There isn't much we could add to the owners statement regarding the car below, but if you want nothing more than the best chariot from which to display the flowing chest hair peeking from behind your open Hawaiian shirt, there's probably no finer example of this car available. At least not at the reserve price.

[eBay Listing]

In fact, the RCZ is so emotional it's the first Peugeot to ditch the cold, calculating zero-based three- or four-digit numerical naming convention in favor of three far more passionate letters. We kid, because we actually dig the exaggerated flowing-ness of the body, it transforms a car that shares its size, shape and purpose with the teutonically efficient Audi TT into something that's, well, French.

Sales are scheduled to start Spring 2010. Look for Peugeot's usual range of small gasoline and even diesel engines, but don't look forward to seeing it in America. The RCZ is expected to surrender fully to journalists in Frankfurt in September.

In September 2007, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot unveiled a concept car which was the talk of the show: the 308 RCZ.

The exceptional levels of interest expressed at the show convinced Peugeot that they had to turn this concept car into a commercial reality. However, in doing so, the transformation from dream to reality would require real determination, daring and a lot of inventiveness.

Peugeot's stylists and engineers worked together to ensure that the final production vehicle was fully in keeping with the expectations created by the exterior styling of the concept car.

The first wish had always been to keep the purity of the original concept's styling, but also to ensure that the car would drive as well as it looks. In fact, some very ambitious targets were set in terms of driving dynamics and build quality, in order to give the car its own extremely strong identity.

The objective behind this compact 2+2 Coupé is for it to become an exclusive vehicle, full of emotion, aimed at enthusiasts who are particularly discerning with regards to driving enjoyment.

The choice of the name, RCZ, symbolises this special and unique position within the Peugeot range, as it is the first car which does not use the usual zero or double zero numbering system.

The RCZ, therefore, becomes an illustration of all of Peugeot's key values; values which move with the times but are still pure and always in keeping with today.

The final challenge faced by the project team was to complete the development of this new vehicle in a particularly short period of time. This was achieved as, just two years after the concept car was first shown, the RCZ will be revealed for the first time to the public in its final form at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The RCZ will go on sale in Spring 2010.

Can you get a Ferrari project for just $5,500? As anyone who has gone car shopping on any Craigslist site from Florida to Texas for the last year can tell you: Yes, you sure can! I've been running across the infamous Eddy, Texas Ferrari (go here if the ad disappears) for as long as I've been doing Project Car Hell, because the seller just won't give up! Many readers have sent in tips on this one, and now- finally!- I'm using it. So, why can't the seller unload this genuine Ferrari 308 for even as much as a Fiero-based "Ferrari" sells for? Sad to say, this car has been "toasted." Actually, I'd say "damn near completely consumed by flames" would be a more accurate statement, but enough of the hair-splitting- this is a Ferrari for $5,500! It has an engine and transmission and at least three genuine Ferrari wheels. This project is not impossible! Yes, it needs a few parts, but think of it this way: from the very moment it clanks onto your driveway, you're a Ferrari owner (and that moment will be the last happy one you spend with your new project for many, many years).

Burned Ferrari sitting in a Texas field? Is there anything in the same price range that can compete? How about that mighty British Malaise Warrior, the Lotus Esprit? Say, one for the exact same price as the Ferrari? Not possible, you say? Check out this 1980 Lotus Esprit, (go here if the ad disappears) located in the profoundly iron-oxide-friendly state of Delaware. The wing! The stripes! The V8 engine "not in car" (and maybe not even included in the deal)! The seller describes it as "awlsome," which we're assuming is not a typo; you'll feel as though an awl is being hammered into your skull every time you try to make this car drive. The body is in "great" shape and the interior is "good," so you'll be able to concentrate on all the mechanical components in need of work (i.e., all of them). Oh, and the electricals; go ahead and console yourself that Lotus was not a British Leyland company, but the Prince of Darkness had a hand in there somewhere.

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The last time we had a Ferrari in this series, it lost the vote to a Maserati. Today we'll be giving one of Enzo's machines another shot at a Project Car Hell victory, with this 1975 Ferrari 308GT4, currently bid up to just over two grand and with an unknown reserve price. Some prospective buyers might feel intimidated by the fact that this car has fire damage, but don't let that put you off- the seller wants you to know that it was really just "a very light engine fire." See? Very light! Not a treetop-height roaring conflagration at all! No problem! You won't need to worry about the engine being damaged from the fire, because it's gone... along with most of the front body. So just find some front body parts (the seller will include a left headlight assembly and a "repairable" hood), a new drivetrain (think of the possibilities!), fix everything destroyed by that light fire... hey, it will all be worth it!

You know a car is cool when Robert Johnson writes a song about it... and you know it's a Hell Project when it burned up in a shop fire. So whatcha do is buy this 1936 Hudson Terraplane, which has no reserve price and is currently sitting at a one cent bid! Then you wait for a full moon and take your toolbox to a deserted crossroads at the edge of town, where you'll have the opportunity to sell your soul in exchange for the ability to fix your new car. See how easy it can be? And hey, maybe you won't even need any Beelzebublian assistance with this project, since the seller offers the very reassuring bit of info that this Terraplane was "farther from the side that burned the worst" during the fire. Maybe you can get the engine that's already in it to work, or maybe you put together a 6-71-huffing AMC 401 for it (AMC, after all, being the descendant of the Hudson Motor Car Company), clearcoat the burned-up paint, and have yourself the meanest-looking Hudson on the planet!

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See the car in the video above? That could be you behind the wheel, and all you need to get started is $2,500! Whoa, that must be a typo, right? Two-and-a-half grand for a Ferrari 365? I'm crapping you negative here, folks; just take a squint at this here genuine 1969 Ferrari 365 (go here if the ad disappears) and tell me you can't afford a vintage Ferrari! Now, don't think you can hop right in this car and roar off in a cloud of V12 noise and glory, because there's no V12. Matter of fact, there's no car in front of the firewall. You'll need to chase down a few bits and pieces here and there, no way around it. You could track down genuine Ferrari stuff, but that wouldn't be in keeping with the Cheap Ferrari theme; why not just graft on the front part of a Fiero chassis, then install Fierrari kit-car body parts on the front? For the engine, why, there's no rule that says you need a Ferrari V12, is there? For just a grand, you could grab this 5-liter BMW V12, which is bigger and more powerful than the original engine anyway. See, a little TLC and some backyard ingenuity and you'll have your 365 on the road in no time!

Now, it's going to be tough to resist a classic Ferrari at a price like that. That's why you need a deal with a sweetener thrown in. Say, this 1985 Ferrari 308GTS and 1994 Lotus Esprit 2-for-1 combo (go here if the ad disappears), with a price tag well below Fierrari (or even Fieroborghini) levels. Yes, just $6,800 for both cars, folks! That way you can start work on the Lotus as soon as you're done with the Ferrari- hey, how long could that take? The seller's photographs convey the gist of what you're getting with the Esprit (which lacks a drivetrain), but for some reason he or she decided to photograph only 3% of the surface area of the Ferrari (and some ominously trashed-looking surface area at that). We do know that the 308 needs "work and a windshield," but you can probably assume there's an engine of some sort included in the deal (perhaps some or all of the rods are still attached to the crank, rather than lying in the bottom of the oil pan). Oh, and they have no titles (but we're sure the DMV will be quite understanding about helping you out with the paperwork on a pair of the most notorious coke-dealer cars ever sold).

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In 1983 four Group B 308s were developed and they weren't that much different from the road cars. The initial car featured a 288 hp 2-valve engine, while the subsequent three cars all had 310 hp QV 4-valve mills. Extra-harsh rose-joint suspension bits were fitted to all four corners as well as Brembo brakes. The Group B 308s were about 70 pounds heavier than the standard cars, but that didn't stop them from snatching up two first place and two second place finishes in the 1983 campaign. Of course 1983 was the year before the Killer Bs went totally bat guano (never forget — 0-60 mph in less than two seconds!). Ferrari would need something else to compete. Something with the GTO moniker perhaps. Still, as Davey pointed out to me, "Trump." This round Johnson, this round. [qv500.com]

The reason they believe this will all happen is that the new head of Peugeot, Christian Sterrif, is a confident person and his decisions will reflect that confidence. Let's hope he's as sure of himself as the Europeans claim, for we'd love to see this take on the TT. [MotorLegend via World Car Fans]

Cars, drivers, and personal grudges considered, if it weren't for the garbage truck,who would have won the Against All Odds race?

James Woods in 308 vs Jeff Bridges in 911 (note that Jalopnik does not condone street racing or exceeding of posted limits, and reminds you that this is a movie, kids)

• Tom Selleck pulled a lot of tail back in the day, and it wasn't the chest hair. Trust us.
• No one will ever accuse you of being a snob.
• Excellent gas mileage, as 308s are relatively light. Also they don't move much.

Ferrari 308 GTB Cons:

• Locked in an eternal, 3-way cage match with the Mondial and 348 for the title of "Worst Ferrari, Ever."
• No one will ever accuse you of having taste.
• Someone will accuse you of having gonorrhea.

• No one can put you on a particular STD. You could have anything.
• From certain angles the Jalpa may be mistaken for a Lotus Esprit.
• A real conversation piece. Especially with mechanics.

• You'll get sick of hearing, "Dude, what'd you do to your Pantera?"
• While the Jalpa is in fact a Lamborghini, no one knows its a Lamborghini. Or will believe you when you tell them it's a Lamborghini.
• All these years later, the Jalpa still screams, "Desperate!"

The 308 RC Z concept car is a new Peugeot interpretation of driving pleasure. The car is a 2+2 coupé, with true versatility and at the same time a style that is modern, original and well-balanced.

Attention initially focused on making the vehicle as light as possible by the use of numerous aluminium components, for example the two roll over protection bars that separate the passenger compartment and give shape to the exterior styling, and the use of a polycarbonate rear windscreen and a large number of carbon fibre body parts.

Exterior styling

The particularly stylish design of the front of the 308 blends brilliantly with the proportions of this concept car.
The Peugeot "Lion" badge is mounted to what can truthfully be called the 'nose of the bonnet'.
From here, the style lines flow upwards back over the bonnet and into the two polished aluminium roll-over protections bars. This flowing profile gives the vehicle its shape and creates an impression of movement in all positions.

Visually, the fluidity of the design is further enhanced by the way the large tinted front windscreen, the carbon fibre roof panel and the polycarbonate tinted rear window are combined together.
The "feline-like" front headlights extend along the line of the bonnet. They contain four cylindrical lights each which create a bright and piercing beam of light. These "cylindrical lights" are clearly visible due to the clear glass headlamp lenses.

The lower front panel differs from that of the 308 hatchback. It has a sharper and sportier shape with a single air intake and integral front fog lamps, while the front grille features chrome detailing.

From the side, the vehicle displays a strong profi le with its prominent front wings, deeply sculpted sides, and particularly generous rear wings. The doors raise the visual profi le, creating a link between the sloping front design and the curvaceous rear design.

The end result, firmly sitting on 19 inch wheels, suggests power, strength and dynamism, like an animal ready to pounce.

The specific shape of the rear window required the use of polycarbonate instead of glass.

The two curved sections emerging from the roof give the vehicle an original appearance and contribute greatly to its aerodynamic efficiency.

The rear lights are mounted fl ush with the car's wide rear wings. Fitted with light emitting diodes (LEDs), they have a ruby red finish combined with a stylised translucent section which contains the direction indicator.

Two centrally mounted exhaust pipes are integrated into the wraparound lower rear panel.
To achieve this, the rear exhaust silencer has been located in a transverse position where it also serves as an aerodynamic diffuser, but still allows sufficient space for the storage of a spare wheel.

The rich metallic grey exterior body colour is created by a special process using finely milled metallic particles.

The interior

The fascia panel in 308 RC Z concept car has been taken directly from the hatchback. A pure, elegant and fluid design, it allows a particularly clear view of the outside thanks to its sloping design which complements the vehicle's large front windscreen. It offers a high level of interior brightness, improved visibility and an overwhelming feeling of space.

Reflecting the hatchback, no effort has been spared in terms of the finishing touches and meticulous attention to comfort and convenience inside the car. This is evident in the care given to the styling of each component and the quality of materials used, both in terms of visual appearance and tactile appeal.
The entire fascia panel is trimmed in leather, while the use of chrome, aluminium and black lacquered fittings creates a sporty, upmarket impression. With this in mind, a Bell&Ross® clock has been placed in the centre of the fascia panel, between two air vents, its typography perfectly matching the background of the instrument panel located in the driver's line of sight.

Another sign of the vehicle's exclusive nature are the bucket type front seats with polished aluminium eyelets, the style of which is also refl ected in the design of the inner door panels. The ergonomically designed driver's seat ensures the driver is fi rmly in control of the vehicle. At the rear there are two occasional seats trimmed in leather, both of which can be folded.

The engine

The 308 RC Z concept car is powered by a 1.6 litre THP engine developed from the EP6DTS engine designed and developed via the collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group, where it is fitted to the 207 RC, with a power output of 128 kW (≈175 bhp).

However, the 1.6 litre THP engine, as a result of new engine management software specially developed for the concept car, now produces a maximum power of 160 kW (≈218 bhp). It is characterised by incredible flexibility, thanks to its maximum torque of 280 Nm produced at a low engine speed (300 Nm in overboost). These values ensure remarkable responsiveness under all driving conditions.

Its innovative Twin-Scroll turbocharger optimally pairs the exhaust gases flowing from two cylinders to ensure maximum flow onto the turbine, while its high-pressure direct petrol injection system improves combustion and overall engine efficiency.

The engine is coupled with an entirely new 6 speed manual gearbox.

This unit helps to give the 308 RC Z a particularly efficient compromise between performance and fuel consumption. For example, its maximum speed of 235 km/h is attained in sixth gear and it takes only 7.0 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h. In gear acceleration is impressive: only 7.5 seconds in 5th gear from 80 to 120 km/h. At the same time, fuel consumption is very reasonable with 6.7 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, or just 160 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Wheels and suspension

In the tradition of Peugeot concept cars there is a linked front suspension employing the widespread use of aluminium to reduce the vehicle's overall weight. This set up ensures exceptional road holding, excellent steering accuracy and great feedback intensifying the overall driving sensation. The rear suspension, derived from the hatchback, consists of a torsion-beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar. It has been specially modifi ed to take account of the wider vehicle tracks. Indeed the front and rear tracks have been increased by 59 mm compared to the hatchback, and also the fitment of wider tyres, ensures maximum body rigidity, precision and vehicle stability.

Braking relies on large (360 mm) diameter ventilated discs at the front with four piston calipers.

Polished split rim 19'' alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 245/40 R19 tyres.

Safety

Even for a unique model, Peugeot's designers do everything they can to make their dreams become a reality and leave nothing to chance. Safety is also made a top priority.

While the exceptional road holding of the 308 RC Z concept car forms the basis of its primary safety, it is supplemented by safety equipment borrowed from the 308 hatchback, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and the directional bi-Xenon headlamps.

Similarly, in terms of secondary safety, the 308 RC Z uses the same impact protection structures, in particular the three impact absorption structures at the front, designed to provide a rigid structure which can deform in a controlled manner, maximising the absorption of impact forces.

Finally, tertiary safety is assured by the 'Peugeot Emergency' service linked to the vehicle's RT4 telematics system. This pinpoints the vehicle's location and triggers the dispatch of appropriate assistance as required.

Wherein two of our absolute favorite automobiles of the 1980s go head to head in a duel to the death. Also, we feel vaguely wrong for thinking the Mantafahrer's girlfriend is somehow ridiculously sexy, Jersey mall hair, cracking gum and all. We try to get out of the Central Valley; it pulls us back in! – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
'Oh Nein. Die Mantas.' 'Manta Manta' Ladies! [Internal]

Holy wow. Extra wow. Wow with T ng t Sriacha sauce! Wow with an added dose of Old Man Chinetti. In 1974, this 308 GT4 was a factory entry from Modena at Le Mans in the Group 5 class. The next year, Luigi Chinetti brought it back, but yanked the whole North American Racing Team from the competition due to a political disagreement with ACO officials. Some folks look at the GT4 in the same way they view the Porsche 914. Not us. Not quite the sex machine the O.G. Dino was, and not the swooping pants-dropper the Pininfarina-penned GTB and GTS were, it nevertheless rocks the angular '70s-Bertone styling well, and in race trim, it simply looks as if it has come to beat you. Hard. Plus, unlike the GTS and GTB, the gas gauge read "Benzina." Too bad it placed 38th during its only outing in the Sarthe due to engine failure. – Davey G. Johnson

308 GT4 Le Mans

Related:
It's Schadenfriday! The Trouble With Vintage Racing [Internal]

In which, Magnum doesn't look at the dogs, works the lock, absconds with the 308 and calls Higgins a "yo-yo" all while sweet-talking a pair of European blondes. Plus, dig on the original theme song. We're growing our mustache back.

Related:
Ferrari 308 vs. Dodge Challenger [Internal]

We knew that 308s had a reputation for burning up, largely because the cats would overheat and unburned fuel would ignite. But as reported earlier, 599s and F430s apparently are attempting to keep up the legacy of cavallino rampante flamb (and yes, we're aware that we're mixing our Romance languages). Not to be outdone, our pal Noah Lehmann-Haupt — who famously killed any chance of victory on a Bullrun stage for himself and teammate Rob Ferretti, as well as the kind, trusting ladies we were embedded with on the last four legs of the rally after giving us a helluva ride in a Ford GT — had a 360 go up in flames a week or so ago. Click through for the video of the tragedy. Says Noah: "Tubi is the best-built exhaust system ever made." After seeing the vids, we're inclined to agree.

Ferrari 360 Fire; Aftermath [myspace]

Related:
Ferrari fire on PIP in Orangeburg? [FerrariChat]; Ferrari Flambe: Two Months, Two Ferrari Up In Flames [Internal]

"It'd take all night to explain to Five-O why a couple of yo-yos with a machine gun tried to kill me."

Related:
Why One Needs a Mercury Park Lane [Internal]