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| Introduction
to the Series 2 Rallye |
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Peugeot official
press release photo 9th Oct 97 & Brochure Cover
The Peugeot 106 Rallye Series 2 was produced as a homologation special
edition model and consequently only limited numbers were manufactured to
satisfy international motorsport regulations. Production of the second
Rallye model began in March 1996 at Peugeot's factory in Aulnay, France
and it ceased in October 2000 to make way for the production of the
Rallye 16v model sold in several countries.
Originally Peugeot never intended to release the Series 2 model in the
UK, although after pressure from the UK consumer market approximately
500 right hand drive models were imported from France, available in
Bianca White and Indigo Blue. It was launched
in the UK at the London Motor Show in October 1997. From that time
onwards, it was officially sold for a price tag of £9895 for only one
year by Peugeot dealers up until the end of 1998 with the last Rallye
being registered in January 1999. The S2 Rallye 16v was never sold
in the UK but a few models have been imported privately.
It
instantly became the most exclusive performance 106 model ever
launched by Peugeot in the UK, as there are 1081 S1 RALLYE'S, 5201 XSi
1400cc, 796 XSi 1600cc and 5468 GTi models registered (DVLA 2002).
There are currently only 2 black LHD RALLYE's registered in the UK
(2002).
 
Bianca White, Indigo
Blue and Black Series 2 Rallye's
It was quite clear from the development of the Rallye that Peugeot
intended this car for the true driving enthusiast. Based on the
fundamentals of the 106 GTi, the Rallye as of course had the frills
replaced with the thrills. Just like the 106 Rallye Series 1 before it,
the Series 2 version has little use for luxuries - just the bare
essentials!
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'Hit
the gas and the Rallye zooms off at a blistering pace no matter which
gear you're in'
TopGear, 1998 |
Engine & Gearbox
The Rallye is fitted with a high performance TU5J2 1587cc 8v engine that
is a slightly more tuned version of the earlier 106 1.6 XSi engine also
fitted to some Peugeot 306 models. This engine is unique to the Rallye
and is not fitted to any other Peugeot model. It produces 103bhp at
6200rpm and gives 97lbs/ft of torque at 3500rpm.
It provides immense power
and effective torque up to 7,000 rpm - giving endless acceleration
through the gears. Although the S2 engine is not as high revving as the
one used in the S1 Rallye, it is much more flexible and produces raw
performance characteristics that none of its rivals can match. A high
power to weight ratio of 119bhp/tonne helps give a top speed of 121mph,
8.5 sec 0-60mph, and fantastic mid range figures.
The Rallye is fitted with a
MA 5-speed gearbox, the same as the one used in the 1.6 XSi. It shares
the same gear ratio's as the S1 Rallye gearbox but different crown and
pinion wheels give the S2 a final drive ratio of 4.06. The gearing
specification allows the Rallye to reach 62mph in 2nd gear and 116mph in
4th when standard size wheels and tyres are fitted. |
'It
could teach expensive sports cars a trick or ten about handling'
Auto Express, 1998 |
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Suspension & Brakes
The highly successful suspension layout of the S1 Rallye has been
tweaked by Peugeot for use on the S2 Rallye. The front design is very
similar using the same size 22mm anti-roll bar, the only difference
being a new drop link upper fixing point on the strut casing. The
Rallye and GTi have identical front and rear suspension.
Rallyes with the power steering option have slightly different drive
shafts, hubs and top mount position.
The rear suspension has been uprated by fitting a larger 24mm
anti-roll bar whilst the torsion bar size stays the same as the S1 at
19mm.
The front braking system has changed from the Bendix calipers
used on the S1 to ATE calipers on the S2. The calipers are very
similar and still use 247mm ventilated discs.
The major change on the rear is the disc brakes fitted to the S2
Rallye. It is fitted with the same rear disc set up as a lot of other
Peugeot and Citroen performance models such as the 205 GTi, 306 Rallye
and Xsara VTS.
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'B
roads are the Rallye's natural habitat'
Cars & Car Conversions, 1998 |
Bodywork & Exterior
Looking every inch the part with its exciting shape, Peugeot Sport
livery and white steel wheels the Rallye really does stand out from the
crowd. Easily distinguished from any other 106 model as the Rallyes
exterior has more purpose and character. Available in three door only
and coloured in either Indigo Blue or Bianca White
in the UK, the Rallyes exterior helps make it such an intoxicating car
on the road. In Europe and some other countries, the Rallye was also
available in black, red, silver and yellow.
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Front bumper, side skirts and arches, rear bumper
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The Rallye shares the same body kit
design as the 106 GTi and Quiksilver but with a few subtle
differences. The front and rear bumpers are fully painted to match the
body colour where as the GTi has black plastic rubbing strips on the
bumpers. The front spot lights have replaced with small circle grilles
that can be removed to aid brake cooling.
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Side, tailgate and bonnet
Peugeot Sport Decals
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The Rallye goes without a rear spoiler,
painted wing mirror covers, painted door handles and door rubbing
strips that are fitted to the GTi. The most identifiable feature of
the Rallye is the Peugeot Sport livery running down both sides, on the
bonnet and on the rear boot.
Alloy wheels are replaced with light
weight Michelin Sport steel wheels painted bright white. These wheels
are 6x14" making them half inch wider than the steel wheels
fitted on the S1 Rallye.
Bodywork Colour Codes
P0WP - Bianca White
P0GJ - Indigo Blue
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'Give
the 106 some stick and there is little its rivals can do to keep up'
AutoCar, 1999 |
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Interior
The interior of the Rallye has been designed upon the standard 106
Series 2 layout, and hasn't really evolved that much from the S1
Rallye. However, it does incorporate certain features that distinguish
it from any other 106 model:
> lightweight royal blue
carpet
> blue instrument
binnacle
> blue lettering on the
gear stick
> Seats and front
door cards upholstered in special Phoenix cloth incorporating
Peugeot Sport logo's.
> Rallye badge above the
glovebox
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Series 2 Rallye Interior
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The interior is minimal and
basic to save weight so there are no GTi features such as electric
windows or air conditioning. A lot of the interior plastics fitted to
the GTi have been removed which means a lot of metal (body coloured
white or blue) is showing inside the cabin.
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'It
demonstrates unflappable poise and grip with all four wheels working in
total harmony'
Auto Express, 2000 |
Conclusion
The S1 Rallye created a phenomenon
when launched into the hot hatch market, the S2 Rallye has picked up the
S1 credentials and taken them to the next level. |
Written by Mark Yates, July 2004
Updated by Duncan Conway, December 2005 |
