Development of the competition versions of the Peugeot 208 has been in operation since the car was announced in 2011, and the first version to be released is the R2 which will provide a glimpse of its potential at next week’s Tour de Corse (May 10-12) in France. Two other motor sport derivatives of the 208 will see the light of day before the end of 2012, beginning with the circuit version which features a specification very similar to that of the R2. The circuit version will be followed by the eagerly-awaited 208 which complies with the FIA’s R5 regulations and which will go on to take over from the successful 207 Super 2000 rally car at national and international level. It is due to be unveiled in September.

“With the 208, Peugeot has given itself the means to create a new motoring icon,” noted Peugeot’s Range Director Laurent Blanchet at the model’s launch. “The 208 carries over the successful spirit of the 205 and the 206, plus the functionality of the 207 in a thoroughly modern package,” added Xavier Peugeot, the brand’s product director. Through the livery of the R2, Peugeot’s stylists have sought to mark the launch of the 208’s competition line-up by highlighting the model’s emotional appeal and resolutely modern lines.

The 208 R2 will appear in this livery when it serves as ‘zero’ car for next week’s Tour de Corse (May 10-12), the fourth round of the 2012 Intercontinental Rallye Challenge. Regular Peugeot Sport driver Stéphane Sarrazin and co-driver Benjamin Veillas will drive the hot hatch ahead of the field at the French event before staying on in Corsica for a week of testing after the rally.