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Peugeot 20Cup and French cars in Canada

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Alex Law
Vraiment, who among us can cast an oeil on the nouveau Peugeot 20Cup concept et not feel un petit flutter in the coeur?

More importantly, who among us would take the other big Peugeot reveal at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show -- the 407 Coupe -- and pay big money for it?

Peugeot 407 Coupé (Photo: Peugeot)
The question involving the 407 Coupe is more important because it's the linchpin issue concerning any possible return of French vehicles to this country, at least for the foreseeable future and in any meaningful quantities.

But before we get to all that, a look at the 20Cup Concept, which uses three wheels to hustle two people around.

Not much is known about the 20Cup now, and that situation may not change when the car goes on display at the Frankfurt auto show in mid-September.

Indeed, Peugeot says it will "tease visitors with a glimpse into the future" at that time. The roadster designed by the Peugeot Style Centre will "reveal a number of technological advances that will feature in future models in years to come."

There'll be two units on the stand, Peugeot says, but they're "only differentiated by color" and come "equipped with Peugeot's new sporting credentials."

Peugeot 20Cup Concept (Photo: Peugeot)
The 20Cup combines "the world of the motor car and motorcycle to stunning effect," and "reveals a dynamic architecture" with a single rear wheel and a two-seater cockpit.

The car confirms Peugeot's presence in high-level motor sport, the company says, since it recently announced its commitment to competition through its participation in the Le Mans Endurance Series. "The 20Cup in a more conventional form, but drawing much of its inspiration from the vehicle exhibited at the show, will be Peugeot's basis for the development of a presence on the racing circuit."

The 20Cup is powered by a new gasoline engine that is the first example of a cooperative arrangement with Germany's BMW AG. This engine "features a range of highly innovative technical advances" and develops 170 hp and about 175 lb-ft of torque, which goes to the wheels through a sequential six-speed manual gearbox controlled by paddles under the steering wheel, and that's absolutely everything Peugeot said about it.

Peugeot 20Cup Concept (Photo: Peugeot)
From the photos, the 20Cup certainly seems like it will be a lot of fun to drive, and the three-wheel setup should provide some entertaining cornering moments. Stay tuned for more details on this car as they become available.

As for the 407 Coupe, Peugeot says it will be the star of its giant stand at Frankfurt and will go on sale in January. "It has been designed as a genuine four-seater grand tourer and is the latest in a long line of elegant Peugeot coupés."

The 407 Coupe will come with a 2.2-litre inline-four, a 2.7-litre diesel, and a 3-litre V-6.
Alex Law
Alex Law
Automotive expert