t's official! The legend has returned, and the spiritual successor to one of the most famous hot hatches ever built is set to throw down the gauntlet to rivals at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

These are the first pictures of the Peugeot 207 RCup, which is going to be launched as the 207 GTi in only 12 months' time. It's the first car from the firm to reveal just how serious it is about recreating its classic 205 GTi.

The model here will be badged the 207 RCup, but our sources have told us how it shows the beefy bodywork of the GTi, first revealed in issue 885.

Taking some of its inspiration from the brilliant Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot intends to blend traditional driving appeal with the very latest technology to create a hot hatch that every performance enthusiast will want to get behind the wheel of.

While this show car is fitted with a 2.0-litre engine, the roadgoing version is expected to have a high-revving 1.6-litre turbo unit, developing at least 180bhp at 8,500rpm.

The RCup is also designed to prove that Peugeot plans to make the new GTi one of the fastest cars in its class. Feeding power through the front wheels, the high-performance model will cover 0-60mph in around seven seconds and go on to reach a top speed of nearly 140mph.

A close-ratio, six-speed manual gear-box will be fitted as standard, but buyers are expected to have the option of a sequential transmission. The

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RCup has a six-ratio, F1-style gearbox which could be adapted for road use.

Auto Express has already tested the engine and semi-automatic set-up in the three-wheeled 20Cup concept car. We were amazed by the performance on offer - and the speed with which the unit switched ratios. To help the GTi deal with all that power, the standard car's chassis is going to be heavily revised. A wider track will give greater stability, while stiffened suspension will provide taut body control when cornering.

In order to satisfy demanding performance fans and keep up with class-leading rivals, it's vital Peugeot creates a car which offers plenty of steering feedback and unbeatable agility. But although the standard 207 is set to go on sale in the summer, the hot GTi variant isn't expected to join the range until early next spring.

On the inside, GTi versions are likely to upgrade the 207's new, high-quality cabin with figure-hugging sports seats, brightly coloured upholstery, plus aluminium trim on the gearknob and drilled pedals. In terms of equipment, climate control and a six-CD stereo with MP3-playing capability will be standard fit.

Options are set to include satellite navigation.
Prospective buyers are likely to get their first official glimpse of the production car at the Paris Motor Showin September, with sales kicking off in the UK six months later. Prices will start at around £15,500.