Beater or Sleeper? GT6 Car of the Week Thread

Beater?



or...

Sleeper?

​

Welcome to the return of the Car of the Week!

This is a chance for everyone on GTPlanet to get behind the wheel of the same car and give it a thorough going over. The aim is to get people driving what they wouldn't usually drive, or cars that may have been overlooked. They may be great, they may be terrible, but as part of GT6 they deserve discussion right here.

People can show off their amazing photos, trade tuning tips, race one another and review that weeks nominated car. Lap times can be posted, top speeds and acceleration times compared and tips on handling discussed. One winner will be chosen each week from the previous week's posts, and will get to choose the car for the following week. Winners will be notified on Thursdays by 2p CST, and will have until Saturday @ 12p to make their choice, which will be announced on Sunday. Should winners fail to contact me, a previous nomination will be selected at random from the initial list. Previous selections will be linked here, in the OP, for ease of use. Rather than have multiple threads like last time, we'll condense it to just this one thread, with links to new choices and the title updated week after week.

Everyone is welcome to participate. Just simply select this week's car in GT6, thrash it about, and tell us about your experiences. Feel free to share tunes, pictures, stories, videos, or even just thoughts and opinions. This is your opportunity to test cars you might normally overlook, cars that just might deserve a second chance.

So... is the car a beater or an absolute sleeper?

*On Tuesdays we meet online to compare and contrast the Car of the Week at 10p CST, as well as Saturdays at 3p CST. If you'd like to join us, feel free to message me (McClarenDesign) on the PSN for the room info. If space is available, all are welcome to join. These races are recorded, so please do not abuse the horns, including before the race starts. Also, don't race like a jerk. I run a relaxed atmosphere, and if you're going to constantly whinge and create problems, you'll be barred from current and future participation. In short, don't be a dick. Google #GranTurismoTuesday and #SaturdayNightSpecial for more details.

**The official Car of the Week FAQ
Car of the Week races are broadcasted via Twitch every Tuesday at 10p CST and Saturday at 3p CST (assuming F1 isn't on, and I'm awake).

Previous winners:​

Week 01: '10 Peugeot RCZ - Dimontez
Week 02: '88 Volvo 240 GLT Estate - iainn
Week 03: '87 Buick GNX - JackRyanWMU
Week 04: '57 BMW 507 - MustangManiac
Week 05: '72 Alpine A110 1600 - Lewis_Hamilton_
Week 06: '90 Nissan Primera 2.0 TE / Infiniti G20 - Niku Driver HC
Week 07: '03 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S / Honda Accord Coupe EX - Vic Reign93
Week 08: '98 Toyota Corolla Levin BZ-R / Sprinter Trueno BZ-R - S30Zenzow
Week 09: '01 Acura/Honda NSX - SuzukaStar
Week 10: '67 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 - MustangManiac
Week 11: '74 Triumph Spitfire 1500 - Zenmervolt
Week 12: '84 Ferrari GTO - photonrider
Week 13: '00 Ford Mustang Cobra R - McClarenDesign
Week 14: '03 Dodge Neon SRT4 - xblitzgreigx
Week 15: '98 Nissan STAGEA 260RS AutechVersion - VicReign93
Week 16: '87 Honda Mugen Motul Civic Si - sagaper
Week 17: '01 Spyker C8 Laviolette - McClarenDesign
Week 18: '04 Seat Ibiza Cupra - NixxxoN
Week 19: '97 Toyota Soarer 2.5 GT-T/Lexus SC 300 - CaddyKOP
Week 20: '04 Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe - Stash
Week 21: '05 Chrysler 300C - JackRyanWMU
Week 22: '03 Ford SVT Lightning - Lewis_Hamilton_
Week 23: '09 Audi TTS Coupe - Numbers
Week 24: '72 Lotus Europa Special - Baron Blitz Red
Week 25: '96 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport (C4) - Racer283
Week 26: '95 Suzuki Cappuccino (EA21R) - McClarenDesign
Week 27: '03 Infiniti G35 Sedan - turismoslayer
Week 28: '13 Bugatti Veyron - McClarenDesign
Week 29: '14 Aston Martin DP-100 and Nissan Concept 2020 - GTPlanet
Week 30: '09 Abarth 500 - lilcat89
Week 31: '95 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT - SuzukaStar
Week 32: '08 Audi RS6 Avant - JackRyanWMU
Week 33: '04 Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6 24V - acascianelli
Week 34: '93 Alfa Romeo 155 2.5 V6 TI - CSMDuty11
Week 35: '07 Mazda Roadster RS (NC) - Mazda
Week 36: '70 Plymouth Superbird - Lewis_Hamilton_
Week 37: '89 Mitsubishi Gallant 2.0 DOHC Turbo VR-4 - McClarenDesign
Week 38: '98 Ford Taurus SHO - turismoslayer
Week 39: '66 Volkswagen 1200 - Peter Sauber
Week 40: '89 Sauber Mercedes C9 - Peter Sauber
Week 41: '08 BMW Z4M - Sauber F1 Team
Week 42: '99 Jaguar XKR - SuzukaStar
Week 43: '08 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - NinjaDesignz
Week 44: '01 Volkswagen Lupo GTI - Niku Driver HC
Week 45: '02 Caterham Seven Fireblade - Caterham F1 Team
Week 46: '93 Mazda 323F/Lantis Coupe 2000 Type R - Vic Reign93
Week 47: '97 Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg ZR - photonrider
Week 48: '07 Mazda Atenza Sport 25Z - JackRyanWMU
Week 49: '09 Ferrari 458 Italia - devilracer1987
Week 50: '04 Chrysler Crossfire - BAP_Shockz
Week 51: '64 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe - Baron Blitz Red
Week 52: The 2014 Car of the Year - 2004 Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6 24V
Week 53: '81 Isuzu Piazza XE - Niku Driver HC
Week 54: '04 Hyundai Click Type-R - Kurei
Week 55: '98 Lotus Esprit V8 GT - RobboGTAddict
Week 56: '99 Aston Martin V8 Vantage - CSMDuty11
Week 57: '03 Audi Pikes Peak Quattro - Lewis_Hamilton_
Week 58: '00 Chevrolet Camaro SS - JackRyanWMU
Week 59: The Nissan Z Cars - Katayama Yutaka
Week 60: '98 Celica GT-Four (ST205) - kolio123
Week 61: '00 Pagani Zonda C12S - Soyuz77
Week 62: '78 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am - ToyGTone
Week 63: '02 Toyota Caldina GT-Four - CowboyAce57
Week 64: '03 Opel OR Vauxhall Vectra 3.2 V6 - Mr. Potter
Week 65: '89 Isuzu 4200R - CTznOfTime
Week 66: '12 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package - sparkytooth
Week 67: '03 Mazda Mazda2/Demio Sport - Thomas_633
Week 68: '99 Honda Insight - Draggon
Week 69: '13 Ford Focus ST - None (The 2nd Intervention)
Week 70: '99 Hommell Berlinette R/S Coupe - JackRyanWMU
Week 71: '90 Lotus Carlton - Niku Driver HC
Week 72: '87 RUF CTR "Yellow Bird" - VicReign93
Week 73: '70 Marcos Mini Marcos GT - GT_Alex74
Week 74: '70 Honda 1300 Coupe 9 S - Chrunch Houston
Week 75: '05 Ford GT - Niko Hulkenberg
Week 76: '02 Renault Avantime - McClarenDesign
Week 77: '12 Toyota Vitz F - ToyGTone
Week 78: '00 Subaru Impreza Sport Wagon STi (Type-I) - Lewis_Hamilton_
Week 79: '02 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG - lbpomg95
Week 80: '01 Mazda RX-7 Type R Bathurst R (FD) - All Your Base
Week 81: '83 Mitsubishi Lancer EX 1800GSR IC Turbo - BadgerVadge
Week 82: '82 Audi Quattro - Racer283
Week 83: '02 Mitsubishi AIRTREK Turbo-R - Raymond_Racer
Week 84: '68 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe (Type-1) - McClarenDesign
Week 85: '66 Renault R8 Gordini - ALeftRighter
Week 86: '03 Peugeot 106 Rallye - eran0004
Week 87: '02 TVR Tamora - rehdogg15
Week 88: '73 Lancia Stratos - tarnheld
Week 89: '69 Nissan Bluebird 1600 Deluxe (510) - Vic Reign93
Week 90: '02 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA - Andyc709292
Week 91: '91 TVR V8S - Lewis_Hamilton_
Week 92: '98 Nissan Sileighty - McClarenDesign
Week 93: '00 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C5) - Fire Yoshi
Week 94: '07 BMW M3 Coupe - rosckolove
Week 95: '02 (Dodge) SRT Viper GTS - RacingOtaku86
Week 96: '98 Honda Integra Type R (DC2) - husbando
Week 97: '99 Toyota GT-One (TS020) - tankuroded
Week 98: '01 Nissan Gran Turismo Skyline GT-R Pace Car - Thomas2012
Week 99: '62 Volkswagen Sambabus Typ 2 (T1) - None (The 3rd Intervention)
Week 100: '09 Toyota Prius G and Prius Touring Car - Obelisk
Week 101: '70 Chevrolet Nova SS - Baron Blitz Red
Week 102: '03 MG TF160 - Niku Driver HC
Week 103: The NASCARS - JackRyanWMU
Week 104: The 2015 Car of the Year - The Nissan Z Cars
Week 105: '00 Fiat Coupe Turbo Plus - Niku Driver HC
Week 106: '02 Toyota Voltz S AND '03 Pontiac Vibe - CaddyKOP
Week 107: '00 RUF 3400S - WTFnews
Week 108: '67 Mercury Cougar XR-7 - HBR-Roadhog
Week 109: '96 Honda Prelude Type S - RobboGTAddict
Week 110: '71 Ferrari 365 GTB4 - Draggon
Week 111: '71 Ford Mustang Mach 1 - McClarenDesign
Week 112: '97 Toyota Starlet Glanza V - Robbks
Week 113: '00 Chrysler PT Cruiser - turismoslayer
Week 114: '37 Auto Union V16 Type C Streamline - Vic Reign93
Week 115: '69 Isuzu Bellett GT-R - McClarenDesign
Week 116: '02 Lotus Esprit V8 - skeagracing
Week 117: '70 Mazda RX500 - Baron Blitz Red
Week 118: '02 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec II Nür (R34) - Marc30599
Week 119: '08 Maserati GranTurismo S - Draggon
Week 120: '63 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (C2) AND Z06 (C2) Race Car - b_u_r_z_a
Week 121: '11 Toyota Aqua S - TonyJZX
Week 122: Mazda RX-8 Concept LM Race Car - Nismonath5
Week 123: '86 Toyota MR2 1600 G-Limited Super Charger - todally_lit
Week 124: '70 Toyota Celica 1600GT (TA22) - OdeFinn
Week 125: '11 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale - Alexander Rossi (The 4TH INTERVENTION!)
Week 126: '01 Toyota Altezza AS300/Lexus IS 300 Sport Cross - pretend racer
Week 127: '04 BMW 120d - Lewis_Hamilton_
Week 128: '13 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - Cowboy
Week 129: '74 Lamborghini Countach LP400 - JackRyanWMU
Week 130: '12 Scion FR-S/Toyota 86GT/Subaru BRZ - North America
Week 131: '05 Volkswagen Golf V GTi - MidFieldMaven
Week 132: '61 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta passo corto AND '62 Ferrari 250 GTO
- BaronBlitzRed (Hall of Fame)
Week 133: '03 Mazda Kusabi Concept - LM7325
Week 134: '00 Daihatsu Sirion/Storia X4 - CORRUPTEDDISC
Week 135: '70 Chaparral 2J - Obelisk
Week 136: '99 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR - girabyt3
Week 137: '12 Tesla Model S Signature Performance - McClarenDesign
Week 138: '03 Chevrolet SSR - Yasmine McClaren
Week 139: '78 Dome Zero - RuSTeD
Week 140: Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33) Touring Car - Nismonath5
Week 141: '07 Light Car Company Rocket - Initial List
Week 142: '09 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren - RobboGTAddict
Week 143: '90 Mazda RX-7 (FC) GT-X - Death2508
Week 144: '11 Renault Sport Clio R.S. - Soyuz77
Week 145: '94 TVR Griffith 500 - MightyL
Week 146: Tom's X540 Chaser - Hayley Howe
Week 147: '08 ASL Garaiya GT300 Base Model - NeroTrinityX
Week 148: '76 Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk1 - McClarenDesign
Week 149: '94 Cizeta V16T - Braulioaej
Week 150: '69 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and Z28 RM - JackRyanWMU
Week 151: '70 Honda Z Act - Thematic
Week 152: '03 Mazda Axela 23s - Obelisk
Week 153: Gran Touring Garage '70 Ford Mustang "Trans-Cammer" - Baron Blitz Red
Week 154: '06 Nissan Skyline Sedan 350GT Type SP - CaddyKOP
Week 155: '11 Jaguar XKR-S - VicReign93
Week 156: '65 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA 1600 - McClarenDesign
Week 157: The 2016 Car of the Year - '61 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta passo corto
Week 158: '12 KTM X-Bow Street AND X-Bow R - The GTPlanet CotW Murder
Week 159: '99 Citroen Xsara Rally Car - VicReign93
Week 160: '02 Infinity FX45 Concept - CORRUPTEDDISC
Week 161: '01Nissan Primera (P12) 20V - Nismonath5
Week 162: '54 Chevrolet Corvette - Obelisk
Week 163: '67 Lamborghini Miura P400 Bertone Prototype CN.0706 - Ferruccio Lamborghini
Week 164: ???

 

Congratulations to Dimontez!

​

I couldn't agree more! The '10 Peugeot RCZ is a perfect example of a car that could either be a utter beater, or a complete sleeper! It's front-wheel drive, and French...

 

I rented one of these to drive to Nürburgring and it was such a mutt that I ended renting a different car at the track, a Clio RS 200.

French designed interior that didn't allow for a proper driving position.

 

-McClarenDesign's-
Super Best Friends Super Aguri Super Review of the Car of the Week
"Thank you very much for your support to make me Worst No.1." -Taki Inoue​

Week 1: 2010 Peugeot RCZ

The typical holiday ends with the dread of returning back to work. Back to the daily 9-to-5 grind with hopes of scraping enough together to make a living, or in recent decades, merely to survive. However, when you've been stuck on "temporary" holiday for a little over a year inside of a foreign prison, the prospect of returning to work is more liberating than distressing. Yes, you're technically escaping from one cell to another, but in this case my new cell comes with heating and air conditioning. And a cup holder. More importantly, it also offers an opportunity to clear the air about some vicious rumors that sprang up while I was away.

Yes, I did total a BMW M3 by hitting a goat. No, I wasn't (technically) speeding. No, there weren't narcotics being trafficked, nor were there any prostitutes or illicit arms trade. The latter two proven in court... the former... not so much. While the passing of the goat is a tragic loss, I can report that the kidney-grilled impression did improve the goat's appearance, and locals clamored for the now-BMW-badged horned mammal. Frankly I don't see what all the fuss was about, cattlemen in the US have been branding their stock for centuries, only they use hot iron. Aside from the totaled car next to it, the badge impression left absolutely no question as to who the goat now belonged to.

There are court transcripts to prove it.

​

So imagine my relief when my producer called to tell me that I'd be leaving the goat-slaughter industry to return back to my automotive roots. Rather than ponder the implications and consequences of my decision, I immediately shouted "yes, I'll do it!" before he had the chance to change his mind, and before the jailer had the chance to yank the phone away. Within days I was released from my handcuffs, and granted permission to leave the island on probation. Aside from some massive court costs and reparations for said goat, I was "free" to go. Again, out of one cell, into another.

After exiting the gates, I was greeted by an angel. Not just any angel, mind you, but the one I've lusted after for what seems like eternity. There are stories of what men go through in prison without women, and what they do immediately after when they find the first woman that says "yes." I can attest to all of them. The crew had shown up with this week's car, the 2010 Peugeot RCZ, and my work would begin immediately. No rest for the wicked, I suppose, but then again I've been without a car for over a year now. Like every under-sexed male with raging hormones and easy access to a willing participant, I began fantasizing about doing very naughty things to this damsel with curves.

My god, it's been a long time, and I bet she's been a very dirty...

​

According to Polyphony Digital (via Translator-san):

Now before we begin, I do need to provide some clarification about my previously conceived notions about French cars. It's not that I don't like them... it's that I completely despise them. Not all of them, but the ones that I do like are the ones that offer no apologies and don't give a damn about what anyone else thinks. Cars like the 2CV, funky enough for George Clinton, entertaining enough for Jerry Seinfeld. Cars like the DS, hovering over the land like a low-flying UFO. The Veyron with it's speed and luxury, and the inspiring EB110, and even the counter-intuitive Dauphine. The French cars I should like, I don't.

Primarily, my disgust lies with the lack of rear-wheel drive alternatives. I know the same amount about economics that I do about knitting, but by all appearances, the French solution to providing transportation to the masses on a private level almost always involves front-wheel drive. I'm sure the answer has something to do with The War, but building cars as cheaply as possible hasn't worked for Chevrolet or Chrysler, and it's not working for most French companies, either. Sure, the French can design drool-inducing concept cars, but try asking them to mass produce one. While the Americans have managed to satisfy the mostly-cheap and cheerful crowd with at least one rear-wheel drive secretary sports car per manufacturer, the French stick with the tried-and-tested method of overloading the front tires into oblivion. Perhaps the mere threat of an accident is enough to prevent kids in France from hooning about... but I doubt it. Then again, by forcing front-wheel drive upon an unwitting populace it does allow the country more chances of obtaining Darwin Awards. Surely the U.N. has policies against this sort of thing... right?

​

Although I've been recently liberated and heard the people sing, that doesn't mean that I'm going to go easy on the RCZ simply because I haven't driven in over a year. Being French, I immediately have my concerns, and they were validated the moment when I heard that the mid-engine layout was ditched in favor of the Blue, White and Red front-wheel drive. Rather than fit a perfectly good engine capable of beating Lotus in the back, they've opted instead for trunk space. Hayabusa engine? Ne soyez pas ridicule! Then it might be confused for something Italian, and we can't have that! Plus there's the Hulk Hogan-"24 inch-pythons-brother" A-pillars which obstruct the front view in traffic, the cubbyhole for the owner's manual that claims to be a glovebox, buttons and switches that require Kareem Abdul Jabbar to touch and the suicidal cup holder determined to push drinks and driver over the edge.

Despite all of that, aesthetically it's far more appealing than many of the other alternatives, of which I'm sure you've heard all about already, ad nauseam. While I wasn't initially a fan of the Mazda-style front bumper in pictures, in the flesh it works quite well thanks in part to Peugeot's well placed lines and angles. Some have said that it's face is almost exactly like a Blobfish, but I have to disagree. With the angled chin, fog light cheek highlights and big smile, she's more like a supermodel with a botox habit. Add a pair of eyes, and she's a shoe-in for the next Cars movie.

Then there's the roof. When I mentioned earlier about this being mistaken for an Italian car, if it had a mid-engine layout, I wasn't joking. The roof line that divides the car reeks of Zagato, evoking the coachbuilder's philosophy of motion and emotion, especially when combined with the hips and waistline. Since this car isn't imported into the states, you could easily slap on an exotic Italian badge and almost no one would be the wiser, it's that good. Like any supermodel, the rear is better than the front, promising firmness and youth. You won't find anything like this from the Americans or Japanese, nor the Koreans. You might be thinking "but the Genesis?!?", except you're forgetting how massive and tall that car is compared to the RCZ. Side by side, you'd almost swear the Genesis was a crossover SUV.

​

Performance (as purchased): December 28, 2013, Shark Grey (Grey)
Displacement: 1,598 cc
Max. Power: 197 HP @ 6,000 rpm
Max. Torque: 177.2 ft-lb @ 1,500 rpm
Drivetrain: FF
Length: 168.9 in., Height: 53.5 in., Width: 72.6 in., Weight: 1350 kg
Tires: Comfort (Soft)
Performance Points: 407
Mileage: 0.0

With the nose of a Mazda, the roof similar to something from Zagato, and profile of the TT (it just isn't, okay?), you might be wondering why Peugeot hasn't been sued for some form of copyright infringement. Well, you can blame your iPhone. Borrowing Italian styling is nothing new, as we've previously seen with the Toyota 2000GT. There's also the Aston Martin grill on the Ford Fusion, Camaro taillights on the new Corvette, Ferrari's failed Formula 1 truck, and almost everything Chinese. The fact that Peugeot was able to combine all those elements into an attractive package deserves praise, unlike similar companies in Europe accused of part swapping.

Usually we'd hire a test driver to perform baseline performance tests. However, due to recent economic hardships (Editor: Bail money, remember?), we've had our telemetry equipment stored away for the winter months. Rather than bore you mindless 0-60 mph figures, or reduce ourselves to caveman quarter-mile times like before, we simply took the car around for a lovely spin around the French Riviera. Given the tight turns and claustrophobic European lane widths, and considering the lack of a mid-engine, I gladly would have given up of a few of those useless extra cubic inches of cargo space for an inch or two shorter wheelbase. At low speeds, the turning radius resembles something near the dimensions of Rhode Island. _If_ you can anticipate that before the turn, you're probably fine and can adjust. But if you should stumble upon a small child in the middle of the roadway, you'd better be prepared to make out with a wall or guardrail. Or both.
*For those keeping score at home: 0-60 mph: 06.3s, 0-100 mph: 16.8s, 1/8-mile: 10.7s @ 71 mph, 1/4-mile: 16.0s @ 97 mph, Top Speed: 146 mph, Best Lap (no modifications): 2:01.418

During our lunch break, one of the interns began pestering me about my previously conceived notions on French cars. The "wouldn't you rather drive XX" game was all fun and games until the word Audi was brought up, at which point he became the lucky recipient of a black eye. I'm capable of a tremendous amount of tolerance, and the fact that I exist on the same planet as him merits a Medal of Valor as far as I'm concerned, but our producer thought that he brought up an interesting point. In all the research that he'd done, the Audi TT, Volkswagen Sirocco, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse kept coming up time and time again.

Let's just take a moment to dispel some tabloid myths, shall we?

1. -IT'S NOTHING LIKE AN AUDI! Minus the roof arch, it's completely different! This car makes you feel glamorous and sexy while the Audi tells everyone what a wanker you really are (Editor: Pot to kettle?). The previous Audi TT we tested was all-wheel drive, which is like comparing apples to oranges, and owning a front-wheel drive TT is more embarrassing than owning a moped. Or a base model Corvette.
2. -The Scirocco might be of similar value, but how many panties have you seen drop over a tarted-up Golf? Don't worry... we'll wait...
3. -The Eclipse looks like a beached whale, bloated and fat from washing ashore. The RCZ looks as if it just found Nemo.

​

Rather than debate the issue until we're blue in the face, the producer decided it was time for me to brush off the cobwebs and see if I could still remember how to push a car to it's limits. He reminded me that a year off can kill a driver's career, and that if I was going to be of any use, I needed to prove that I still had some hustle left in these prison-worn bones. If I was competitive, I could be counted on to provide consistent results when needed. If not... well, the ink wasn't dry in Guam, and I could always return to my previous cell. Upon a millisecond reflection on my previous year, I leapt at the chance and threw on my Nomex.

A week later, I met up with both car and crew at Laguna Seca, in picturesque Monterey, California. Much to my surprise, our drab-but-stealthy Shark Grey was replaced with a more traditional French color of motorsport, French Racing Blue. Along with the new dress, the car had also been fitted with a lovely set of magnesium shoes, as well as a more-stylish-than-functional rear spoiler. I also met with the performance crew from Super Aguri, who've agreed to lend us their talent for the five races I'd been entered in, and any subsequent testing along the way. Having seen them work with each other preparing the car, I now know why they're Super Best Friends.

​

Since it was my first race in well over a year, the stewards, in their infinite and omniscient wisdom, decided I was better off starting behind the rest of the field. Rather than put me as the last car on the grid, they placed me in the last possible position on the grid, miles away from the pack of experienced drivers and less likely to dent anything precious. Rather than being concerned with the finishing results, I was told to focus more on finishing the race and not getting lapped by the faster cars. Imagine taking a child to Disneyland and telling them they can't go on any rides, nor meet any of the costumed characters, and you'll have some idea to the amount of attention I was giving to the steward's instructions. Slow and simple? (expletive) that!

Within the first three turns, I'd caught the back of the pack. Shortly after, a spin ahead and slower traffic meant that I'd already gained a position and more were soon to follow! While pursuing a Fiat 500, I misjudged the corkscrew on the first lap, but somehow managed to keep the car from skating off into oblivion. Apparently a little dusting off is exactly what I needed, so I kept my head down and focused on the next two cars as I began the second lap. With a little help from a missed apex by the Prelude ahead, I was able to catch up by the end of the lap, nearly being hit by the aforementioned Fiat returning from his own off-road adventure. Into Turn 2 the Fiat retook the position, but I quickly took it back while overtaking the Prelude as well! It was all coming together again, and by the end of the race I found myself on the 2nd step of the podium, just shy of winning in only my first race back!

The second race was the following week at the historic Brands Hatch Indy Circuit. Having not been to the track before, I had absolutely no time to practice before the race. I'd read about the track many times and have watched plenty of races on television, but I'd never had a chance to drive anything there, even at slower speeds. I had no idea what to expect, but my Super Best Friends found ways to ease my mind in the days leading up to the race by providing tons of video of other races there. Although it wouldn't give me the intimate knowledge of the track that I'd need to win, I would be better prepared against other first-time race novices... if there were any.

Now that the stewards were more comfortable with my abilities, and admittedly so was I, I was permitted to start with the rest of the grid. It felt more like finally being allowed to eat with the grownups at Christmas supper than a reward for not crashing, but as a "novice" I shouldn't complain. Besides, it was far better than a Guam prison cell by any stretch of the imagination. When the flag dropped the four cars took off, and I nearly lost everything in that first corner, where I'm told that no one wins a race. Battling up against a Lancia, I went in a bit too hot, and flew off the track and onto the kitty litter. Regaining my composure, I was given hope by the other RCZ struggling behind me. At least I wasn't the only one having a difficult time, and the off-camber turns weren't doing anything to help the under-steering tendencies of a typical front-wheel drive layout. Moments later, the Lancia was behind me, and I could focus on the leader. Lap after lap I tried as hard as I could to pull him in, but each time that I'd make a move I'd find that I'd gotten myself in a tad too fast or too hard, and would have to retreat and retry. Alas, after one more last ditch effort on the final lap, I was forced to again be satisfied with second place, the winner amongst losers.

​

The third race was at Apricot Hill, and honestly, it's one that I'd much rather forget, and as quickly as possible. Like a child jumping on a bed while holding scissors and razor blades, it started innocently enough. The Super Best Friends were Super Psyched about my previous finishes, and assured me that the car would be competitive. Into the first lap I passed a few cars and began working on the RCZ in front, then misjudged the braking and went onto the dirt. Foreshadowing at it's finest. That dirt was followed by more dirt, then even more dirt with a side of dirt and dirt for dessert. By the second lap I looked like Tim Robbins shaking dirt out of his pockets in Shawshank Redemption. On the third lap I gained a few positions, but again I ended up in the dirt losing those same positions and putting myself in a panicked mental state. While trying to catch up, I attempted to get a little more rotation in the car by dabbing the handbrake, but this ended up sending me into a drift, which lead to an over-correction that tossed the nose into a wall. I'd ruined the car, ruined my chances, finished 13th and proved that I was, indeed, a tosser.

Our fourth race was at Deep Forest raceway, in a sleepy little rural Iowa town. Although I should've been pleased with the two previous podium finishes, the terrible performance at Apricot Hill left horrible scars inside my ego, and everyone knows that once a racer's mind is in doubt you might as well pack up and go home. Rather than wallow in self-pity and doubt, I was reminded by my producer that this could also help win back some of my confidence and put me right back where I left off. After all, this track I knew quite well, and the car had proven itself competent before. The only thing lacking is the talent that I promised to deliver.

Starting from P2 on the grid, I was nervous as the more powerful cars immediately passed me on the left, right, and one can only presume also directly overhead. I was so worried about making a good start that I had forgotten to actually plan the start, to anticipate moves from the competition behind me. Some say "the best plans of mice and men", but thinking about these things ahead of time prepares you for times such as this. Fighting three-wide into the first turn, I somehow managed to pull through onto the other side unscathed. I managed to pass an over-aggressive Toyota 86 before he spun behind me, but still had a swarm of tuned hot hatches behind me, buzzing like a giant cloud of killer bees and fighting with a Holden. Before the end of the first lap, I'd been passed by a red-neck El Camino while the Holden and I switched places a few more times... giant swarm still buzzing behind me, without any signs of bothering anyone else on the track other than me. Going into the first turn on the third lap, the pressure became too much, and I went in too fast. Once again, dirt, and now four more cars ready to pounce. One by one I watched as I dropped positions thanks to ham-fisted antics and poor gambles. Had I been in Las Vegas, I would've lost my knees to casino loan sharks, but here I had to settle for a seventh place finish. Not as bad as the previous race, but still not acceptable, either.

​

The fifth and final race would be on the car's home turf, and I was absolutely determined to turn my fortunes around. The Circuit de la Sarthe has been a magical place for many, but if I was to keep my job, I'd have to storm the castle, and it'd take a miracle! Although many of the other drivers were tuning their cars to handle the incredible Mulsanne straight, I was assured by the Aguri guys that the stock transmission would be more than adequate. Even though I was going up against a V8 El Camino, I was told that the peppy 1.6L would be just fine. Rather than 24 hours, I'd get roughly 20 minutes to possibly last the rest of my lifetime. Get it right, I live longer than that 20 minutes and go on to continue doing what I love. Get it wrong, and I get sacked without any pay or any transportation home. So no pressure...

I started sixth on the grid, but once again I was passed quickly by the tuned and more powerful cars. However, I was quite surprised when they didn't leave me behind entirely. I was able to keep the pace, and through attrition, gain a few spots. Onto the Mulsanne straight for the first lap, I was on the receiving end of a love tap that helped propel me into the draft of the car in front, reducing my wind resistance and increasing the aerodynamic efficiency of the RCZ. The brochure lists 146 mph as it's top speed, but I managed 159 mph down the straight and in the draft. Of course, that was promptly ruined by the sharp right-handed turn at the end of the straight, and naturally I didn't brake in time.

Cars collected in the corner after making the same mistake, and after finding an emergency runoff road, I was able to rejoin without losing a lot of positions. Every winning driver requires more luck than talent, and at home the RCZ certainly had it's share! Fighting past a Mercedes 190E, I soldiered on after the red-neck and his gaudy El Camino, but not before being passed by an Alfa Romeo MiTo to start lap 2. Through the twisty turns and back onto the straight, I caught wind and pulled past the Alfa, then pulled a tiny gap while others behind me made the same mistake as before and missed the turn. Within seconds I was pulling in the El Camino, and once on the straight, I had full confidence that the Aguri boys were right, this little 1.6 should do just fine. Thanks to the aero efficiency of the body, I pulled past the red-neck, but not before he pounced on his horn for hours while screaming "get 'er done", whatever the hell that means. Going into the final lap he was still on my tail and on the horn, but I knew that if I could lose him at the beginning of the course, he wouldn't have the muscle to catch up in the latter half.

What I didn't count on was the MiTo. After passing the little bugger earlier, I'd filed him away as a passing thought and carried on about my way. What I failed to see was the little car passing the El Camino (I imagine the El Camino driver's testicles immediately shrank when the MiTo passed him) and gaining ground on me quickly. Try as I might, the little car just kept reeling me in, putting enough pressure on me to ruin my rhythm and lose precious fractions of a second. After a few turns, he'd be gone, and I'd be third. Although I really should have properly defended that position, I was also quite happy with the performance I'd given, and didn't want to throw away the podium finish I had in the bag, provided I could finish. I eased up, and brought the RCZ across the line in third without any further drama, exhausted from the effort put in.

​

So what have we learned today, kids? Perhaps it's to never judge a book by where it's from. Perhaps it's to hold onto stereotypes as closely as a campfire or rabid honey badger. Perhaps it's that statistics on paper don't amount to anything when thrown out into the real world. Perhaps it's that even after a year in confinement, a man with enough desire can still rise above the ashes like a phoenix. I can tell you confidently that this car is by no means a "beater" of any sort. Usually I feel that front-wheel drive cars are for idiots that don't care about the art of driving, only getting from one place to another. In this case, however, the RCZ is certainly not a car for idiots. If anything, it may be the exact opposite, a low-powered French guillotine capable of lopping one's head off if you aren't careful. It's front-wheel drive shows it's proud French heritage rather than disguising itself as something from another country, and the outstanding fuel economy means that you can actually save up for one of those exotics as a second car. One thing is for certain....

I WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN!!!!

*The views and opinions expressed in this review do not necessarily reflect those of the manufacturer, the publisher, GTPlanet.net or it's members, nor anyone with an IQ above 3. If you have a history of epilepsy or seizures, consult a doctor before use. Certain patterns may trigger seizures with no prior history. Before using see the instruction manual included with your system for more details. For previous reviews, please visit: McClarenDesign's Very Serious SLS AMG Reviews of the Car of the Week N Stuff. All videos were filmed before a live studio audience.

 

Wait, isn't a sleeper something that looks slow but is quick?

The RCZ looks like it zooms around 700mph. But doesn't.

 

Tune it up and see what you can do. It could just be a beater.

 

I would say an Audi RS6 Avant but anyone with a brain (functional or not) would say "It's German" and anyone with a simple knowledge of cars would say "It's the RS trim" soo out goes that.... My friend had a Volkswagen thing that would do 0-60 in 4.3 with wet shots..

 

The true definition of sleeper is a car that has an unassuming exterior, but should not be messed with.

 

Will buy one tomorrow. There's two of these next door to each other along my street, and it does look better in real life I think. We'll see what it's like to drive though, a good choice.

 

1. beater
A car used for daily transport to avoid damage or wear on a nicer car

1. sleeper
Often referring to what appears to be a ordinary looking stock commuter car that is anything but stock under the hood. Pretty much the exact opposite of your every day riced up civic.

Even though it looks better than an average Civic, I'll post a review sometime this week with my final verdict.

Already mentioned by @ameer67 and is included in the initial list. The time for initial nominations has expired, but if your post is selected from this or future weeks, you'll be asked to select the car for the following week.

 

@Niku Driver HC just completed this tune.
https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/thre...outlaws-op-updated.291743/page-8#post-9141568
Must say I was pleasantly surprised by its handling and overall performance when running it around Bathurst in the 500PP Clubman Cup.

 

Glad to see this back! I loved this thread in GT5, gave me interest in trying different people's tunes for some "different" rides. So glad you're starting early in GT6 to stoke the fires this time round McClaren!!!

Cheers

 

I was thoroughly unimpressed with the RCZ. In my Suzuka time trials, I ran a 2:33.6 on Sport Hards. To give you guys a comparison, the 1998 Honda Civic Type R, also a 1.6L with SH tires was a tenth quicker. The Civic weighs 300 kg less, has 18 less hp and 59 fewer torques...I'll take the Civic over the bloated "poo"geot any day.

 

In game it's very poor, wolf in sheep's clothing...not a chance, sheep in wolf's clothing. Looks the part if parked up or going for a gentle drive to spot the flaws in the scenery, shame really as I do like the French car's and even the 308 GTI got some online outings over in Forza 4 but the RCZ was pretty poor over there and its.....better avoided over here.

 

Nice choice, never really paid any attention to it. I will pick one up later and see what I can do with it.

 

Do the intro video like it was in NFS IV

Good music and a good voice to talk about it.

 

As far as I see, the biggest issue of this car is that it has a life similar to the Pontiac Fiero: The body writes good impressions, only to have them dashed by the terrible platform underneath. This car can be a good choice for racing, but only if you set it up right. I mean, Peugeot did that in real life already (with the 270 hp RCZ-R version), so...

 

I just copied the gallery view for the post. I thought about doing something similar, but crude and NSFW, lol. We'll see.

 

The first time I saw this car was in a Korean drama and I didn't know what it was.

 

Well then, it is a bit underwhelming after all, looks great but is sluggish for a supposed sports car.

I took it out for a run straight from the dealership at Matterhorn Dristelen on the stock Comfort Soft tires and managed a 1:29.09 but could go faster I'm sure.


Looks like WW3 starting over the hill!

I do like the looks and the bubble roof styling, but the standard paints weren't very good so off to the painters for a coat of Matte Light Green and then the garage for some Sports Hard tires.

A spin round the excellent Brands Hatch short course next in 58:731


A good first car of the week though and should generate some nice pics and discussion.

 

I've tried to tune one RCZ on Sports: Hards. And no matter what I've had understeer problems all the way.

A shame because in real life it's one of Peugeot's only glimmering spots today. Quite pretty, the typical FF coupe played straight. I wouldn't mind a missus with one.

But then when they made the RCZ R that turned out to be rather disappointing. So the struggle it has with more power is probably justified in that case.

 

Well, after trying this car on for size, I decided it was pretty well a lunchbag let-down. So I just looked at it for awhile. I had more fun trying to figure out if I had seen more of an Audi TT profile or a shortened Eclipse GT profile. (Look down the side of iainn's green pic) More show than go in my head, but was glad to try it out anyways.

Cheers

 

I find it odd that they would choose the non-R model of the RCZ. You would think Peugeot would want their best halo model displayed on the international scale


And their VLN competitor is a noticeable exclusion as well.

 

I could see a positive and a negative to this car as soon as I looked at it in the dealership. On the positive, it looks fantastic, I could hardly blame an everyday person for mistaking it for an Audi TT or another more powerful coupe. On the negative, it doesn't have a proper name. In a time where more and more cars are named a strange permutation of letters and numbers, this car seems to deserve a name like "Tigre" or "Panthere" rather than just a dull mix of letters seemingly chosen at random like on a lottery. "Right, first letter "R!", second letter, "C!", third letter "Z!" And that's this week's winning Big Three Lotto selection!"

But of course, neither style nor letters tell the full story of a car, so I bought me one and took it bone stock to the Ascari circuit to put it through its paces.





Granted, this is a car that the "I can gold the X2010 challenge at Goodwood on the first try with no aids, blindfolded, and with one hand tied behind my back" crowd won't find terribly exciting or interesting. But as a "mere mortal", I rather enjoyed flogging the ZRC (or was it the CRZ?) around the tight techincal corners of Ascari. The car behaved in a very predictable way and it was easy to tell when I was approaching its limits in the corners. Even when I missed a braking point or otherwise overcooked a corner, the car seemed to handle the mistake in stride and keep going on with a minimal amount of drama. My best lap time in a dozen laps was a 2:45.027 effort, but I'm sure both the car and myself personally are capable of a better time with practice.

Ultimately, the biggest fault I can find is not the car itself, but it's price. Ringing in at 42 grand, this car is hard to justify when a late '90s/early '00s Honda Civic Type R can do nearly everything it does for about half the price.

So, I consider the car nice enough to raise it above, "Beater" status; but certainly wouldn't classify it as "Sleeper". I have to declare it, "Throroughly Average" at this point so far.

 

Even though it's not the best styling in my opinion, it's definitely not a sleeper. It's a beater. The price of 42K is a bit hefty. It's not a "wow look" car to me. There are probably some other cars that can handle the same or even better for a lower price.

So to test it out, I took it to The Stowe Circuit. (One my favorite test tracks.)

My lap time was about 1:02.2 (stock settings). Not bad.
​

 

I thought this car was actually a CC. Very weird design, but definitely a great looking unique machine. I'll try it later today.

 

I tested it. For me:

-Great design, cool loking.
-Terrible car to drive. FF car, enough said. It's like a french version of the FF Audi TT

Edit: at least with the stock setup, i'ts slow in both straights and corners. Just awful. I tested it with 450PP in an online race against other 450PP cars. I finished almost last. The opponents easily passed me on straights and on corners too.

 

Audi TT and Mitsubishi Eclipse, huh? I disagree, but more on that later.

 

2010 Peugeot RCZ​

Stylin'

I actually like the looks of this car, given what is out these days. Love the "double bubble" roof line and the fact they continued that through the back glass. The stock wheels are good looking as well. The trans isn't that bad on track, not a real track set-up of course, but better than most stock boxes. The brakes are great, which is a good thing since that is about the only way you are going to pass anyone...out breaking them into a corner. Power and speed is where the car really suffers, there are few you will pass coming out of the corners or down a straight. Price is probably it's biggest set back, you can do a lot more for substantially less though you may not look as good doing it. Overall, I found her very well balanced and behaved.


Racin"

Stock she comes in at 197hp/407pp shod with CS rubber. A mild tune (chip, intake/exhaust, close ratio box and a set of SH tires) she was 264hp/446pp. For a race I chose the IB PD Cup event: 5 laps at Tsukuba. The tuned version was not allowed in the event so I re-created it in arcade mode with pro AI.
stock: P3, full time @ 5:58.314, best @ 1:10.798
tuned: P1, full time @ 5:36.571, best @ 1:05.723


Final lap, final turn pass for the win

I am dis-appointed at PD for not including the timed runs at SSRX, we got the track, why no timed runs? This was one of the best ways to compare tunes in the game, I hope it makes a come back in a future update/dlc whatever. I would even be willing to pay for it, but don't tell PD. Anyway, that leaves us with only the Goodwood TT for point to point timed runs, so be it. The results are my best of five attempts:
stock: 1:02.662
tuned: 0:58.365

That was fun, until next time

 

I, too, and am saddened by the loss of the testing data (quarter mile/mile/top speed), as well as B-spec and endurance racing. Hopefully they'll be included in future updates and/or DLC.