208 Racing Cup : motor racing on a budget

Launched in 2013 as part of the Peugeot Sport meetings, the Peugeot 208 Racing Cup replaced the 207 LW as the official car for this promotional series.

Designed by Peugeot Sport, it offers an excellent compromise between performance and controlled costs, while ensuring optimal safety thanks to its welded multipoint roll cage and reinforced chassis. The regulations impose strict technical equality, highlighting the driver's skills rather than power or mechanical preparation.

Intended for enthusiasts looking to start racing on a small budget, the 208 Racing Cup is a true race car that stands out for its balance, even though it doesn't have an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. With its naturally aspirated 1.6L engine producing 140 hp, it remains affordable while being competitive enough to provide authentic driving sensations.

The 208 Cup raced for eight years in the Peugeot Sport meetings (RPS), attracting many drivers thanks to its excellent value for money and highly competitive championship. More recently, the 208 has excelled in the Trophée Tourisme Endurance (TTE) as well as in the French FFSA Touring Car Championship (TC France) and continues to impress with its accessibility, reliability, and educational qualities.

Technical specifications of the 208 Racing Cup

The 208 Racing Cup is a track-dedicated version, with specifications adapted for competition:

• Engine: 1.6L naturally aspirated EC5M (4 cylinders)
• Power: 140 hp at 6,650 rpm
• Torque: 170 Nm at 5,750 rpm
• Top speed: 190 km/h
• Weight: Around 960 kg
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox, front-wheel drive
• Suspension: Front McPherson type, Peugeot Sport shock absorbers, with adjustable camber and toe
• Brakes: Front ventilated discs (310 mm), rear solid discs (249 mm)
• Tires: Speedline wheels 6.5x16, equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 road tires (205/45 R16)
• Chassis: Reinforced body with welded multipoint roll cage, specific for competition
• Dimensions: Length 3.962 m, width 1.739 m
• Fuel tank: 40 liters

Thanks to the use of many standard parts from the Peugeot range, the 208 Racing Cup is easy to maintain and low-cost to operate, while remaining highly adjustable to suit different tracks.

What improvements over the 207 LW?

Compared to the 207 LW, the 208 Racing Cup brings several significant improvements:

• Engine: The 1.6L naturally aspirated engine reduces consumption by 40% compared to the 207 LW's 1.6L THP EP6 DTS engine with 175 hp.
• Weight: The 208 is 150 kg lighter, weighing in at 950 kg, which improves its agility and performance on the track.
• Chassis: The chassis is lowered for a lower center of gravity, while the welded roll cage (instead of bolted) increases rigidity and safety.
• Brakes: The 208 benefits from Alcon calipers from the rally-spec 208 R2, combined with reworked discs for better braking efficiency.

These improvements allow the 208 Racing Cup to establish itself as a more efficient, safer, and more effective car on the track than its predecessor.

208 Racing Cup: New and used prices

At its launch in 2013, the 208 Racing Cup was offered at a base price of €23,900 ex VAT for the race-ready version. This offer allowed drivers to start racing right away without further modifications.

On the used market, current prices for a 208 in good condition range between €15,000 and €20,000 depending on the year and onboard equipment. Despite the years, this car retains relatively low depreciation thanks to its popularity in competition and proven performance. See all our Peugeot listings here.

Running costs are moderate due to the use of original Peugeot parts, which keeps maintenance costs at a reasonable level, especially compared to other race cars.

In fact, there are not many cheaper options on the market today if you're looking for a true race car ready to go, except perhaps for formulas like the Twin'Cup, the Roadster Pro Cup or the Mitjet 1300.

Racing in the 208 Racing Cup

Trophée Tourisme Endurance

After the Peugeot Sport meetings (RPS) ended in 2021, the 208 Racing Cup joined the Ultimate Cup Series until 2023. Since 2024, it has become a staple of the Trophée Tourisme Endurance (TTE) in France. This championship offers two main formats:

• 208 Sprint: Short races where the goal is to complete as many laps as possible within a limited time. Sprint races are known for their intensity, with tight battles between drivers. There are a total of 4 sprint races per meeting.
• 206-208 Relay: Endurance races lasting between 4 and 6 hours, emphasizing team management, driver shifts, and consistency.

The circuits visited include Magny-Cours, Nogaro, Lédenon, Val de Vienne, and the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans, offering participants varied driving experiences on renowned tracks.

FFSA Tourisme TC France

The Peugeot 208 Racing Cup made its debut in the TC France from the start of the championship in 2021, in the TCA Light category, dedicated to cars with less than 200 horsepower. This championship, organized by the FFSA and SRO Motorsports Group, provides a platform for touring cars like the 208, alongside the prestigious GT4 France, ensuring great media exposure.

The races take place on iconic circuits such as Magny-Cours, Le Castellet, and Spa-Francorchamps, offering intense and educational competitions for young talents transitioning from karting and experienced drivers. The last TCA Light French champions were Colin Boreau in 2024 and Ilona Bertapelle in 2023.

Onboard camera in the 208 Racing Cup

Hop aboard Florian Coruble's 208 Racing Cup during a race at the Circuit Paul Ricard in 2022! As you can see in the video, races in the 208 are always hotly contested: there's sliding, overtaking, bumping, and sometimes more 😉

Budget to race in the 208 Racing Cup

Participating in a full season in the 208 Racing Cup remains relatively accessible compared to other categories. Here are some budget estimates:

• Purchase cost: A used 208 Racing Cup can be found between €15,000 and €20,000.
• Rental: For a race weekend, the rental price is around €4,000 to €5,000 for sprint and €6,000 to €7,000 for endurance (to be split between 2 to 3 drivers), often including maintenance, consumables (tires, fuel, brakes), as well as personalized coaching.
• Season budget: The budget for a full season (208 Sprint or 208 Relay) can reach up to €30,000, including registration fees, maintenance, and consumables.

For those who prefer renting, turnkey packages often include logistics and technical assistance, allowing drivers to focus on racing. Feel free to check the listings on our site for rental or purchase offers of available vehicles.

See also : "Caterham Academy: the motorsport series for beginners"

Trackdays and driving courses in the 208: Discover the world of racing

Want to sit in the seat of a race car? Driving courses in the 208 Racing Cup offer a complete immersion in the world of motorsport. Thanks to its ease of handling, the 208 is highly popular among driving schools. After a briefing on driving techniques, participants complete several laps behind the wheel of the 208, under the supervision of experienced instructors. Each session includes a personalized debrief to improve your driving techniques. It is also possible to offer this experience as a gift voucher. For more information and to find an offer near you, visit our partner's website.

The 208 Racing Cup is also perfect for trackdays, thanks to its balance between performance and accessibility, allowing you to enjoy a day on the track with a competitive and easy-to-drive car.

In summary, the Peugeot 208 Racing Cup is a car that combines performance, reasonable cost, and accessibility, making it an ideal solution for those who want to start racing. Whether you opt for purchase or rental, this car offers the opportunity to experience the joys of motorsport without the financial constraints of more prestigious categories.