeot 207 was a ubiquitous sight on European streets, offering practical and economical transportation, its Super 2000 counterpart was an entirely different beast, crafted for speed, durability, and agility on gravel, tarmac, and snow. Its impact was felt not in showrooms, but on the special stages of rallies worldwide, where it battled for victories and championships, upholding Peugeot’s long-standing tradition in international rallying.
Engine and Performance of the Peugeot 207 Super 2000 2.0 (280 Hp) 4WD Automatic
At the heart of the Peugeot 207 Super 2000 was a meticulously engineered 2.0-liter (1997 cm3 or 121.86 cu. in.) naturally aspirated inline-four engine. This powertrain was a testament to the Super 2000 regulations, which mandated non-turbocharged engines with a maximum displacement of 2.0 liters. Despite the absence of forced induction, Peugeot Sport engineers extracted an impressive 280 horsepower at a screaming 8500 rpm. This high-revving characteristic is typical of competition engines, designed to deliver peak power at elevated engine speeds, allowing drivers to maintain maximum thrust through corners and straights.
Torque output stood at 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) delivered at 7500 rpm, indicating a broad powerband suitable for rally driving, where precise throttle control and immediate response are paramount. The engine featured a DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for maximum volumetric efficiency. Fuel was supplied via a multi-port manifold injection system, a common and reliable setup for naturally aspirated high-performance engines of its era. The front, transverse engine layout contributed to a balanced weight distribution, crucial for dynamic handling.
Power was transmitted to all four wheels through an advanced all-wheel-drive (4×4) system, providing exceptional traction on diverse surfaces. The data specifies a 6-speed automatic transmission. In the context of rally cars, this typically refers to a highly specialized sequential manual gearbox, which, while not a conventional torque-converter automatic, allows for lightning-fast, clutchless shifts using paddle shifters or a sequential lever. This type of transmission is essential for maintaining momentum and minimizing shift times during intense competition. The combination of its potent engine, efficient drivetrain, and a remarkably low curb weight of 2535.32 lbs (1150 kg) resulted in an outstanding weight-to-power ratio of 4.1 kg/Hp (243.5 Hp/tonne), underscoring its explosive performance capabilities.
Design and Features
The Peugeot 207 Super 2000 retained the basic silhouette of the production 207 hatchback but was heavily modified for its rally duties. The body type remained a 3-door hatchback, but its exterior featured significantly widened fenders to accommodate a broader track and larger wheels, giving it an aggressive, muscular stance. The dimensions reflected its competitive purpose: a length of 158.66 inches, a width of 70.87 inches, and a wheelbase of 100.79 inches, optimized for agility and stability on rally stages.
Inside, the focus was purely on functionality and safety. The standard production car’s interior was stripped out, replaced by a minimalist, competition-spec cockpit. It featured only two seats—specialized racing bucket seats with multi-point harnesses—for the driver and co-driver. A mandatory roll cage was integrated into the chassis, providing structural rigidity and critical occupant protection in the event of an accident. While not explicitly detailed in the provided data, rally cars of this caliber typically include advanced data logging systems, bespoke instrument panels, and rally-specific controls.
Chassis and suspension were paramount for rally performance. The 207 Super 2000 utilized an independent McPherson strut setup at both the front and rear, a robust and tunable configuration common in rally cars, designed to handle extreme loads and varied terrain. The braking system comprised large, ventilated discs on all four wheels, ensuring consistent and powerful stopping performance, crucial for negotiating tight corners at high speeds. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was included, providing an additional layer of control, especially on mixed-surface stages. The vehicle rode on 18-inch wheels, shod with specialized rally tires tailored for different surface conditions. Every aspect of its design, from its aerodynamic elements (not detailed but implied for a competition car) to its reinforced chassis, was meticulously crafted to endure the punishing environment of international rallying.
Technical Specifications: Peugeot 207 Super 2000 2.0 (280 Hp) 4WD Automatic
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 207 |
| Generation | 207 Super 2000 |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 (280 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Production Start | 2006 |
| Production End | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Body Type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.1 kg/Hp, 243.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm, 217.4 Nm/tonne |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 280 Hp @ 8500 rpm |
| Power per liter | 140.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) @ 7500 rpm |
| Engine Layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Displacement | 1997 cm3 (121.86 cu. in.) |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Number of Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel Injection System | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine Aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1150 kg (2535.32 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4030 mm (158.66 in.) |
| Width | 1800 mm (70.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2560 mm (100.79 in.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specs | |
| Drive Wheel | All-wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of Gears and Gearbox Type | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front Suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear Suspension | McPherson |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting Systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Wheel Rims Size | 18 inches |
Legacy and Market Impact of the Peugeot 207 Super 2000
The Peugeot 207 Super 2000 carved out a significant legacy in the world of international rallying. As a Super 2000 class competitor, it was designed to be a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive and complex World Rally Cars. The Super 2000 regulations fostered a highly competitive environment, attracting numerous manufacturers and privateer teams. Peugeot’s entry with the 207 Super 2000 quickly established itself as a formidable contender.
Its primary market impact was within the European Rally Championship (ERC), Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), and various national championships. The 207 Super 2000 faced stiff competition from rivals such as the Fiat Punto S2000, Skoda Fabia S2000, Ford Fiesta S2000, and Volkswagen Polo S2000. Despite this strong field, the Peugeot 207 Super 2000 enjoyed considerable success, securing numerous victories and helping drivers clinch titles. Its reliability, robust chassis, and potent naturally aspirated engine made it a favorite among both factory-backed and privateer teams.
The car’s success further cemented Peugeot’s reputation as a dominant force in rallying, a heritage stretching back decades with iconic models like the 205 T16 and 306 Maxi. While never sold to the general public, the 207 Super 2000 played a crucial role in showcasing Peugeot’s engineering prowess and commitment to motorsport. It provided a platform for aspiring rally drivers to compete at a high level and served as an exciting spectacle for rally fans worldwide. Its development and competitive life contributed to the evolution of rally car technology, influencing subsequent generations of competition vehicles. Today, the Peugeot 207 Super 2000 is remembered as a successful and influential rally machine, emblematic of an era when naturally aspirated engines and high-revving performance defined a significant segment of international rallying.
