•In 2015, the Peugeot RCZ was retired, but the name made a surprise return in 2026 with the new concept car. The RCZ Vision, which offers a prediction of where the brand’s performance cars will go, retains its classic coupe identity while no longer featuring an internal combustion unit in the engine bay. It was expected that the RCZ, which the brand put out of business without a successor in 2015, would remain a footnote in the history of this beloved but not very popular coupé. Now, the name has made a surprise return in the form of the RCZ Vision concept. The electric coupé from the Peugeot brand is based on the new generation ‘STLA One’ architecture that Stellantis unveiled earlier this year. Like the original car, it has a double-bubble roof, but the windows on the concept car extend from the top of the hood to the back of the car with its typical showy interpretation. The interior of the car is probably the most relevant part for future production vehicles. A rectangular control device with thumb grips instead of a steering wheel, the Hypersquare, is located here. In vehicles with such a device, the steering mechanism cannot work with the traditional steering system; therefore, the RCZ Vision has a steer-by-wire (electronic steering) system that eliminates the physical connection. It is stated that this variable-rate system requires less than a full turn to achieve full lock at low speeds, and the ratio decreases at high speeds. Peugeot also claims that the technology filters out unwanted vibrations caused by imperfections on the road surface and provides noticeable driving comfort under all conditions.
Unlike the production RCZ, the model with the small rear seats offers much more generous space for passengers in the back. The rear bench can accommodate two adults or fold flat for more luggage space. There is no bet that the new RCZ will go into production. Instead, the focus seems to be on a broader Peugeot performance vehicle preview, which is expected to be featured in the next E-208 GTI.
