External differences:
Dual exhaust pipes, 17” wheels, larger spoiler on the
back, colour coded bumpers and trim.
The engine:
4 cylinder, code EW10 J4S 2.0 16v, 130kW @7000,
torque 202 Nm @ 4750.
It’s fitted with a Mécachrome cylinder head, Variable
intake timing, fly-by-wire, aluminium four pipe intake, 4 to 1 exhaust manifold
into a metallic catalytic converter.
At
2000 rpm, this engine offers a torque of 160 Nm, which represents nearly 80% of
the maximum torque available.
The new engine's intake cam is equipped with Variable
Valve Timing (VVT) whose angular variation can range between 0 and 40 degrees
when compared to the crankshaft. This can be adjusted in one-degree increments
thus allowing an optimal filling of the combustion chambers relative to the
engine speed.
The
compact forged alloy block (AS5) receives cast iron cylinders inserted into the
casting. The cast iron GS
crankshaft has eight counterweights and is very finely balanced to support
engine speeds without vibration - which easily can reach 7300 rpm (redline
cut-off point).
Lightened
flywheel.
The light alloy pistons have two cut outs
avoiding any contact with the intake valves. Base cooling is achieved with an
oil jet.
The
cross flow type cylinder head is made out of stabilised aluminium. It has fork
shaped exhaust ports, which are ported to improve the flow. It also integrates a combustion chamber in
the head, modifications allowing a more optimised liquid cooling for the valve
train.
The
camshaft is equipped with VVT, the variation of the angular setting is managed
by the engine control unit (ECU) according to the temperature of oil, engine
speed and engine load.
Each
combustion chamber (Ø 85 mm) contains four valves, including two intake (Ø 33,5
mm) and two exhaust valves(Ø 28,7 mm). The shafts of these valves are typically
6 mm in diameter.
Each
valve is actuated directly by a hydraulic push rod (Ø 30mm) with automatic play
adjustment.
The angle formed between the intake and exhaust
valves is 47 degrees, the sparkplugs (with a centre-electrode of 26.5 mm) are
positioned in the centre of the combustion chamber. Sparkplug replacement is
recommended every 120 000 km.
The aluminium intake distributor has a Helmholtz
resonator. This distributor runs into four inlet pipes, which are bolted to the
cylinder head.
It receives a pressure pick-up (MAP-sensor), which
informs the ECU on the level of load. Upstream sits a throttle body, which is
controlled electrically by the ECU (fly-by-wire). The ECU provides a phased
sequential injection (Magneti Marelli 6 LP) and monostatic ignition (BBC 4.1).
This is composed of four reels of coils vertically mounted on the spark plugs
and directly managed by the ECU.
The stainless steel exhaust manifold is made up of 4
of collecting tubes, which in turn is combined into one and covered with an
aluminate sheet for thermal protection.
After the manifold (collector), the junction to the
rest of the exhaust is via a flexi-joint, making it possible to decrease the
noise and is made by the GMP/échappement group.
The
exhaust system includes a metal catalytic converter, which can convert 120
gram/ft3, with a capacity of 2l. It is placed under the body, with
an intermediate silencer (capacity 7l) and, finally, across the car under the
trunk into a silencer (muffler) with a capacity of 25l.
The
exhaust ends in a double chrome tip with each pipe measuring a diameter of 50
mm - confirming the sporty character of the 206 RC.
Gearbox:
Cable operated; short ratios except the 1st
gear, for better launch.
The rev limiter (cut-off) sits at 7300rpm.
The four cylinder engine (EW10 J4S) is connected to a
mechanical gear box of type BE4 with 5 ratios identical to that used by the
engine 2.0l EW10 J4 of the 206 GTi. However, to obtain a dynamic pick up out of
turns at fallback speed, (a hair-pin for example), the first ratio was
lengthened and allows to go to 66 kph @ 7 000 rpm.
The clutch, whose mechanism is driven by cable
(hydraulic w/ RHD), has an automatic adjustment and a diameter of 228 mm.
The RC is
equipped with light alloy rims (7x17 ET 28 mm) and is
shod with tires 205/40 R17W, whose rolling circumference is 1,816 mm.
Suspension:
The 206 RC flexes its muscles via exceptional
connections (suspension) to the ground, with great efficiency. This results in
outstanding handling, whilst preserving comfort.
The front has specific adjustments benefiting the
drivability and the stability of trajectory, while latest generation rear
wheel-axle unit, matches the performance of the engine while optimising general
guidance and balance.
Its
rear wheel-axle unit received an additional two ties, which connect the arms to
the crosspiece and as previously implemented on the 206 SW.
The
suspension is complimented with Pirelli P7000 tires of size 205/40 R17 W,
fitted on 7” wide aluminium rims.
Also
fitted is speed sensitive power steering, modulated according to the engine,
which gives the 206 RC a good perception of direction, eg feedback.
The
206 RC is equipped with ESP (dynamic check of stability) of which has the joint
function of anti-spin and corrective handling. It can be disconnected with a
switch on the dashboard.
The brake discs
and the callipers are dimensioned in accordance to the performance and the
endurance expected in this type of sporty version.
As
for handling, the 206 RC is equipped with a suspension particularly adapted to
the performances and the sporting character of this vehicle, without
sacrificing passenger comfort.
Suspensions
specifications:
The
front has pseudo McPherson triangles with an uncoupled anti roll bar of the
size Ø 21 mm, and pressurized hydraulic dampers with 3 bars to fulfil shock
absorber duties.
To maximise
handling and obtain the best from the suspension set-up, the adoption of
Pirelli P7000 tires in associated with a train diagram (modified when compared
to the 206 S16 - caster 5,5 mm ± 1 instead of 2,5 mm) and a stiffening of the
springs (40 mm/100 daN instead of 55 mm/100 daN) brings at the same time
pleasure of control, drivability, and a good stability.
The rear axle
unit is fitted with interdependent drawn arm, which is mated with two torsion
bars Ø 20 mm, an anti-roll bar of Ø 22 mm, and two hydraulic dampers. For
maintaining the guidance of the rear wheel-axle unit and to reduce the steering
induced under transverse forces (which occurs mainly with the new dynamic
performances of the car thanks to its engine and with the increased rigidity of
the tires) the train receives two ties which connect the suspension arms to an
light alloy cover interdependent of the cross-piece.
The Ø 21 mm front
anti roll bar and Ø22 mm rear bar are different from the GTi version to
compensate for the added stiffness related to the springs and to increase
drivability creating a generally balanced vehicle for sporting use. The 206 RC
is fitted with a dynamic stability check (E.S.P.) from TEVES, type MK60. It
allows, in extreme situations and at the limits of physics, to improve the
safety of control in the event of a brutal blown tire or avoidance, while
remaining a real lively pleasure all the time. The function is switched off by
a pushbutton located on the instrument panel on the left of the steering
column. After having disconnected the system, a push on the button or
restarting the engine restores the function.
The steering rack
is equipped with hydraulic assistance, modulated according to the engine speed.
When driving, the driver profits a higher degree of accuracy and a good
feedback, while at lower engine speeds, like parking the car, the assistance is
at its maximum. This assistance decreases gradually and starting from the
engine speed of 3 800 rpm it is stabilized with assistance at its minimal
value.
The brakes are
set up with four discs, the fronts are ventilated and are 283 mm in diameter
and 26 mm in width and two solid disks in the rear which are 247 mm in diameter
and 8 mm in width. They are fitted with single piston callipers with a diameter
of 54 mm on the front and a diameter of 32 mm on the back.
The 206 RC is
equipped with ABS made by TEVES series MK 60 allowing it to gather all the
functions dependent on braking, the control of trajectory (E.S.P.), the
anti-spin (A.S.R.) by the speed sensors fitted at the wheels.
The ABS
guarantees a maximum deceleration where necessary while preserving an excellent
proportioning effort on the pedal at the time of weak and average
decelerations. In the event of strong deceleration (8 m/s2) hazard-warning
lights of the vehicle are automatically activated.
For
proof of the sporting temperament of the 206 RC, the estimated performances are
as follows (only driver on board):
Max
speed: 220 kph + (on a circuit)
1000m
standing start under 28 sec
0-100
under 7.5
Mid
acceleration 80-120 in 5th under 11 sec.
All
of this will add to an easy and pleasant control and nevertheless always
effective.
Interior:
The
bucket seats in the front have holes in the fixed head rest to eventual put a
harness thru, 1/3 2/3 split back seats formed for two rear passengers. The
dials go up to 8000 rpm and 250 kph.
Aluminium
pedals taken from the GTi. 20mm shorter throw of gear level.
OEM in the RC:
·
Full automatic
air-condition
·
A-thermic windscreen
·
Single CD/radio RD3
·
Automatic wipers
·
Automatic headlights
·
Automatic hazard at
strong deceleration
·
A net to fix luggage
in the trunk
·
External
rear view mirrors with electrically fold-back function
·
ESP
·
RPM
depended power steering
Some figures:
Engine type EW10
J4S
Size (cm3) 1997
Power (kW) 130
@ 7000
Torque (Nm) 202
@ 4750
Provisional performance
Max speed 220+
kph
·
1000m
standing start under 28 sec
·
0 – 100 under
7.5
·
Mid
acceleration 80-120 in 5th under 11 sec
Gearbox
·
Type BE4
/ 5 T
·
Final
ratio 19 x 75
(0.2533)
·
Wheels 7
J 17
·
Tyres 205/40
R 17 W
Speed
(at 1000 rpm in kph)
·
1st 9.44
·
2nd
14.76
·
3rd
20.30
·
4th
26.26
·
5th
32.08
Weight
(kg) 1100
Distribution
·
front 707
·
rear 393
Production overview
Launched
in France 10th
of September 1998
Production
start in Mulhouse May 1998
Production
start in Ryton (GB) July 1998
Start
of export to Europe September/November
1998
206
automatic 3/5 door January
1999
206
S16/Gti and Roland Garros May 1999
Start
production in Chili May
1999
Start
production in Poissy October
1999
Start
production in Argentine June 1999
206
Hdi October
1999
Start
production 206 CC in Mulhouse October 2000
Launch
of 206 CC in France December 2000
Start
production in Brazil April
2001
Start
production in Iran April
2001
2
000 000th 206 August
2001
2
500 000th 206 March
2002
Launch
of 206 SW 6th
of June 2002
Total production at the end
of 2002 2,718,167
3 door 1
083 859 (39,9 %)
5 door 1
390 767 (51,2 %)
Coupé Cabriolet 131
005 ( 4,8 %)
SW 12
9538 ( -- %)
Commercial Van 99
583 ( 3,7 %)
Production
per site from January until the end of 2002
Mulhouse 1
800 784
Ryton 730
741
Poissy 730
1 575
Total in Europe 3 260 3 100
Argentine 150
100
Iran 160
Chili 2526
Brazil 3180
Total outside Europe 178 466
Main Total 3
438 3 566
